By Our Reporter
The Cross River Electricity Board Bill 2024 has passed through a second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly. The bill has subsequently been referred to the House Committee on Power for further legislative action.
While opening the debate on the bill, its sponsor, Hon. Samuel Neji Abang, representing Ikom I State Constituency, enumerated several benefits of the bill to the socio-economic conditions of the state and the citizens.
Abang, who is the Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly repeated the importance of electricity to the overall well-being of the citizens, adding that the state will also gain immensely through improved revenue generation and employment opportunities.
Also speaking to journalists after plenary, Abang hailed the Federal Government for passing the Power Bill 2023.
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He urged the State Government to domicile the law; “Kudos to the federal government on the recent passage of the Electricity Bill which allows States and private companies to venture into the power sector. Indeed it is the right step in the right direction… For example, we have Agbokim Waterfall, the State Government can liaise with private companies to generate and distribute electricity,” Abang stated.
A majority of the Legislators in their separate contributions, noted the merits of the bill, stressing that it will greatly improve the fortunes of the state while also providing employment opportunities for the teeming youths.
On his part, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem noted that with improved electricity, businesses will definitely thrive and improve the economy.
He commended the sponsor and co-sponsors of the bill for diligence before directing the Assembly’s clerk to take the second reading of the bill.