By ltam Offor
The Cross River State House of Assembly on Friday, held a Valedictory Session in honour of it’s late former Member, Rt Hon Uduak Akiba Eyo who represented Calabar Municipality State Constituency between 2007 and 2015.
Former First Lady of the State, Mrs Obioma Liyel Imoke, in a solemn tribute, eulogized the deceased describing her as “loyal to the core” amongst other things. She expressed her sympathy to the bereaved family while thanking God for the “beautiful memories” she shared with the late legislator.
In her tribute, the former Senator who represented Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, maintained that the deceased was her “Very strong ally and a great lawmaker who identified with her people even after leaving office”.
She applauded the Assembly for organising the Valedictory session while encouraging her family to be consoled.
In the same vein, Senator Gershom Bassey, who represented the Southern Senatorial District, in his tribute, described the late legislator as; “powerful, fierce, honest, loyal, determined and a positive political leader.”
He admonished her family to uphold her legacies and strive to surpass her achievements.
Other political bigwigs including, Hon Alex Egbona, representing Yakurr/Abi federal constituency, Rt Hon Fred Osim former Assembly Member for Ikom 2, Rt Hon Itaya Nyong as well as the current Member representing Calabar Municipality, Hon Stanley Nsemo, in their tributes eulogized Rt Hon Akiba.
They applauded her contributions to the development of the State, condoled her family and prayed for a peaceful repose of her soul.
In his address, the Speaker of the State Legislature, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem lamented the passing of the deceased and other past legislators while reiterating the need for the State Government to put in place a welfare package for past legislators.
” I feel sad but encouraged by the massive turnout here to honour our late colleague. We did our best to assist whenever she called, death is an inevitable end for all humans. She was outspoken and an astute lawmaker who served her people creditably, he said.
The Speaker lamented; “this is the 5th Valedictory Session in the two years of the 10th Assembly, it is very sad. Something needs to be done. The 10th Assembly will push for the welfare of former legislators.”
Ayambem, further condoled the bereaved family and promised them financial assistance.
Earlier in a citation, the Clerk of the Assembly, Barr Catherine Ubi, highlighted the achievements of the deceased while serving as a lawmaker including some of her bills, motions and Committees, describing her as a, “legislator par excellence”.
To end the valedictory session, Members and other dignitaries in the Chamber filed past the casket to pay their last respect to their departed colleague.
