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Tag: Imoke

  • Imoke inaugurates N400m Obudu Ranch project, others

    Imoke inaugurates N400m Obudu Ranch project, others

    Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has inaugurated a 33/11KV sub-station electricity project connecting the Obudu Ranch Resort to the national grid.

    The Obudu Ranch Resort has been operating on a generating set since its inception in the 1970s.

    The governor inaugurated the project during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign rally in Obanliku Local Government Area.

    He said the project would reduce the cost of running the ranch’s facilities on generator.

    Imoke said the projec, which cost N400 million, would boost the economy of the resort and take it to the next level. “This modest effort will ensure that power to the facility will increase tremendously while services will improve to meet the needs of its customers. This is because currently, a huge sum is spent on diesel to operate its facilities, including the cable cars.”

  • Imoke, Efiks and the coming elections

    These are very sobering times in Cross River State. Negative tendencies that were buried several years ago are being exhumed all in a bid to score cheap political points. ýStrangely, good guys are now being made to look like devils all in the name of politics. Nothing is more distressing than the on-going campaign by some embattled and failed politicians to portray the state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke as one who hates Efik people of the state. Yet in truth, no other politician, including Efik sons and daughters, in recent times, has done more to uplift the Efiks than Imoke. Until 1999, no Efik man or woman was ever elected the governor of Cross River State. Indeed, the buzz words on everyone’s lips then was that no Efik could be governor of the state. In truth, this position had nothing to do with the competence of the Efiks to hold such an office. Rather, it was a simple case of all the other ethnic groups loosely referred to as Atam, coming together to form a huge voting bloc, to ensure that only their own ruled.

    But the Efiks were able to break that jinx in 1999 with the election of Donald Duke as governor. One man who played a pivotal role to ensure that this revolution of some sort took place is Senator Imoke. By 2003, it was looking almost impossible for Duke to get a second term in office. The other ethnic groups had banded together under the auspices of the Atam Peoples Congress with the sole aim of wresting power. It was the same Imoke who is now being painted as one who hates Efik, that confronted his own people and neutralized them so that his friend, an Efik, could get a second term in office. When Imoke, who is from the Central Senatorial District of the state won the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) governorship primaries for the 2007 elections, he settled for none other than Barrister Efiok Cobham as his running mate. Cobham is Efik. Unlike his predecessor and even some of his current colleague governors, who change their deputies like one changes garments, Imoke has kept his deputy. And everyone in the state knows that unlike other deputy governors, Cobham is actively involved in the running of the state. The story of the no-love lost relationship between the state governor and his first deputy in 1999 is well documented and needs no rehashing here. Cross River State is divided into three senatorial districts; Southern, Central and Northern. While Imoke is from the Central, his deputy is from the Southern Senatorial District. Despite occupying the office of deputy governor, Imoke nominated another Efik man, Edem Duke for ministerial appointment. That office was originally meant for the North. Under the present dispensation, three Efiks are ýcurrently serving as Nigerian ambassadors. These appointments are made by the President with recommendations from governors. In the Cross River State Executive Council appointed by Imoke, Efik sons and daughters occupy very strategic ministries. They include Etim Caifas, Commissioner for Finance, Prof Ndem Ayara, the State Economic Adviser, Prof Offiong E. Offiong, Commissioner for Education and Prof Angela Oyo-Ita, Commissioner for Health.

    It must also not be forgotten that the chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Ewa Henshaw is Efik. This is not to forget Senator Florence Ita Giwa, an Efik daughter, who is on the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The senator representing the Southern Senatorial District, Prince Bassey Otu is an Efik man. The district is made up of seven local government areas. Two of these local government areas, Biase and Akamkpa are non-Efik speaking. Today, the phrase ‘Five Alive’, mischievously and selfishly coined to draw a distinction between the five Efik speaking local councils and the rest two, Biase and Akamkpa is proof that the latter two are ‘dead’ and serfs of the Efiks. Besides appointments and elective offices, Imoke has also favoured the Efiks more than any other ethnic group in the state when it comes to location of capital projects.

