Commissioner Tasks LG Lawmakers
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Cross River state, Chief Felix Idem has tasked lawmakers at the third tiers of government to initiatiate by- laws capable of upscaling peaceful atmosphere for the growth of commerce at the grassroots with the view of accelerating economic development.
Idem gave the charge while speaking as a lead resource person at a 3- day capacity building workshop for legislative officers of the local government councils in Cross River South held in Calabar.
He contended that the legislative arms of government at the grassroots remains a pivotal to the success of democratic government at the third tier hence the need to enhance the capacity of legislative officials to optimize effective and efficient grassroots administration.
He commended Centre for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD) for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the event and urged participants to maximize the benefit of the exposure meant to enhance their legislative skills for effective discharge of official engagements.
According to him;'The focus of the workshop revolves around promoting innovative thinking, bill drafting techniques,meaningful debates, and smooth passage of by- laws aimed at fostering development"
“Local government councillors are the bedrock of democracy. They must be well-equipped with legislative knowledge to build their careers, establish legislative memory, and remain on par with their counterparts at higher levels,” he posited.
The Commissioner who spoke while addressing participants at final phase of the workshop for southern senatorial district in Calabar disclosed that "the training programme was conceived to equipp trainees with vital knowledge, innovative skills and trending concepts to enhance quality service delivery".
In his words" This event demonstrate the utmost desire of the state government to ensure that grassroots administration run seamlessly in the state with particular attention to service delivery in terms of providing needed social amenities to enable rural dwellers feel the impact of government"
"The training is also intended to minimize friction attributable to misunderstanding of statutory roles and responsibilities to guarantee condusive atmosphere for smooth implementation of government developmental initiatives"
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Sylvester Agabi applauded the state government for the innovation approach aimed at upgrading the quality of legislation at the grassroots.
He sued for teamwork and synergy amongst legislative officials across councils for optimum and efficient performance.
“I urge you all to continue working together, sharing your experiences, and learning with one another. Let us thrive to build a more responsive local government system that truly serves the needs of our people,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that the training would transform local government councils and accelerate sustainable development at the grassroots level.
In their goodwill message, the House Committee chairman affairs on local government, Eyo Bassey, and the permanent secretary, ministry of local government affairs, Caroline Asikpo lauded the state governor,Prince Bassey Otu for the initiative noting that the training programme will contribute immensely to an hitch free and result- oriented grassroot government.
They urged participants to make the most of the training, emphasizing its potential to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery.
The capacity training workshop segmented across the three senatorial districts of the state with the theme: Building Institutions to Deliver Service and Facilitates Sustainable Development in the Local Government System was attended by key legislative officials comprising councillors, clerks and their deputies as well as sergeant at arms with serving and former law makers namely deputy speaker, Sylvester Agabi, Nelson Ofem, and Mr. Aka Bisong,a former Clerk, Cross River State House of Assembly serving as facilitators.
