‘I met huge debts’ – Ex-Gov Imoke blames Donald Duke over Cross River financial crisis

Ex-Governor Liyel Imoke has revealed that he inherited substantial debts and contingent liabilities when he became the Cross River State governor, replacing Donald Duke, who had been the party's presidential candidate. Imoke spoke of this burden during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, held at Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, an integrated tourism and free trade zone facility in Cross River State’s capital, Calabar.

According to Imoke, the cost of building Tinapa amounted to $170 for every citizen of Cross River State. He emphasized that as a state, his administration undertook a commercial project using public funds, and a billion naira was spent monthly to service a debt. Imoke clarified that this financial commitment began when Donald Duke was in office, and he personally did not shoulder any debts until Duke left the governorship.

One significant issue Imoke highlighted was the lack of power supply at the time of Tinapa’s inauguration. He had to arrange for power supply himself. Furthermore, he explained that the state government had limited control over the dependencies necessary for Tinapa’s success. During the construction phase, Imoke believed it would be opportune to secure anchor tenants, yet the buildings remained empty when they were officially commissioned.

Imoke attributed the failure of the commercial and economic environment for Tinapa to the lack of preparation by Donald Duke. He stated, "I met huge debts" that came with the role of governor and believed the economic groundwork needed for Tinapa’s success was not in place under the previous administration.