28th February, 2012
Senator Liyel Imoke, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, standard bearer in the 25 February governorship election in Cross River State Tuesday took oath of office to begin a second tenure.
Imoke, who was handed the Certificate of Return on Monday, a day after he was declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was administered the oath of office by Justice Dorothy Iyamba, the Chief Justice of the state.
The swearing in ceremony which took place at the Main Bowl of the Cultural Centre Board was packed as thousands of politicians and well wishers from all over the state thronged the venue to witness the event.
Speaking after the oath of allegiance, Imoke told the crowd that the state was yet to witness the best as he was prepared to give his best in the next four years in the service of the state.
According to the governor more rural roads, hospital infrastructure, and human empowerment would take place in the state.
He said as he promised when he took the first oath of office in 2007, government would be taken to those who need government most.
“Improving and upgrading education and health care facilities as well as providing infrastructure such as roads, water supply and state-wide electrification remain integral to our objective of social transformation,” he said.
Imoke declared that he will position the state to eventually become self-sufficient, dynamic, competitive and a non oil-dependent economy for the 21st century.
“In other words, our economic growth should today be a factor of single natural resource but should emanate from a range of economic activities. Given our geographical location and proximity to our better endowed neighbours in the southsouth region it is better that we work to create a conducive business and leisure environment which will be attractive to investors and tourists, ” he said.
He stated that the renewal of his mandate was consequent upon his satisfactory performance and thus the overwhelming renewal of this mandate is a “clear confirmation and further attestation that we are moving in the right direction on this most important journey.”
The governor thanked the people for the outpouring of support and affection which he received during the campaign for re-election which he said was attributable to the great work he has done these past years all over the state.
“The work of this administration is rapidly and radically converting people to believe that their dream for Cross Rive State can be a reality in their own lifetime.”
Imoke said that though he has critics, “we completely and whole-heartedly embrace the criticism and view it as an opportunity to espouse and impart optimism. Not just by words but also by our deeds,” and assured that the work he is about to embark on today has great rewards to be reaped.
He called on those with better ideas on how to run the state and how to better the lot of the people of the state to come up with them “and we shall together work towards building a strong and virile state.”
By Emma Una/Calabar