The Chairman of the Calabar South Local Government Area, Hon. Ndabu Robert Hogan has sworn in Hon. Cyril Bassey, Councillor for Ward 6 as his Vice Chairman.
Hon. Ndabu Robert said he does not doubt his Vice Chairman’s capability as Hon. Cyril Bassey is a gentleman with a passion for service.
The ceremony which took place at the Chairman’s chambers in the Council Headquarters last week (May 11) commenced with a minute of Silence which was observed in respect for the demise of the former Chairman, Hon. Chief (Mrs) Esther Bassey while Pastor Otu Marshal, the APC Chapter Chairman said a word of prayer for her soul to rest in peace.
Hon. Ndabu Robert Hogan in his speech congratulated the Vice Chairman and expressed his joy to God for providing a Vice Chairman who will help fulfil the purpose of God in governance.
Ndabu Robert charges his Vice-chairman to be ready to work as he operates a no-dull-moment administration.
Ndabu Robert made it known that the ceremony of the swearing-in is at the directive from His Excellency, Prof. Ivara Esu, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State and with full consent from the State Party, APC.
He wished his Vice the very best as they round up their administration.
Giving a brief citation of the Vice Chairman, Hon. Asuquo Obob, the Deputy Leader of the 6th Legislative Assembly of Calabar South LGA and Councillor for Ward 9, narrated that Hon. Cyril Bassey is a level-headed gentleman, a loyal party man happily married with four children.
Hon. Obob stated that with the vacuum created in the seat of the Vice Chairman and the due process of selecting an elected person serving, according to the Local Government Constitution and with full acceptance from the Legislative Arm during their sitting, had released Hon. Cyril Bassey to be sworn-in as the Vice Chairman of the Council.
Administering the Oath, the Council Legal Adviser, Barr. Etim Inyang explained that Hon. Cyril shall take the Oath in three parts being;
• Oath of denunciation of secret cults, fraternities and/or illegal societies.
• Oath of Allegiance and
• Oath of office.
Hon. Cyril Bassey was made to take the Oath in the presence and witness of all present after which he signed the Oath before the Chairman of the Council who also signed his column and welcome Hon. Cyril Bassey to commence his work as the Vice Chairman without waste of time.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Cyril Bassey thanked God for making the epoch occasion a reality.
He promised to discharge his duties effectively to the Glory of God and the benefit of humanity even though he still mourns Late Hon. Esther Bassey.
He thanked the Deputy Governor, the Governor-elect and his Deputy, the APC State and Chapter Party, State and Local Government Appointees, his family and guests present and bid them journey mercies back to their respective destinations.
The leader of Calabar South Legislators, Hon. Ukpong Ani, Councillor for Ward 10, while giving the vote of thanks, appreciated everyone who came out despite the short notice.
He said the Legislative Arm shall surely miss the wise contribution of Hon. Cyril Bassey but thanked God for his new portfolio as the Vice Chairman and prayed for all to tap into the grace of elevation of status as he wished them a safe trip back home.
Also in attendance were the Calabar South Legislators, Calabar South Chapter Women Leader, Mrs Emmanuella, the SA to the Governor on Non-indigene Affairs, Barr. Ugoji Nwabueze, Calabar South Appointees and Clerk of the House.
