President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd left) assisted by his Vice, Namadi Sambo (L) PDP Chairman, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, Cross River State Governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke, Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba (R) at the commissioning of the multi-billion Goodluck Jonathan Bypass in Calabar, Friday, Jan. 30, 2015
From: Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar
President Goodluck Ebelle Jonathan has
Residents of Cross River throng U J Esuene Stadium to receive President Goodluck Jonathan at the PDP Presidential rally on Jan. 30
commissioned the multi-billion 6.8 kilometres Airport Bypass with an interchange bridge named after him in Calabar.
Our correspondent learnt that the road was constructed at the cost of N6.4 billion.
Speaking at a brief ceremony prior to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign in Calabar, the President eulogized Governor Liyel Imoke for his leadership style saying that he was an iconic symbol of good representation of the party.
According to Jonathan, “This is a great story which symbolizes the vision of PDP, to create environment that will stimulate and help people in commerce, industry and social integration. For the government and people to notice that they need a bypass from the airport to divert traffic and decongest the city is indeed an exhibition visionary leadership.
“On behalf of my party, the PDP we thank you very sincerely for representing us well here in the state. Let me at this point assure you that we will work with the state to ensure that more of this kind of amenities is attracted to the state.”
On the naming of the road after him, the President said: “I want to thank you very sincerely for immortalizing me with the naming of this all important road after me. I pray that the day I will leave office, I will leave enough footprints that people will use in remembering me.”
He described Cross River as Nigeria’s entertainer centre that has carved a niche for itself in the area of tourism adding that, “I’m glad to be in Cross River State, a state that is entertaining Nigerians. That was why I selected your own, Chief Edem Duke to come and handle tourism at the centre because we saw what he was doing in Cross River.”
Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke who could not hide his excitement at having the President commission the road, said: “Today, we have the privilege of you commissioning one of our very many projects by the grace of God in the state. It is an airport bypass road designed to decongest traffic in our city center. It is constructed through a swampy area. Construction work started in 2011 and we are glad to complete this 6.8 kilometres road with an interchange bridge and have you commission it.”
According to Imoke, “This road will amongst others lead to the creation of a new development area which we are complementing with the needed infrastructure. We named the road after you because of what you represent to Cross River State.”
Imoke pointed out that the President’s visit was no doubt a home coming and that the government and the people of the state were happy to identify with him.
admin
