"Government Projects Aren't Personal Property" — Imoke Defends Otu's Completion Agenda

Former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has defended Governor Bassey Otu's decision to complete projects inherited from previous administrations, insisting that government projects belong to the people and should never be abandoned because of politics or personal interests.

Imoke made the remarks during the 16th Career Day Conference of the Bridge Leadership Foundation held at the University of Calabar Conference Centre, where Governor Bassey Otu attended as the Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking on the importance of continuity in governance, the former governor said many elected leaders become consumed by the desire to create personal legacies immediately after assuming office, often abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors. According to him, such an approach wastes public funds, delays development and deprives citizens of the benefits of completed infrastructure.

Imoke praised Governor Otu for taking a different path, describing his administration as one that prioritises completion, continuity and sustainable development over political considerations.

"When you enter Government House, people begin to talk about your legacy. But leadership is not about erasing the work of those before you. It is about building on existing foundations, completing worthwhile projects and ensuring that public investments serve the people," he said.

The former governor cited the completion of the Local Government Service Commission Headquarters in Calabar as a practical example. He explained that the project was initiated during his administration but remained unfinished for years after he left office.

Rather than abandon it because it belonged to a previous government, Imoke noted, Governor Otu completed the building and even improved on the original concept, demonstrating what he described as responsible leadership and prudent management of public resources.

He also referenced the ongoing completion of the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC), saying the facility was conceived to strengthen Cross River's position as a leading destination for conferences, tourism and investment.

According to Imoke, although the project remained incomplete at the end of his administration, he is encouraged that Governor Otu has chosen to continue the initiative instead of allowing it to deteriorate because of political differences.

He stressed that government projects should never be treated as the personal property of any governor, insisting that every administration has a duty to protect public investments regardless of who initiated them.

"The people own these projects. Governments come and go, but development must continue. Every naira invested in public infrastructure belongs to the people and should be protected," Imoke said.

The former governor further commended Otu's inclusive leadership style, describing him as a governor who values collaboration, respects former leaders and is committed to preserving the state's development agenda.

He also applauded Otu's support for youth development, noting that his attendance at the Bridge Leadership Foundation conference underscored his commitment to mentoring future leaders and investing in human capital.

Observers say Imoke's comments reinforce growing calls for greater continuity in governance across Nigeria, where abandoned projects have long remained a major challenge, consuming billions of naira in public resources while denying citizens the services such projects were designed to provide.

🚀 Advertise With Us

💡 Donate to Boki Blog Africa

🔥 Submit News