…Speaker Ayambem praises lawmakers, Governor Otu, Assembly staff in end-of-session address
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, on Friday, presented a comprehensive report card of the 10th Assembly as it concluded its second legislative year, highlighting a productive tenure marked by landmark legislation, strong executive-legislative collaboration, institutional reforms, and infrastructure improvements.
Delivering his address during plenary in the Assembly Complex, Calabar, Speaker Ayambem reflected on the Assembly’s inauguration on June 13, 2023, reaffirming the members’ constitutional oath to promote peace, order, and good governance. He commended God for preserving the health and unity of the House through the legislative year, and expressed deep appreciation to Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his prompt assent to bills and respect for legislative resolutions.
A major highlight of the session was the passage of 30 bills many already assented to by the Governor including:
– Cross River State Security Trust Fund Bill
– Climate Change Bill
– Green Economy Commission Bill
– Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship Law
– Rural Access Road Authority Bill
– Diaspora Commission Bill
– Senior Citizens Centre Bill
– Drugs and Health Commodity Agency Bill
– Appropriation and Supplementary Appropriation Laws
– Several amendment laws targeting judicial, regulatory, and infrastructural systems.
In addition to passed bills, nine bills remain in various legislative stages, including the Electricity Bill, Local Government Pensions Bill, and Equal Opportunity Bill.
The House also passed 83 resolutions, many of which have seen swift executive implementation.
The Assembly confirmed numerous executive nominations, including:
– Members of the House of Assembly Service Commission
– Civil Service Commission
– State Planning Commission
– Local Government Service Commission
– Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC)
– Traditional Rulers’ Council
– Diaspora Commission
– Judicial Service Commission
– Privatization Council
The Speaker emphasized the Assembly’s robust oversight role, carried out through quarterly engagements with MDAs to ensure judicious use of public funds in line with budgetary provisions.
Ayambem listed several completed capital projects, including:
– Full and partial renovations of administrative, office, chamber, and committee blocks
– Reconstruction of the Assembly Quarters Entrance Gate
– Renovations at the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s lodges
– Installation of new audio control equipment in the Chamber
These projects were aimed at enhancing legislative operations and providing a conducive working environment.
Notable strides were made in human resource development. With Governor Otu’s approval, 100 new staff were recruited to address manpower gaps. There was also an upward review of allowances for both permanent and ad-hoc staff.
The Speaker pledged to continue pursuing the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), in accordance with the 2020 House of Assembly Service Commission Law, stressing that legislative staff deserve fair compensation for their demanding roles.
During the session, legislators attended workshops in Abuja and Lagos, while staff underwent capacity-building trainings including two personnel trained in E-Governance by the Korean government in partnership with the University of Calabar.
A milestone achievement was the reinstatement of the Cross River Assembly’s membership in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), following years of suspension due to unpaid dues. This, the Speaker said, would enable legislators to network and exchange knowledge with their counterparts across the Commonwealth.
Speaker Ayambem closed his address with a rallying call for sustained cooperation and commitment among lawmakers and staff.
“Going forward, our concentration will be on more effective legislation, oversight, and monitoring to ensure that all MDAs comply with budgetary provisions, in line with the ‘People First’ mantra of His Excellency, the Governor,” he said.
He reiterated that the welfare of members and staff will remain a top priority as the Assembly steps into its third legislative year.
Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
13/06/2025
