Imoke Thanks God for Victory (1/9/08)

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State says he sought the face of God in 2006 before deciding to serve the people of the state and contribute to their upliftment.

While giving a testimony tagged “Good Over Evil” in an inauguration thanksgiving service for him and his Deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham at Community Secondary School, Itigidi Abi Local Government on Sunday, Imoke said though it was not his priority to be a governor, he, however, discussed the issue with his wife before seeking the face of God that if it was His will, he should lead him in every path.

Imoke disclosed that he told President Olusegun Obasanjo three times that he wanted to resign his appointment to serve his people and three times Obasanjo rejected, adding that this did not deter him as he submitted a letter wanting to leave office because his services were needed in Cross River.

The Governor said Obasanjo finally accepted his resignation and in a letter he sent to him hoped his people will be better served, stating that he approached God and made a commitment to serve the people.

The governor explained that when his mandate was nullified on July 14, everyone wondered why he was so calm in the face of challenges from within and without because he never expected nor anticipated it, stating that he was strengthened by the prayers and goodwill of the people of Cross River.

According to him, after the judgement he went back to God and “44 days later, God led me through as He is ahead of the action’s of my enemies” which culminated in the thanksgiving because even on the day of the nullification, he gave thanks to God while thanking those who stood by them.

Imoke reasoned that his testimony could not be fully expressed in words because he came out victorious and pledged to continue to serve the people because Cross River needs transformation as its people have to be developed as well as introduced to a new life because they voted in an unprecedented manner, averring that his only appreciation is to serve the people better and make Cross River a better state.

He thanked Hon Francis Adah, Speaker of the State House of Assembly who managed power as Acting Governor in an exemplary manner, showing that the State has a great son while commending the hierarchy of PDP at national and State levels and others for standing by them. He also commended his wife, Obioma for being a “Pillar of Strength”.

The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo in his word ministration “Benefits and Thanksgiving”, urged Imoke to exhibit “leadership by forgiveness “, a sterling quality of Christ.

Oyedepo advised Imoke to work hard to maintain the quality of God in his life to attract God’s favour all through his life and quoted Luke 17:17 to say God has given Cross River victory, adding that growth and thanksgiving will be the portion of the state and as such Cross Riverians should desist from murmuring.

The Deputy Governor read the first scripture reading from 11 Samuel 6 verses one to five while the wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke read the second scripture reading from 11 Samuel 6 verses 12 -19

Mrs. Liyel Imoke referred the portion which she read to the experience which her husband had passed through from July 14 and concluded by calling him “David”.

Government House Press