Otu Swears-In New Clerk, Tasks Law Makers On Legislative Reforms
By Mark IDRAH
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, has sworn in Mr. Dominic Akiba as Clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly following the retirement of the former Clerk, Mr. Adie Akabisong.
In a brief ceremony held in Governor’s Office, Calabar, Tuesday, Gov. Otu described the event as significant in legislative affairs and charged the new clerk to brace up to his new responsibility of ensuring adequate management of the legislative arm of government.
The governor commended the former Clerk who just retired from service for the meritorious work done throughout his 35 years of service, and subsequent extension due to his dexterity in office. The Governor admonished his successor, Mr. Akiba, to brace up for the task ahead.
"Today you are the Clerk of the House, be informed that your responsibility is enormous, and the big cap you have just worn comes with responsibilities. You must be ready to discharge your constitutional duties efficiently and effectively to ensure smooth running of the House of Assembly, said Governor Otu."
According to the governor, the legislature isn't an institution to joke with, adding that each time democracy is mentioned, legislature is the main focus and this is because it is the closest to the people and represents the voice of the people. He urged Akiba to bring his wealth of experience to bare as he assumes the office.
Gov. Otu stated his expectations by charging the lawmakers to legislate on important laws that will improve the economic development of the state, nothing that together with the excutives, they will take Cross River to the next Level. "Our approach to economic development is multi-sectoral and we have emergency in all areas and we must tackle all for the overall development of our dear state," said the Governor.
Let me thank Mr. Speaker and his team for the cooperation they have shown so far since we took over the mantle of leadership.
The collaboration has been fantastic and I am very happy at the spate of legislative businesses already exhibited by the parliament within this short time.
I am optimistic that, with the quality of law makers we have in the house today, the state will move at the speed of light in developing a robust economic road map with corresponding legislations to create acceptable frame work for businesses to thrive.
The Governor informed the lawmakers that they (the executive) are working out a reasonable modality to improve on the welfare of the lawmakers, as what they met on ground does not depict a welfare package for legislators. We will augment it for better and more encouraging package to boost the morales of these vibrant law makers, he promised.
