By Patrick Asuquo
As Senator Liyel Imoke clocks 64 years, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, has described the former Governor as “a timeless influence whose contributions to leadership, governance, and generational mentorship remain unmatched in Cross River’s Current history.”
In a special tribute issued on Thursday in Calabar by His Special Assistant on media, Mr Patrick Asuquo, Hon. Ironbar reflected on the former Governor’s life not just in terms of political office, but as a quiet architect of enduring institutions, a stabilizer in turbulent times, and a cultivator of talent across the public and private sectors.
“Senator Imoke’s legacy is not written only in policies or projects; it is engraved in the lives he shaped, the leadership culture he instilled, and the bridges he built in silence,” Ironbar said.
According to him, Imoke’s most remarkable strength was his ability to empower others without drawing attention to himself. “He redefined the meaning of leadership for many of us. In him, we saw that you could lead with calm, correct without noise, and build without applause. The system he left behind was one that encouraged thinking, creativity, and merit,” he said.
Ironbar, who has continued to observe Imoke’s leadership influence over the years, described him as “a man who saw public service not as performance but as purpose.”
“At 64, Senator Imoke remains one of the most quietly influential figures in the democratic evolution of Cross River State. He empowered youth long before it became a buzzword. He invested in people long before it was politically convenient. He envisioned a Cross River where development would be people-driven and sustainable,” the Chief of Staff noted.
He added that beyond the public eye, Imoke has remained a trusted moral compass and sounding board for many current officeholders, including himself.
“Even out of office, his influence persists, not in rhetoric, but in relevance. His wisdom continues to guide many of us who sit in positions of responsibility today.”
Hon. Ironbar extended warm birthday wishes to the former Governor, praying for continued health, peace, and fulfillment: “Your Excellency, your 64th birthday is not just a personal milestone; it is a moment of reflection for all of us who believe in principled leadership. May you enjoy many more years of impact, in and beyond the corridors of power.”
Senator Liyel Imoke served as Governor of Cross River State from 2007 to 2015 and previously held national roles, including Minister of Power. His birthday has once again rekindled admiration across party lines, particularly from a generation of leaders who continue to walk paths he quietly paved.
