Governor of Cross River state, Liyel Imoke finall disclosed to an inner caucus who he picked to succeed him come may 2015.
Sources close to Government House revealed that he named Ntufam. Dr Fidelis Ugbo as the best and prefered choice amongst the 22 Governorship aspirants from the Northern Senatorial district of the state where the Governorship slot is zoned to following many years of marginalisation.
Accordiing to the source who will not want to be named, the Governor however made it clear to the caucus that his choice for Ntufam Ugbo is purely personal, because he knows Ugbo to be the only aspirants with both human and infrastructure developmental mind set, as exhibited when Ugboserved under him as the Secretary to Cross River state Government,before hIs appointment as Executive Secretary,National Planning Commission.
Governor Imoke also added that Ugbo is the most exposed and experienced in matters of viable economic policy making, analysis and strategies, at the Local, state,Federal and International cadres. This, Imoke views as a top quality for any political leader.
Governor Imoke strongly recommended FIdelis Ugbo to the caucus for their support as he sees Ugbo as the right person for the Job especially now that the state is strategising for a non Oil Economy. He however, promised a level playing field for all aspirants during the forthcoming PDP primaries in November.
Ntufam Dr. Fidelis Ugbo is the Current Executive Secretary, National Planning Commission, he doubles as Secretary, Nigeria Economic Council.
He is a retired Director of Central Bank of Nigeria, a former Commissioner of Finance, Cross River state.
Fidelis Ugbo backs numerous National and internatonal award and recognitions includng the renowned KWAME NKRUMA AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP.