Rallies for Imoke gather Momentum (18/7/08)

The series of rallies in support of Senator Liyel Imoke whose election as the Governor of Cross River State was nullified by the Appeal Court has been intensified with demonstration by Cross River Women in Politics.

The women, who were clad in red tee-shirts and black pair of trousers or skirts and carrying placards with various inscriptions, Thursday said they were out to air their views because they see Imoke as the father of the poor, father of widows and school children, adding that they are ready to go back to the field to cast their votes for him whenever the election is fixed.

One of the demonstrators, Mrs. Tessy Odey stated that women from Obanliku to Bakassi are solidly behind Imoke, saying that even if the election was held next week, he will win and that they need the election as soon as possible.

Mrs. Beatrice Nyari called on INEC to fix the date of the election as they have been out mobilizing their husbands, children, friends and brothers to support Imoke because they are all strongly behind him.

The PDP ex-officio member South-South, Angel Effiong reasoned that if the election was held in two days, Imoke will win while Ms Oden Ebri Onen the Vice President of NACRIS World wide commended Imoke for handing over the administration of the State to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly peacefully because of the love he has for the State.

Onen disclosed that students of Cross River origin in tertiary institutions all over the country are in support of Imoke because of his efforts in revamping education in the state.

The women later proceeded to the State House of Assembly where they were received by the House Leader, Hon. Alex Ebu, who said what the women did was worthy of commendation because the House unanimously condemned the judgement of the Appeal Court.

Ebu stated that those who went to the Tribunal were out to stop the wheel of progress in Cross River and it was proper for those in support of Imoke to come out and declare their stand through the rally, saying that the House is in support of the women and hoped their prayers will be answered.

He said the women have spoken and that the House will back them to ensure Imoke comes to office, as the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Frank Adah is only holding brief for him, assuring that the House will partner with the women to ensure he wins the election.

According to Ebu, Imoke’s development strides have been recognized and that Cross Riverians should work hard to ensure he comes back for the progress to continue.

Various groups, drawn from across a broad spectrum, have staged several rallies since the unexpected verdict to demonstrate support for Senator Imoke.

Government House Press