Imoke charges Cross River politicians on peace, unity

Former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke has charged all politicians in the state to sheath their sword and unite for the overall interest of the state.

Imoke, who was responding to the misgivings the last elections in the state created, said he was happy over the maturity contestants exhibited during the rerun election.

“Now that the elections are over and I believe the better politicians won, we must all sheath our swords and unite for our common good. We must condemn and abhor the denigration and abuse of leaders and perpetuation of divisive tendencies,” he stated.

Imoke, who said this in a statement while commending politicians and electorate of Abi/Yakurr and indeed Cross River State on the outcome of the rerun and other polls, said, “The state can only grow if we give our representatives the requisite support.

“Elections are over and it is time for all to unite for the common good of the people of the federal constituency.”

He acknowledged that in the course of the season, as is always the case, tensions were high, but ultimately the elections were peaceful.

He congratulated Dr. Alex Egbona of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr. Davis Etta of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on emerging winners of the re-run elections for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency and Abi State Constituency.

Imoke enjoined both politicians to provide qualitative representation for their people, but acknowledged everyone’s constitutional right to seek redress.

He said, “I advise that this matter should not be pursued any further in the courts. For John Gaul and Inah Iwara, I believe you did your best and I wish you well in your future endeavours.”

Egbona defeated Gaul in the Federal House of Representatives elections while Etta defeated Iwara in Saturday’s state House of Assembly poll.