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Imoke Assumes Office for Second Term, Promises to Continue with Economic Blueprint
Speaking immediately after taking oath of office and allegiance for his second term as governor as administered by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Dorathy Eyamba-Idem, Imoke explained that the crux of the economic blueprint is that it harnesses the strengths and resources and improves its competitiveness, adding that the blueprint is a well articulated, holistic credo for the development and manifestation of the “New Cross River Project” whose foundation had been laid in the last dispensation and will vigorously build upon.
According to Imoke, all these achievements could be considered laudable and may have attracted many plaudits but what matters to his administration is the real impact it is having on the people of Cross River and the complementary social transformation which is taking place concurrently, stressing that “today, our youths are increasingly gainfully employed, cultism is virtually extinct, our schools are proper establishments of learning, our teachers are better equipped to meet the challenges of their vocation, we are positively intervening in the lives of the most vulnerable in our society and through our various social welfare programmes, giving them the social security they never had thought they would get”.
He remarked that in 2007, he received the mandate to serve as Governor of the state and at that inauguration ceremony he set out to strongly emphasis a clarity of purpose for the government despite the prevailing uncertainly of the circumstances at the time , whose ethos was founded on certain fundamental tenets, Imoke disclosed that firstly, his administration firmly believed and it still does today, that government should always be there for those who need government the most, improving and upgrading education and healthcare facilities as well as providing infrastructure such as road, water supply and state wide electrification remain integral to the objective of social transformation.
He said secondly, his administration also believed, as still does today, that Cross River State should be positioned to eventually become a self-sufficient, dynamic and competitive, non-oil dependent economy for the 21st century, noting that in other words the economy growth should not solely be a factor of a single natural resource but should emanate from a range of economic activities, given its geographical location and proximity to its better endowed neighbours in the south-south region, it is imperative it works to create a conducive business and leisure environment which will be attractive to investor and tourists alike.
The governor further disclosed that thirdly, the administration was motivated by the immeasurable and inexplicably profound drive to deliver for those Riverians as however, achieving this delivery required a complete rethink and consequent overhaul of the models of governance and administration, adding that it had to operate with processes which were consistent with transparency, due process, openness, accountability and effective governance.
“With these as our working principles, we swiftly commenced work undertaking very crucial and important programmes -directed at transforming the urban and rural communities and bringing quality and affordable education and healthcare as well as other necessary social amenities to our population. We have been able to, against not so insignificant odds, record significant achievements which have served to strengthen and embolden us both as government and as a people to keep the march towards social and economic development going, “Imoke said.
The two time governor remarked that, “The renewal of our mandate is a testament to the satisfactory achievements we have gained together thus far and the overwhelming nature of this renewal is a clear confirmation and further attestation that we are moving in the right direction on this most important journey which we have embarked upon. The popularity of this joint agenda rather than waning after the first term seems to be on the rise as reflected by the enormous outpouring of support and affection which we received during the campaigns. All across the state our work is rapidly and radically converting people to believe that their dreams for Cross River State can be a reality in their own life time.
The great news for Cross River State is that WE WILL DO MORE and with this renewed mandate, the season of transformation continues”.
Imoke stated that there is a time for everything” and this is our time”, assuring Cross Riverians that the work they embark on together will reap rewards for the generations to come because as history chronicles this crucial juncture, it will establish their efforts as profound and vindicate the sacrifices as necessary and will be remembered in gold as the partnership that forged the new Cross River while urging the people to march into the next dispensation filled with hope and optimism “that the Cross River State of our dreams is here for us to live in”.
Earlier, while presenting the Imoke to be sworn in as the governor, the State PDP Chairman, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, commended Cross Riverians for electing him in a peaceful, orderly, free and fair election which they gave him 95 percent mandate, adding that by this, they have entrusted the affairs into the hands of Senator Liyel Imoke as Governor and Mr. Efiok Cobham as the Deputy governor.
Okon said the duo had enjoyed the support of Cross Riverians as well as met the requirements to be sworn into office.
