Imoke Swears in New Exco, reminds them of Responsibilities (30/6/08)

Members of the Cross River State Executive Council have been reminded of their commitment to service, for government to achieve the confidence of the people.

Governor Liyel Imoke stated this on Wednesday while swearing in three new members of the State Executive Council, and a member of the State Judicial Service Commission, saying that they were picked because they were found worthy to serve the state.

Imoke disclosed that the swearing in ceremony had significant implications as the purpose of the exercise as it were, was in full appreciation and understanding to the responsibility which they had taken oath of office, adding that public trust is what they had sworn to, as they equally swore to serve the people, to be of integrity and in a manner that will be of good to Cross River.

The Governor advised that such an oath should not be taken lightly and as they joined the team, they are joining a team that is committed to serving the people of Cross River State and to make a difference by providing purposeful leadership and meaningful governance focused on growth, job creation and development.

He noted that very few are given the opportunity and privilege of service, as there is no greater privilege than the privilege of being able to serve the people, advising that as they undertake their different assignments, they should rededicate and recommit themselves to serving the people of Cross River as there would be challenges and obstacles, but believed they have the capacity because their selection to join the team was not based on political disposition or where they come from but because they have something to offer the people of the state.

The Governor welcomed them on board to serve the people of the state, adding that the process is not one that should be unexpected “as we will continue to embark on exercises of this nature with the view to providing better service to the people of Cross River State”.

Imoke stressed that “we believe that until we are there, until we can truly gain the confidence of the people that we are here to serve, and that service is actually reflected in an improvement in their well being, until we get to that point, we have not achieved what we have come here to do” saying that “we will continue to strive to improve on our performance and where necessary, we will have to have occasional reshufflement of cabinet to bring in fresh ideas, to bring in new energy and truly deliver to the people.”

Those sworn include Mr. Gabe Onah – Special Adviser Tourism Development, Mr. Gerald Adah, Special Adviser Investment Promotion, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Olayi, Head of Service and Elder (Barrister) Eta Mbu Ogar Member Judicial Service Commission.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Fidelis Ugbo in his introductory remark, described the event as a change as well as government effort in re-engineering its determination in providing high quality service delivery to the people of the state.

Responding on behalf of those sworn in, Mr. Gabe Onah, said they felt honoured to be offered an opportunity to render service to their motherland, adding that their business in government is to provide service for the state to realize its dreams.

Onah said they will not rest on their oars to see that the vision of the state government is achieved.

Government House Press