    Tellingly, the location of key capital projects in Efik land by Imoke started long before he became governor. As Minister of Power and Steel, Imoke got the Federal Government to site one of its Independent Power Plants (IPP)ý in Odukpani, an Efik land. His administration in the state has uplifted Calabar South more than any other administration has ever done with the construction of over 44 roads. There is also the Margaret Ekpo International Airport Bypass with an interchange flyover, the first of its kind in the state. The civil servants housing estate constructed by the Imoke-led administration is located in Akpabuyo, an Efik land. Other major capital projects being built in Calabar by the administration include the impressive Calabar International Convention Centre, the over 200-bed Specialist Hospital, 18-hole international golf course, monorail, a new upscale housing estate, ultra-modern indoor sports hall and many more. One of the new General Hospitals built by the Imoke administration is located in Ukem, Odukpani Local Government Area, an Efik land.

    In their haste to tar Imoke with a hate brush, these faceless ethnic jingoists exposed themselves for who they truly are; political hirelings paid to do a hatchet job for a fee. In effect, this group cannot be said to be representing the Efiks, but a narrow political interest masquerading as the voices of the Efiks. Else, why did the group find it rather difficult to unveil the so-called Concerned Citizens of Calabar by revealing signatories of the advertorial as published by The Nation of Monday January 6 and Tuesday January 7? Obviously, the content reveals clearly that the so-called Concerned Citizens of Calabar are agents working for a particular politician. It is also worrisome to find that the term Calabar is now loosely used to designate a people or tribe rather than a geographical location. Are these hirelings speaking for all the people, including those from the North and Central residing in Calabar or the Efiks as a people? In particular reference to the Peregrino meeting where Imoke was said to have voiced his concern about his alleged hatred for Calabar people, was the gathering a party affair or one for the Calabar people? When has a PDP or a party affair become that of the entire people of the state?  Is every Calabar resident or Efik man a PDP member?

    In an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, the faceless group claimed that Imoke hates Efik people ýwhich is why he is opposed to the idea of incumbent Senator Otu returning to the Senate. According to them, the governor favours Gershom Bassey who is unacceptable to them.  Let us, for the purpose of argument, concede that Gershom Bassey enjoys the support of the governor. But is Gershom Bassey not an Efik man like Prince Otu? Does support for one Efik man over the other amount to hate for a tribe?

    Another claim that flies in the face of truth is the purported neglect of the Obong of Calabar by the Imoke-led administration. If anything, Imoke has tried to restore the dignity ýof that highly revered stool that was needlessly desecrated by the previous administration led by an Efik son. The Mercedes Limousine the current Obong of Calabar cruises in was bought for him by the Imoke-led administration. Besides the monthly stipend that is paid to every member of the state Traditional Rulers Council which the Obong is a member, he gets an additional one million naira every month from the Imoke government. Let these purveyors of falsehood tell the world what car the Obong was driving when their son was the governor? We will also like to know what he was getting from the government on a monthly basis prior to the emergence of Imoke-led administration.

    In what clearly signposts a ‘clear and present danger’ to an incoming administration, this faceless group has revealed the imminent danger and threat it constitutes to its existence and survival in office. In an act of desperation and coupled with bare-face scheming for relevance, the Concerned Citizens of Calabar is already inciting the undiscerning among them against an administration that has yet to contest an election, much else secure a victory to form a government. In its febrile attempt, the group listed positions already shared out in the incoming regime that purportedly seek to exclude Calabar people!

     

    • Okon  writes from Calabar.
  • Saraki, Ahmed, Imoke preach hope

    Saraki, Ahmed, Imoke preach hope

    Chairman of Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his Cross River State counterpart, Senator Liyel Imoke, have urged Nigerians to look forward with hope in the new year.

