Governor Otu hails new Speaker as Archbishop congratulates Senator Ekpenyong,  Cross River lawmaker 

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Iso and new lawmaker, Stanley Nsemo

By Akpan David, Calabar 

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has congratulated the new Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Elvert Ayambem and his deputy, Hon Sylvester Agabi, on their elections.

Ayambem, who represents Ikom II State Constituency, was elected speaker on Tuesday, June 13 in the 25-member House, while the deputy speaker represents  Obudu state constituency.

In a congratulatory message, Otu said the peaceful and transparent manner of the elections of the principal officers of the state assembly is a testimony that democracy has taken firm roots in the country and state.

The governor charged the lawmakers to see their elections as a call to duty and should use the opportunity to deepen democratic governance in the state, stressing that people have high hopes to see a government that works.

“Your emergency and speaker and deputy speaker signifies a milestone in our democratic march since the return of democracy in 1999.

“As a former lawmaker, I must remind you that you have a duty to make laws that can prosper our state, entrench democratic governance, and bring our peoples closer together. You have enormous authority in your hands and I enjoin you to exercise this power with discretion and for the overall benefit of our state”.

Archbishop Iso hugging Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong

 In similar vein, former commissioner for tourism and culture in the state,  Archbishop Ekpenyong Iso has also congratulated Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong jr who represents the southern senatorial district of the state, and the lawmaker representing the Calabar Municipality state constituency, Stanley Nsemo for their inauguration today as federal and state legislators respectively.

Iso said these two lawmakers have stood out as those that have the desired requisites necessary for them to positively impact the two parliaments.

In separate letters of congratulations to both, the Archbishop said Senator Asuquo is an intelligent young man, full of energy and knowledge of the Cross River southern district and is one that is already well equipped to fully represent the people of the district effectively.  

“I am certain that his contributions will help to make the Senate bubble”, Iso wrote.

He prayed God to guide him aright in the onerous responsibility of law making as well as oversight functions for the betterment of the country. 

He also pledged to extend his spiritual as well as practical supports to him.

He also fervently prayed God to guide Nsemo who he described as amiable, humble and intelligent legislator.

Iso said business of law making and oversight functions are onerous, praying that he needs divine guidance to discharge his responsibility for the betterment of the people of Calabar  Municipality. 

“You stand out as the unifying factor not only in your constituency but the Assembly and will ensure the  equitable distribution of the wealth of the LGA to all the wards.

“I hereby pledge my unalloyed support to you, and wish you God’s grace, protection and well being as you set forth in your first term,” he said.