Kudos, Knocks Trail Lawmakers' One Year Anniversary

By Olanrewaju BABATUNDE and Ndifreke BASSEY

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the performances of Cross River state lawmakers both state and at the National Assembly one year after inauguration into their respective offices.

According to some constituents, beside their legislative functions of law making, some of them have used their privileged positions to facilitate and attract developmental projects considered beneficial to the masses.

These concerned constituents have high expectations from their representatives in the area of infrastructural development and the economic empowerment which are not only germane.

Assessing the performance of the lawmaker representing Odukpani in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, a concerned constituent, Ofem Sampson William, lambasted his representative over lackluster representation. He alleged that the people of odukpani were yet to feel the impact of hon asuquo’s representation as no any project or economic empowerment can so far be attributed to him.

“Honorable Francis Bassey Asuquo, is the worse representative in the history of Odukpani, with the following: no more picking of phone calls, no more responding to any visitations, no single project or empowerments. He is the worst representative in the history of Odukpani

At the central senatorial district, Efa Nkang Sunday said the legislator legislator representing Abi state constituency is marginalised other communities except Bahumono. According to Efa, ABI is made up of three segment including Agbo, Bahumomo and Imabana and he has about two projects located in his community leaving other clans with. nothing in the past one year.

But Ofem Sampson William from Cross River State in Central senatorial zone, wants wants the 10th Assembly to be strengthened by ensuring adequate stipulation by passing quality laws that would impact positively on the their constituents, make laws to create more jobs opportunity for Cross Riverians and support students in various academic levels as well as reaching out to the less privilege and assist constituents with capital to start up small scale businesses.

Hailing Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe within within the last one year, Afuo Ogbaji Joseph, from. Ekwarra, said: The Senator has effectively represented the people by attracting critical infrastructures and securing for the projects and empowering the constituents across board. Over hundreds of projects have been facilitated by Jarigbe and that is why we call him Mr. Project.

"Jarigbe has maintained open communication with constituents through regular town hall meetings and responsive social media engagement, reflecting a commitment to transparency and accountability. Overall, his performances has been marked by significant legislative activity and strong constituent outreach."

Assessing his representatives, a university don, Dr. Eric Ugor Ogri, said: "My state assembly member, Hon. Brian Odey, is doing his best in his little way.

"For instance, he registered some students in Yala 1 for last Jamb examination and clearly demonstrated leadership during the last inter-ethnic crisis within Yala and the one between Ijiegu and their Tiv settlers."

For the Our House of Rep member, Hon. Godwin Offonor, he also "showed concern during the crisis, but beyond that we've not really felt his representation.

For the Senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, "he didn't show any concern for the people of Ijiegu (his constituents) during their crisis with the Tivs within the year in office. He has to come to our aid."