A member representing Ikom Two constituency, Mr. Elvert Ayambem has emerged as Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Ayambem, who is a second-term legislator, was elected unopposed, while the member representing the Obudu state constituency, Mr. Sylvester Agabi was also unanimously affirmed as the deputy speaker of the assembly.
Voice of Nigeria gathered that the oldest of the lawmakers, a three-time member of the Cross River Assembly, Mr. Hilary Bisong representing Boki Two was tipped to be the speaker before the tables turned in favour of Ayambem.
In his inaugural speech, Ayambem expressed appreciation to the almighty and other members for finding him worthy to serve as speaker of the 10th assembly.
He promised that the 25 legislators would give fair representation to the people as well as collaborate effectively with the executive and judiciary to deliver democratic gains.
The Speaker said, “Whatever vehicle facilitated our coming this far must lose its relevance to the by-partisan conversation of a greater Cross River. This is to emphasise that the membership of the 10th assembly must not be lost in the reality of time.”
According to him, societal ills such as “hunger, insecurity, underdevelopment, unemployment and weak institutions are reasons this assembly must overlook political differences and give priority to project Cross River.
“The least we can do to reward these patriots is to get our institutions to work at an optimal level to assuage the pull of a downward socio-economic reality on the people that have shown a determination in championing a change that will be for generations,” he stated.
Ayambem further noted, “With reputable stakeholders, we will work together to return education and healthcare in our state to an era of glory. This is more possible than replacing them with new institutions that promote capital flight in an economy that is already gasping for breath.
“Ours is an ambitious agenda that will reposition our state. This can be achieved by ensuring that members are given a conducive environment to carry out their legislative duties,” the speaker assured.
Earlier, the clerk of the assembly, Mr. Jerry Akabisong conducted the election, which saw the sole nominations of the Speaker, Mr. Elvert Ayambem and the deputy speaker Mr. Sylvester Agabi.
Dominica Nwabufo
