Akpabuyo Local Government Inaugurates 8th Legislative Assembly

…As Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong Calls for Selfless Service Above Personal Gain

By Prince Ekpo Effiom

Akpabuyo, Cross River State – Following the proclamation order from Hon. (Prince) Effiom Bassey Effiong, the Executive Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, the 8th Legislative Assembly of Akpabuyo was officially inaugurated at the Akpabuyo Legislative Complex on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

The Clerk of the House, Barr. Edet Cyril Bassey, read the proclamation, marking the beginning of the new legislative session.

Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, representing Eyo Edem Ward, was unanimously elected as the Leader of the House, while Hon. Bassey-Anwan Ita Archibong of Idundu/Ayangense Ward was appointed Deputy Leader.

In his address to the newly sworn-in councillors, Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong set a strong tone for their tenure, emphasising the importance of selfless service to the people.

He stated, “We are here to serve the people and our fatherland, not to be served,” urging the councillors to place the welfare of the community above personal interests.

He called for a unified commitment to tackle the challenges facing Akpabuyo and work towards its restoration as a peaceful and prosperous local government area.

Hon. Effiom also pledged to collaborate closely with the legislative body, highlighting the need for synergy between the Executive and Legislative branches.

He encouraged councillors to be transparent, maintain integrity, and prioritise policies that would promote sustainable development and meet the needs of the people of Akpabuyo.

Also present to witness the historic event were Vice Chairman Hon. Chris Effiom; Hon. Bassey Effiong Bassey, the Member representing Akpabuyo State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly; His Royal Majesty Etinyin Francis Efa, the paramount ruler of Akpabuyo; the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA); and several other distinguished guests.

Following the inauguration, Hon. Effiom inspected the Chairman’s, Vice Chairman’s, and Secretary’s offices, all of which were severely damaged since the End SARS protests.

Recognising the need for immediate intervention, he directed that renovations begin to restore these critical offices, ensuring they are fit for purpose and conducive to efficient service delivery.

Hon. Effiom then held a meeting with the directors and staff of the Local Government Council, joined by his Vice Chairman and the HOLGA.

During the session, he emphasised the need for teamwork and a collective effort to address the challenges facing Akpabuyo.

Reflecting on the difficult state of the local government in the past, he expressed, “We have all witnessed the state where Akpabuyo used to be, and I am sure we are not happy about its current state. So, we are here to put things straight and do things right, and for that, we need maximum cooperation.”

In his concluding remarks, Hon. Effiom called on the staff and council members to embrace cooperation and teamwork as the key to Akpabuyo’s success.

He reassured them of his commitment to creating an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Akpabuyo.