    Saraki, in a statement in Abuja, said there was no doubt that last year was challenging for Nigerians socially, economically and politically

    He, however, urged Nigerians to know that the new year has presented an opportunity to alter the course of the nation.

    The former Kwara State governor insisted that it was time Nigerians see the elections holding in February as a turning-point and also see themselves “as history-makers and change agents, as we work to bring about a new Nigeria for all Nigerians.”

    The statement also reads: “We have witnessed our nation struggling through tough times due to our security challenges; in our homes, we have struggled through the economic realities that have become so pervasive; in the media, we have seen our great nation skewered internationally for the failed policies of this current administration.

    “Yet, despite all of this, my fellow Nigerians, you must know: with your help, things are about to get better.

    “As we come into 2015, we come into a year of endless possibilities. We must view the faults of the past as foregone days of lessons that we have learned from, and see the future as a chance to attain greatness.

    “In this new year, we must set ourselves to the task of moving forward with the goal of creating a new Nigeria that our sons and daughters can be proud of; a Nigeria that works for the betterment of the many, as opposed to working for the greed and excesses of the few.

    But Ahmed said: “Every new year always brings hope and greater opportunities. However, we have more work to do to.

    “As we enter 2015, let us remain united by a shared desire for a better Kwara State. Let us pray for peace as we enter a defining year in our democracy. Let our youths be agents of change rather than instruments of violence during the elections.

    “While thanking you for standing with us in the last four years, I solicit your continued support in 2015 so that we can sustain the good work of making your lives much better.

    “Collectively, we can make our state a better place to live in, now and in the future.”

    Imoke assured the people of the state that all ongoing projects undertaken by his administration would be completed before the May 29 handover date.

    The governor, who gave the assurance in a New Year message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, said no projects would be left uncompleted, adding that “all ongoing projects such as the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), the 18-Hole international Golf Course, the Ogoja township stadium,  among others will be completed and ready for use before May 29, 2015.”

  • Imoke, Chime, Orji, Suswam preach peace, others

    Imoke, Chime, Orji, Suswam preach peace, others

    Governors Senator Liyel Imoke (Cross River State),  Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Theodore Orji (Abia) and Gabriel Suswam (Benue) have enjoined Christians to reflect on the significance of Christmas.

    In a goodwill message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, Imoke urged Christians to use the opportunity of the Christmas celebration to rededicate themselves to the values of love, peace, sacrifice and tolerance as embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ.

    According to the governor, “today is unique, unique in the sense that it represents hope and a new beginning. So, as we celebrate this Christmas, let us reflect on the significance of the season to extend our hearts to one another.”

    To Chime, Nigerians must renew their commitment to the promotion of values of tolerance, brotherhood and unity among all groups.

    The governor, who stated this in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, said the celebrations offered Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on God’s love and compassion as “demonstrated by his gift of his begotten son for the salvation of the world”.

    Orji expressed gratitude to the people of Abia State for their support for the period he served the state as their leader, urging them to see Christmas as a season of peace, love, gratitude and hope.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, the governor said: “We are grateful for the divine assignment that God gave to us about seven and half years ago to liberate Abia and make it one of the progressive states in our nation.

    “We are grateful for your support over the years and we thank God that we have another Christmas to celebrate in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity. We should therefore comport ourselves in a manner that we are known for which is peace and harmony.”

    Suswam, in his message, called on Christians faithful in his state to rededicate themselves to core Christian values, which emphasise love, forgiveness and salvation of mankind as taught by Jesus Christ.

    The governor said the occasion of Christmas represents hope and new beginning in the affairs of mankind and also a time when family members and loved ones share and care for one another in appreciation to God’s unconditional love and mercy for His people.

  • PDP Rep candidate commends Imoke for promoting internal democracy

    PDP Rep candidate commends Imoke for promoting internal democracy

    The House of Representatives candidate for the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency in Cross River State, Michael Etaba, has commended the peaceful conduct of state’s primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Etaba noted that the success of the exercise was as a result of the level playing filed provided by Governor Liyel Imoke.

