A former Governor of Cross River, Sen. Liyel Imoke, has called for dialogue between the political and traditional leadership and the youths in order to end the destruction of properties in Calabar.
Imoke made the call on Thursday in Calabar when he led some National Assembly members and other dignitaries on a courtesy call to the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Prof. Itam Hogan.
He said that the sad event which occurred in Calabar on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 by hoodlums who hijacked the Endsars protest was not normal.
“We have come here today to seek advice on the way forward for our state. It behoves on us to kick-start a dialogue to address the incident that happened in Calabar.
“This is a very challenging time for us as a state because the reaction in Cross River is of great concern to us all.
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“It is time we come together to dialogue with the youths and find solutions to their challenges.
“For us, we want peace; that is why we have come to seek for your advice to help us rebuild the state and move forward,” he said.
Earlier, Hogan said it was time for political leaders to make promises they can keep.
He noted that the youths were angry and hungry, hence they where hopeless because they have lost confidence in the leadership style of those in authority.
“The children are hungry and angry; there are no jobs for them. Politicians should learn to keep to their words and always fulfil the campaign promises made to the people.
“The Endsars protest was the key that opened the Pandora box. If we don’t rise up and address these challenges, me may not be free to walk along the streets again,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to resolve the lingering strike with the Academic Staff Union of Universities in order to allow students to return to schools.
Imoke also visited the Paramount Ruler elect of Calabar Municipality, Ndidem Eta Bassey-Eteta in his palace.
Imoke told the Paramount Ruler that there was still hope for the youths, adding that there was need for continuous engagement and dialogue.
“We believe that there is no better institution to engage the youths than the traditional institutions.
“We don’t want our youth to come out on the streets again, that is why we have to take actions as leaders,” he said.
Responding, the Paramount Ruler informed Imoke and his entourage that they have started engagement with the youths with a view to restore peace and unity in the state.
In Imoke’s entourage include; Sen. Sandy Onor, Rep. Eta Mbora, Rep. Legor Idagbo, Retired Col. Pam Ogar, AVM Eko Osim, Mr Eko Atu, former Ambassador, Nkoyo Toyo and Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong.