By Itam Offor
Cross River Lawmakers have confirmed Governor Bassey Otu’s nominees for appointment as Chairman and Commissioners of the State House of Assembly Service Commission.
Those confirmed were; Hon. Victor Okon as Chairman, Barr. Leonard Anyogo as Commissioner 1, Mr Ayamba Akanya Asigbe as Commissioner 2, Mrs Mary Eraye as Commissioner 3, and Mr Charles Okon Kutman as Commissioner 4.
CONVERSEER learned that they were confirmed today, Tuesday, 6th May 2024 at the State House of Assembly Complex in Calabar.
The confirmation of the nominees was sequel to the Lawmakers’ consideration of the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution presented by its Chairman and Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta.
According to Etta, the nominees were invited to appear before the Committee for screening on the 3rd and 6th of May 2024, where they were “subjected to a rigorous question and answer session.”
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The Abi Lawmaker further stated that the Governor’s nominations were in compliance with section 3(1) of the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Law No. 6 of 2020 which states; “There shall be, appointed by the Governor, five(5) members to serve as Chairman and Members of the Commission who shall be confirmed by the House.”
He added that the nominations were also in agreement with section 2 of the same law which provides that; “The membership of the commission shall be drawn from the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State.”
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem said the nominees were qualified and suitable for the appointment. He commended the State Governor for spreading the appointments evenly across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.
He congratulated the Commission members and stressed that they must work in synergy with the Lawmakers for the overall interest and development of the State.
“The commission must have a symbiotic relationship with the House. The Commission is a creation of the House. We must be on the same wavelength. The Commission must not be characterised by high-handedness or conflict. We must work together so that the legislature will function optimally in the overall interest of the State. The 10th Assembly believes in Equity and the Governor ensured that the nominees were evenly spread,” Ayambem stated.
A majority of the Lawmakers including the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, all applauded Governor Otu for following the provisions of the Assembly Service Commission Law and for nominating credible persons into the Commission.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the confirmation, the Commission Chairman, Ntufam Victor Okon, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his appointment.
He promised that the Commission would carry out its assignment in the interest of the State at all times.