    Etaba, who emerged from a field of 17 aspirants to pick the PDP ticket for the seat currently occupied by Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, John Owan Enoh, told journalists that “‘Senator Liyel Imoke deserves a special mention for the transparent manner he supervised the entire process that led to the emergence of all our party’s candidates for the forthcoming general elections; from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Governorship.

    ‘Imoke allowed internal democracy to flourish by creating the platform for all aspirants to interact and sell their visions and intentions to the electorate through the Party Caucuses at Ward, Local Government, Constituency, Senatorial and State level. This has, in no small measure, deepened the entire democratic process. The process was transparent and credible as caucus members were given the liberty to grill the aspirants and score them as they saw fit. This process eliminated rancour and led to the emergence of a strong field of quality candidates for our party in the State’.

    Etaba also congratulated the party’s guber candidate, Prof. Ben Ayade; the three senatrial candidates (Gershom Bassey, John Enoh Owan and Rose Oko) and all other candidates for their victory at the primaries.

    The House of Represnetatives hopeful also said President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has delivered on his electoral promises to Nigerians and would therefore easily win a second term in office in February 2015.

    His words: ‘The Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan has borne fruit and Nigerians are the better for it. Some of the success stories include the restoration of rail services which have been moribund for decades. He has sanitized the procurement machinery of government and improved transparency; has cut down corrupt practices in government contracts; transformed the Nigerian economy to become the biggest in Africa, and has not interfered in activities of INEC thereby paving way for free elections in states like Edo, Ekiti and Osun’.

    ‘There’s visible improvement in the road and aviation sectors. The president established Almajari Schools and new universities to ensure that every state now hosts a Federal University, eliminated fertilzer fraud, made Nigeria self-sufficient in food production through better financing of the Agricultural Sector, introduced free healthcare for pregnant women, and fight against insurgency, and oil theft, among others’.

  • Imoke enjoins transparent, peaceful primaries

    Imoke enjoins transparent, peaceful primaries

    CROSS River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, yesterday charged leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the three senatorial zones of the state to ensure that today’s House of Representatives primaries and the Senate scheduled for tomorrow respectively, as well as December 8 governorship primaries are transparent, free, fair and peaceful. Addressing the leaders at the Governor’ Lodge, Calabar, Imoke said owing to the peculiarities of this primaries, it was extremely imperative to meet with them as a political family to ensure that not only is the outcome of today’s exercise and the subsequent ones peaceful, but violence free and fair. The Governor who said aspirants should not expect any imposition or favoritism from him or the party hierarchy, however, challenged them to reach out to their fellow aspirants for extensive consultations with a view to arriving at consensus candidates, noting that everyone could not emerge winner at the same time in this election.

  • Imoke has delivered, says aide

    Imoke has delivered, says aide

    Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has delivered on his electoral mandate, the Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts, has said.

    He said there would be no succession crisis in the state ahead of next year’s governorship election, adding that it would be peaceful.

    The commissioner said Imoke’s democratic disposition had ensured that the desperation to hold political offices, which he said triggered “the beast in some political players,” had been curbed. Rickets said the various political camps springing up were normal, adding that Imoke’s legacies would be sustained and improved upon.

    The commissioner said every sector had improved under the governor.  He said: “Is it the revolution in the Education sector, where public schools are not only renovated but re-equipped, necessitating increased enrolment and better performances by our students?

    “Is it in the Health sector, which has enjoyed increased patronage due to better equipped facilities across the state? Is it the social welfare schemes – Project Hope and Project Comfort?”

  • Senate race: Suswam, Chime, Imoke, other govs may lose out

    Senate race: Suswam, Chime, Imoke, other govs may lose out

    After a three-hour meeting, President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) conceded automatic tickets to 40 out of 72 PDP Senators to return to the Red Chamber.

