Imoke Challenges Cross River PDP Executive - 16/5/08

The newly inaugurated Cross River State Executive of the PDP has been challenged to strengthen the party as the immediate past executive did by giving it the capacity to be where it is today.

Governor Liyel Imoke stated this in an address after the inauguration of the executive at the Main Bowl of the State Cultural Centre Complex Wednesday following its election on Thursday, February 28 at the U. J. Stadium Calabar, saying that the erstwhile administration of Ambassador Soni Abang had plotted the affairs of the party in the state very well which culminated in its being the ruling party in Cross River.

Imoke described the inauguration as significant and the beginning of another era for PDP in the state as well as reflection of on the mandate as elected persons on the platform of the party, stating that the party remains supreme as it is the only means one can get into an elected office.

The Governor assured the executive of total commitment and support as the party will well funded, saying that now that the local government councils receive their allocations, they should be able to patronize party members.

He explained that though with Due Process requirement in place, it should not be difficult to spread the largesse because government insists the party should give support and encourage those who had worked for its success, advising that members should not shy away from being true party men and women and should be allowed to participate to build capacity.

Imoke averred that people are superior because government is about serving the people and not just members of the party as it intends to improve on the provision of sound education, healthcare deliver, potable water and other basic amenities of life.

The Governor assured that the new executive has the power and competence to succeed, hoping that they will take the party to a greater height to the beauty of the people while the party is serving and not just the umbrella while is its symbol.

The Cross River Chairman of PDP, Hon. Ekpo Okon in his acceptance speech, said party faithfuls did not make a mistake when they chose them to serve, and though they do not see themselves as best amongst all, but would do the best for all, stressing that though many did not rate the party high in 1998, today, with their support loyalty, commitment, they have taken the party far to be in control of the local government councils through the National Assembly.

Okon disclosed that since Imoke was handed the flag of the party in 1998 and he and other compatriots have led it through, pledging to continue to show loyalty, discipline, unity and being organized to see the party through as they intend to work as a team with one mind to make the state and nation better for all.

The South-South Zonal Chairman of PDP Chief Edet Okon Nkpubre in his welcome address, said the inauguration was to put a legal stamp of authority to make those elected functional, emphasizing that Cross River is a PDP State and will remain so and that the State is one of the most beautiful PDP states which has enjoined stability since the time of Donald Duke as Governor.

Nkpubre described the State Congress of the party as peaceful with no complaints as in some states where lives were lost, advising that the executive should reach out to those who lost and bring them back to the fold.

He advised them to strengthen the party and have an office in every ward for its impact to be felt at the grassroots.

Government House Press