Imoke swears in new Commissioners, admonishes EXCO on Service (8/7/08)

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has admonished members of the State Executive Council to be prepared to render service as cabinet reshuffle is a continuous exercise to ensure that the right thing is achieved.

While swearing in four new Commissioners as members of the executive council, Monday, Imoke explained that the exercise was with the view of optimizing the requirement of the state administration to provide service to those that need government most, adding that their appointment was based on their wealth of experience and passion for the state and hoped they will join the council with the same passion to serve the people.

Imoke disclosed that cabinet reshuffle is intended to strengthen the engine of governance as well as deliver the dividend of democracy as the state has over the months tried to build the confidence which has been lost in the heart of the people, adding that it is time Cross Riverians were given better services.

He pointed out that it is because the state is committed to serving the people that it took time to ensure those chosen are those who are committed to serve as well as ensure the delivery of dividend of democracy.

He said after one year in office, the state is determined to implement and execute its programmes as well as deliver better life to the people of Cross River and therefore members of the state executive should be seen as a team that is dedicated and each member is expected to put his best foot forward and make the state better then how they met it.

The governor described the four new commissioners as persons of integrity and purposeful whose qualities he believed would be put to the fore for the development of the state and admonished them to get cracking as there is a lot to be done because the team is stronger and poised to serve the people while urging them to be transparent and firm because they hold the offices in public trust and should not do anything to lose that trust.

Imoke enjoined them to live by example and must be seen to be doing the right thing for the good of Cross River and thanked them for agreeing to join the cabinet and serve the people.

He, however, warned that if the need arises to strengthen the cabinet, he will not stop from doing that as those found wanting will not remain in the team as the exercise will continue until they do it right.

The governor commended the leadership of the State House of Assembly for its cooperation and expediting support to ensure that the four new commissioners were screened and cleared, adding that their support and cordiality is a model which should be copied by other states.

The new commissioners are Kelly Ayamba, a Charted Accountant immediate past SA Debt Management – Ministry of Finance, Bassey Ekeffreh immediate past chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area’s Geologist – Ministry of Works, Dr. Edet Ikpi – Ministry of Health and Engr. Bassey Oqua one time State Director DFRRI – Ministry of Lands and Housing.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Fidelis Ugbo in his introductory remarks referred to the occasion as another important milestone in the administration’s determination to give Cross Riverians quality service which is in line to serve those that need government most.

According to him, the exercise began a few weeks ago when the names of the commissioners were sent to the State House of Assembly for screening and approval and said it went through without any hitch.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Commissioner for Finance Mr. Kelly Ayamba thanked Imoke for considering them for the appointment to serve the state even though they might not be the best in the long list who were short listed.

Ayamba said it was a privilege and opportunity to serve the people and promised to serve by the special grace of God while soliciting the fatherly guidance of the Governor and that of their colleagues.

Government House Press