Chief Johnson Congratulatory Message to Rt. Hon. Orok Duke on His appointment

CONGRATULATIONS My wife, Margaret, and I, sincerely rejoice with you, your loving family and the large army of your friends and associates on your recent appointment by His Excellency Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and your subsequent inauguration as Commissioner/Member Representing Cross River State on the Governing Board of the Niger-Delta Development Commission. Cross Riverians, like their counterparts in all other Sister-States that fall within the mandate of NDDC, place a very high premium and hope on the Commission as the key vehicle to drive the realization of the overall Economic Development Vision of the Niger Delta Region in a coordinated, integrated and Sustainable manner a plethora of challenges, especially the human factor, have over the years since its inception, hindered the realization of that vision to any meaningful degree, the enormous resources that have been available to the Commission notwithstanding. You are therefore assuming this high office at a time, especially an election year, when public expectation on the Commission is expectedly at its peak. As for the situation of our dear Cross River State, particularly her critical Transport Education, Healthcare, Agricultural, Human Capital and other Infrastructure needs, you already are familiar with much of the baleful story, hence there is no need for me to go into a litany of those needs. I know that from time to time, you will be confronted with them and your positive response, with the understanding and support of your colleagues on the Governing Board and Management, will count a great deal. Having worked closely with you in the past and knowing your antecedents as a very thorough, bold, determined and focused individual who unwaveringly gives his all to secure justice, equity, inclusiveness and fairness in the conduct of public affairs, I have no doubt whatsoever that you will bring this strong leadership background to bear on your Membership and Representation of our dear State in the Commission. You have always made a difference whenever you set your hand on a plough to undertake any project. Another opportunity has now been presented for you to prove your mettle. On our part, we will constantly put you in our prayers that our loving God will protect, uphold and guide you in the decisions and choices that you will make so that the judgment of history will be kind to you. We wish you an impactful and rewarding tenure of office. Cross River State will certainly feel you positively. And if called upon, we shall be available to support you in appropriate situations to enhance your effectiveness. Permit us also to use this medium to appreciate and commend our Digital Governor, His Excellency, Senator Professor Ben Ayade, CON, KSJI, for finding you worthy and recommending you to Mr. President for consideration. We equally appreciate His Excellency, Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for accepting the Governor’s recommendation and nominating you at this auspicious moment. We equally appreciate our Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for granting you the necessary clearance without any controversy. It is in the foregoing regard that I cannot conclude this letter without specially appreciating the Senators representing Cross River State particularly very noble role played by the Distinguished Senator Gershom Bassey who rose above partisan considerations and, in a well-publicized advocacy at a Senate Committee Hearing, fiercely and unequivocally endorsed/supported your nomination by urging his colleagues in the Committee to clear you without question. By that singular action, he demonstrated a very high sense of family, community, Collective Destiny, Collective Aspirations, Collective Struggles and Collective Progress as one Cross River People. Our people must learn from this noble gesture of the Distinguished Senator as we navigate towards the forthcoming 2023 Elections and the next dispensation that they will usher in. Please accept our heartiest congratulations and assurance of our continued goodwill, my Brother. Happy New Year, 2023 to you and your beloved family. Very sincerely, Chief Johnson Ng’kwuIbingha Ebokpo