C'River Assembly Members Fume Over Neglect By Otu, Suspend Sittings Indefinitely
By Edem ITA and Mark IDRAH
Indications are rife that the Cross River House of Assembly might have suspended further sitting arising from total neglect from the executive arm of government since its inauguration.
Recalled that the 10th House of Assembly was inaugurated June 13, following a statutory proclamation from Governor Bassey Otu, leading to the composition of the House leadership which threw up Rt.Hon Elvert Ayambem as the Speaker.
Even though the composition of the House leadership bears crystal reflection of the Governor's preferred colouration, the natural incentives to enhance effective legislative functions have remained elusive.
Findings by The Beagle News revealed that since the formal inauguration, members have only collected one month's salary thereby compelling most of them to depend on bank facilities to address pressing needs of their immediate family and constituents.
According to one member from the Southern Senatorial District, who preferred to speak on condition of anonymity, "we are surprised that a governor with cognate legislative experience spanning 12 unbroken years can subject us to this financial ridicule.
"Our legislative quarters are in deplorable conditions having been vandalised by the previous occupants. The one million naira (N1m) we got from Governor Otu can not complete the renovations and furnishings."
Further probes by The Beagle News indicated that the Governor is yet to allocate official cars to the lawmakers compelling most of them, especially the first timers to depend on Bolt Taxi services for official engagements.
That apart, the members are yet to receive their July salaries since assuming duties in June.
A staff on the Assembly, who gave her name as Adiaha Matthew, said: "When the lawmakers didn't see any readiness on the part of Governor Otu to pay their furniture and dressing allowances, they resolved to embark on recess to afford them ample time to sort themselves out, but the Governor objected to it on the pretext that he is tidying up the process for disbursement and procurement of their official vehicles.
"But as we speak now, nothing is forthcoming. Those without relations to patch up with within Calabar are on the verge of being ejected from hotels over mounting unpaid bills."
A source hinted that after the clearance of commissioner nominees, members were unanimous in opposing further sitting, arguing that they cannot be suffering and smiling.
One was overheard saying, "When the Governor is ready to attain his statutory obligations to the legislature, we will resume plenary session."
Though the Assembly has not formally announced the commencement of the expected recess, no member has been spotted within the vicinity of the Assembly for over a week since last Tuesday.
When contacted, principal officers of the Assembly refused to comment on the development arguing that they were not competent to speak on the issue.
