BEVERLY HILLS, CA, May 11, (THEWILL) – The Bishop of Lutheran Church, Cross River State Diocese, and National Vice President, Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Bishop Matthew Okata has commended Governor Liyel Imoke on his rural transformation programme.
Making the commendation during the Thanksgiving Service of the second anniversary of the current leadership of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar Sunday, Bishop Okata said as someone from the rural area, he could attest to Governor Imoke’s impressive transformation efforts in every facet of lives in the state.
Bishop Okata who said he was not using the platform to sing praises of Governor Imoke, however, insisted that he was out to testify to the governor’s several transformation initiatives.
“I am not standing here to decorate you with unwarranted tributes, but to say what my eyes have beheld. I have seen a governor who has all, but lacks one thing and neither would he let anyone offer it to him- a trumpet.”
Lauding the governor for changing the story and landscape of the state’s rural dwellers, who he said were hitherto neglected, Bishop Okata recalled: “I am from a rural area in the Northern Senatorial District and I know what is happening there. I know what is happening with our schools, healthcare institutions, electricity, roads and generally, human empowerment and development.”
Describing Governor Imoke’s developmental strides as unprecedented, the cleric intoned: “I quite acknowledge your good intentions for the state underlined by your uncommon developmental strides, especially in taking these benefits even to the people that need government most.”
Bishop Okata who noted that the governor’s leadership was unique, which culminated in the award of the Best Governor of the Year in 2013, by the Academy of Entrepreneurial Studies (AES), said: “Your leadership is unique my brother. Little wonder you were awarded Best Governor of the Year 2013 by Academy of Entrepreneurial Studies, which of course, was justified by your sterling efforts at facilitating rapid infrastructural and human development in the state.”
The cleric, however, charged Imoke not to be distracted by critics, as there were still more lives to be touched, more roads yearning for construction as well as the sustenance of a peaceful society.
Responding, Governor Imoke thanked the state party chairman, Elder Ntufam John Okon for considering it necessary to hold a thanksgiving service for the party, even as he described it as the first of its kind not only in the state but in the country.
According to the governor, “It is an unusual appreciation for the party to gather to give thanks to God. The party in the state has come this far not because we have the capacity and power, but because of the grace of God. That is why we must consistently seek Him.”
Reaffirming the commitment of the party to provide good leadership, Imoke said “as a party, there is no greater service than the call to serve provided we are committed to serve. If we are united as a family, there is no challenge that we cannot overcome.”
Earlier, the state PDP Chairman said despite some challenges which his leadership experienced during the governor’s brief absence from the country, the party remained stronger than ever. He thanked Imoke for the peace and unity being enjoyed by the PDP in the state.
While sparing a thought for the abducted girls of the Government College, Chibok, First Lady of the state, Mrs. Obioma Imoke, called on women as mothers to pray without ceasing for the release of the kidnapped girls.
