I Inherited Debts, Contingent Liabilities From Donald Duke — Imoke
…Says Tinapa Cost Every Cross Riverian $170
By Dim Oba, LAGOS – Former Cross River State Governor and Senator, Liyel Imoke, has said he inherited substantial debts and contingent liabilities from his predecessor, Donald Duke, upon assuming office.
Imoke stated that the Tinapa business resort project, initiated under Duke’s administration, placed a significant financial burden on the state.
The former governor made the remarks while discussing the financial implications of the project and the challenges his administration faced in managing the state’s finances.
According to him, the project cost every man, woman and child in Cross River State approximately $170.
“Tinapa cost every man, woman and child in Cross River State $170. As a state, we embarked on a commercial project with public funds,” Imoke said.
He further disclosed that the state government was required to commit about ₦1 billion monthly to debt servicing.
“A billion naira monthly was going to service a debt, and until the time Donald left office, he did not pay any debts,” he added.
Imoke’s comments highlight the financial challenges associated with the management of large-scale public projects and their implications for state finances.
Tinapa, conceived as a major tourism and business destination in Cross River State, was established during Duke’s tenure as governor.
