Gov. Otu signing the bills into law on June 10, while others watch with keen interest.
By Anietie Akpan
In a giant legislative stride aimed at repositioning Cross River State for inclusive growth, Governor Bassey Edet Otu has signed nine bills into law saying it will boost governance.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the newly renovated Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office on Tuesday, Governor Otu commended the legislature for its dedication and responsiveness over the past two years saying the bills will certainly boost governance and service delivery in the state.
A press release dated June 10, by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, the Governor said, “we assumed office in a tough economic climate marked by inflation and limited access to funds, yet we have managed to stay focused. “These laws will directly improve governance and service delivery.
“We have ordered three new fire trucks, unlocked ₦4.5 billion for rural roads, and restructured the security trust fund for better oversight. Each of these laws pushes Cross River forward.”
The nine bills signed into law by the Governor span critical sectors such as water, health, security, infrastructure, and environmental research, reflecting the administration’s push to modernize state governance and address pressing developmental needs.
The new laws are as follows:
* The Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Law No. 5, 2025, which guarantees citizens’ access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. It also sets up a regulatory framework for the sector.
* The Cross River State Fire Fighting and Rescue Service Law No. 4, 2024, which enhances emergency response operations and contributes to increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.
* The Cross River State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law No. 6, 2024, which empowers the Governor to appoint a qualified person as chairman to lead the Fund, ensuring better focus on the state’s security challenges.
* The Cross River State Scraps Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 9, 2025, which aims to curb the activities of scavengers and vandals targeting public and private property.
* The Cross River State Rural Access Road Authority Law No. 8, 2025, which seeks to prevent the neglect of vital rural routes, particularly those linking farming communities.
* The Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 4, 2024, which clarifies key functions and addresses revenue-related overlaps, particularly in motor vehicle licensing.
* The Cross River State Records and Archives Bureau Law No. 7, 2024, which establishes an agency to manage and archive critical state documents.
* The Cross River State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Law No. 10, 2025, which strengthens the supply of medical essentials to both public and private healthcare facilities while encouraging public-private partnerships.
* Rounding out the list is the Cross River State Forestry Research Institute (Establishment) Law No. 6, 2024, which creates an institution dedicated to forestry and environmental research, supporting both academic development and sustainable resource management.
While commending his sterling performance during his two years in office, the legislators, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, used the opportunity of the audience with the Governor to formally pass an endorsement motion supporting the Governor for a second term in office, come 2027.
Rt. Hon. Ayambem praised the Governor’s performance and confirmed the Assembly’s endorsement of his second-term bid.
“Your leadership has been exemplary. In just two years, the 10th Assembly has passed 30 bills and 87 resolutions, with more than half implemented. The 9th Assembly couldn’t match that. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and fully endorse your re-election”, he added.
The endorsement motion was moved by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi, and supported by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Davis Ettah, symbolizing a strong partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
