Imoke wins re-run Election, thanks Cross Riverians (26/8/08)

Senator Liyel Imoke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won the re-run election of August 23 in Cross River State according to INEC; Senator Imoke met all the electoral requirements for the election and was duly declared the winner.

The result as released by INEC shows that out of the 694,855 votes cast PDP had 650,723, AC – 503, ADC – 1,103, APGA – 1,912, and ARP – 1,951.

Others are ANPP – 15,734, DPP – 1,952, NDP – 1,404 and PPA – 2,072 while 13,749 votes were voided.

Imoke averred that his victory was not just an endorsement but the confidence which Cross Riverians repose in him and prayed God should give him the capacity, strength, wisdom and foresight to govern the State while commending INEC for conducting a credible election.

The Governor-elect remarked that the result reflects the massive support of the electorate as the margin of victory was wider than what he received in 2007. According to him, “they have spoken very loudly and overwhelmingly for good governance, good leadership, unity, growth and development”. He added that this will unify Cross River as a people because they have reaffirmed the mandate which they gave him in 2007.

He said the mandate is overwhelming and thanked party supporters, elders, leaders and those that stood by him through the whole process as it will serve to strengthen the party, the electorate, Cross Riverians as well as strengthen the resolve to serve the people to the very best of his ability as everything will be committed to serving the people of Cross River.

Fielding questions from pressmen, Imoke said though he did not take his annual vacation before the annulment of his election, he would, however, get to work immediately he is sworn into office.

On the setting up of a Government of unity, he explained that the people of Cross River have spoken in one voice, as candidates of other political parties that did not contest the election worked for the PDP to win.

Imoke assured that the PDP and Cross River State will be stronger to the extend it accommodates other parties that supported it. According to him, this will lead to a peaceful environment, growth and development as well as ensure that the party’s programmes reach all nooks and crannies of the State.

On a likely change of members of his cabinet, the Governor-elect said “We will continue to have change to improve our service delivery but the most important thing is to focus on delivering service to the people not on the basis of who gets what or who is empowered by the government. We will continue to get the best hands that can deliver services to our people”.

Government House Press