Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has extolled the sterling leadership and enduring legacy of his predecessor, Senator Liyel Imoke (CON), on the occasion of his 65th birthday, describing him as a visionary statesman whose enduring contributions to governance and rural development have earned him a distinguished place in the history of Cross River State.

In a goodwill message issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, to celebrate the milestone, Governor Otu congratulated his predecessor, noting that the event was “not only a commemoration of age, but of a life devoted to public service, visionary leadership and enduring contributions to the growth and development of our dear state and the Nigerian federation.”

The governor extolled Imoke’s impressive public service trajectory, recalling his distinguished service as a Senator of the Federal Republic, a member of the Federal Executive Council and later Governor of Cross River State between 2007 and 2015.
According to Otu, “From the Senate of the Federal Republic to the Federal Executive Council, and ultimately as Governor of Cross River State, you distinguished yourself as a thoughtful leader, an accomplished administrator and a patriot whose commitment to the public good continues to resonate.”

Governor Otu particularly acknowledged Imoke’s philosophy of inclusive governance, saying the former governor consistently demonstrated that the true essence of leadership lies in improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He described Imoke as “a devoted proponent of rural development,” whose administration deliberately prioritised communities that had long remained on the margins of development.

“Your tenure as governor was underscored by a profound belief that the true measure of governance lies in its impact on ordinary people,” Otu stated. “You championed the philosophy of taking government to those who needed it most, translating that vision into tangible realities through the establishment of primary healthcare facilities in communities across the state, the expansion of rural access roads and other people-centred interventions that brought hope, opportunity and essential services closer to our rural populace.”

The governor observed that those interventions had continued to stand as enduring monuments to purposeful leadership, stressing that Imoke’s investments in grassroots development helped bridge the gap between the government and underserved communities. “These initiatives stand today as enduring reminders that purposeful leadership finds its greatest expression in improving the quality of life of the people,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of the former governor’s 65th birthday, Otu described the occasion as a fitting moment for Cross River people to celebrate a leader whose years in public office were marked by dedication, vision and service. He said Imoke’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations of leaders committed to selfless service and people-centred governance.

The governor also joined members of the Imoke family, friends, political associates and admirers across the country in thanking God for the former governor’s life of accomplishment and lasting impact. “As you celebrate this diamond milestone, I join your beloved family, friends, associates and the entire people of Cross River State in giving thanks to Almighty God for a life of purpose, accomplishment and lasting impact,” he declared.

Otu prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the former governor, wishing him many more years of sound health, peace and fulfilment. “It is my prayer that the years ahead will be adorned with divine favour, robust health, abiding peace, renewed strength and the fulfilment that comes from a legacy of meaningful service. May God continue to guide your steps and grant you many more years of wisdom and distinction. Happy 65th Birthday, Your Excellency,” the governor said.