    The President and the PDP will however engage the governors of the party to allow experienced Senators to come back in 2015.

    Jonathan said it pays the nation to have built a stronger legislature than starting afresh all the time.

    But governors interested in picking their successors might not be given senatorial ticket.

    With the development, some governors may lose out of the senatorial politics.

    The governors are Sullivan Chime (Enugu West already conceded to Ekweremadu); Suswam (Benue North-East where Gemade may be retained); Liyel Imoke now to accept Victor Ndoma-Egba for Cross River Central instead of a new candidate); and Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta South now conceded to the incumbent, James Manager).

    According to a Senator from the South-East, the session at the Presidential Villa was a frank session with all the sides allowed to air their views.

    The source said: “Led by the President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, about 60 of us attended the meeting at the Villa. The President was there with the National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Muazu, and his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Alkali.

    “Every Senator was allowed to speak his or mind on the political developments in the state, the ward congresses and the challenges of re-election.

    “We told the party that to emulate the practice in the US and other developed democracies where experience counts.

    “Senators also asked the party not to allow too many outgoing and former governors because only a few of them are resourceful. They always come to the session to drink tea.

    “After each Senator’s submission, the President of the Senate, Chief David Mark justified why experienced Senators should be retained.”

    The source quoted Mark as saying: “The Senate has been very supportive and it has shown maturity on challenging issues facing the nation.

    “You and the party should allow us to have our tickets back because we have not betrayed the party.”

    The President said: “Left to me, it pays the nation for us to build the institution of legislature. The more they come back to the Senate, the better they are.

    “I know it is not possible for all of you to come back, but if we have a reasonable percentage returning to the Senate, it is better for our  democracy.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “There and then, we harmonized the list of experienced Senators who should be allowed to  return.

    “But with a caveat that the PDP leadership will engage governors to show understanding and allow those given automatic concessions to have their way. The party was directed to remind all aspirants that any ticket or slot is its prerogative.

    “We also reached a consensus that governors interested in imposing their successors should forget senatorial tickets “To avoid rancour, there may not be senatorial primaries where concessions had been granted.

    “The PDP leadership was mandated to go and consider the modalities of giving these Senators their return tickets. But certainly with the concession, the party has sent a subtle message to other aspirants.

    Based on the harmonized list, those who may return are as follows: The President of the Senate, Chief David Mark;  the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu;  Ahmed Makarfi, Nenadi Esther Usman, Smart Adeyemi, Atai Idoko-Ali, Barnabas Gemade, Barth Nnaji, Pius Akinyelure, Boluwaji Kunlere, Philip Aduda, Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Uche Chukwumerije.

    The list includes the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba; Bassey Otu, Benedict Ayade, Zainab Kure, Simon Ajibola, Adeseun Ayoade Ademola, Agboola Hosea Ayoola, Emmanuel Bwacha, Umar Abubakar Tutari and Suleiman Adokwe.

    Also enjoying concession are Maccido Muhammad Ahmed, Abdullahi Danladi, Hassan Abdulmumin, Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, James Manager, Emmanuel Pualker, Heineken Lokpobri, Tukur Bello, Hassan Barata, Lidani Joshua, Alkali Saidu Ahmed, Andy Uba, Margery Okadigbo, Magnus Odion Ugbesia, Garba Gamawa Babayo and Adamu Gumba.

    The session was, however, not without drama on how the party will handle some states like Benue, Akwa Ibom and Anambra states.

    The source added: “When Senator Aloysius Etuk stood up from Akwa Ibom on his fate, there was a pin-drop silence and the party’s National  Chairman was careful in saying: ‘We are looking into it.”

    As for Senator Nurudeen Abatemi Usman, the party chairman also said: “We have not yet consider this district.”

    Concerning the rivalry between Governor Gabriel Suswam and Chief Barnabas Gemade on Benue North-East, Muazu simply said: “We are looking into it to resolve all issues amicably.” But everyone agreed that Gemade should get the slot as a former National Chairman of the PDP.

    Regarding the cold war between Senator Margery Okadigbo and  ex-Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, for Anambra North, it was  directed that Okadigbo be allowed to retain her seat having just spent  two years in the Upper Chamber.”

  • Imoke proposes N149 bn for 2015

    Imoke proposes N149 bn for 2015

    CROSS River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke has proposed a budget size of N149,442,681,821.02 for the 2015 fiscal year. Delivering the budget speech at the State House of Assembly on Friday night, Governor Imoke said it represents a decrease of N26.87 billion over the 2014 appropriation.

    Tagged “Budget of Transition”, Imoke said of this amount, 60 per cent shall be committed to capital development, while 40 per cent is to service recurrent bills. He said he was proposing the following sectoral allocation of the state’s limited resources: Economic sector; N70,285,060,527.68 representing 47.03% of the budget; Social Services; N34,871,977,563.56 representing 23.34%; Regional Development; N11,469,766,973.77 representing 7.68% and General Administration N32,815,876,756.01 representing 21.95%. The governor said although the journey has been very challenging, it has also offered the unique platform to serve the people with the best of intentions. “In spite of excruciating fiscal climate, our judicious application of funds has left in its trail, landmarks which offer yardsticks for our assessment.

    “Mr. Speaker, we are not unmindful that this Administration shall exit on May 29, 2015, just seven months from now. Conscious of this fact, therefore, we shall place great premium on the completion of all on-going projects to enable the incoming Administration take off on a clean slate. “We shall employ our time tested Action Planning Strategy (APS) and the Medium Term Budgetary Framework (MTBF) to drive the programmes of this government, anchored on the 7-point development agenda, to safe landing by next year.

    “Due to the obvious strain which government is contending with as a result of dwindling revenue inflows from the federation account, we shall adopt the All-handson- deck approach and the Revenue-driven budgeting system for the 2015 fiscal management. This system places the burden of revenue generation on both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and all MDAs accordingly,” he said.

  • Imoke opens 10th Carnival Calabar’s activities

    Imoke opens 10th Carnival Calabar’s activities

    Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has kicked off the mock event of the 10th edition of the Carnival Calabar, with the theme, “Celebration Time”, in Calabar.

    The governor, who was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham, stated that this year’s event was significant in the life of the administration since it will serve as “a hallmark celebration to user in” the next government.

    “Ten years is no mean feat. For us, Carnival Calabar has grown bigger and bigger as we promised Cross Riverians and Nigerians when we came on board in 2007. With our vision of institutionalising the event, by allowing private sector to be the main drivers while government regulates, there is greater hope that this carnival will grow in leaps and bound,” he said.

    Imoke noted that the institutionalisation of the yearly festival was still been test-run following the formation of the Carnival Calabar Band Associations, which are now the main drivers of the event.

    “Last year you said it was the biggest. This year is going to be extra ordinary,” the governor said.

    Imoke, who praised the private organisations for discovering the event as one of the major brands in the country to invest in, said: “There is no other mega brand than the carnival. If you want to enjoy visibility in your business, the carnival is the best deal.”

    Chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, added: “Today, the private sector has taken full ownership of the celebration with the band enjoying enormous sponsorship.”

    He stressed that this year’s “event will be fireworks.”

    Also, Chairman of the band associations, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, who was excited about the level of sponsorship the association has enjoyed following the legal framework put in place by the government, said she was amazed to observe that despite the financial challenges the state has faced over the years, it has remained consistent and committed to the actualisation of its tourism drives.

    She announced the gains of the private sector’s participation in the event, as including N15 million donation from the Nigerian Port Authority and a brand new Hilux van donated by the SCOA (Nig) Ltd. She stressed that the proceeds and other donations were used in acquiring a befitting office for the bands, which she said was a normal practice by carnival organisers globally.

    The governor’s wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, later presented the utility vehicle to the bands’ association.