The Chairman of the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission, Ntufam Hon. Victor Okon, has welcomed the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and members of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly back from recess, describing the period as an important opportunity for lawmakers to reconnect with their constituents and gain firsthand insight into their concerns.
Okon congratulated the Speaker and Honourable members on the successful completion of the recess, saying their return to legislative duties would provide an opportunity to consolidate the experiences, feedback and perspectives gathered from their respective constituencies.
He said the recess was significant because it enabled lawmakers to step beyond the chambers and interface directly with the people they represent, relevant stakeholders and community leaders, adding that such engagements were essential to effective representation.
According to him, the interactions afforded members the opportunity to listen to constituents, assess developments in their areas and gather information that would enrich legislative deliberations and improve the quality of their contributions to the business of the House.
“The recess offers Honourable members real time to link up with relevant stakeholders in their constituencies, receive feedback and understand the concerns of their people. These interactions help them to return to legislative business with more information, renewed hope and energy,” he said.
The Chairman noted that constituency engagement during the recess also served as a platform for accountability, as lawmakers could explain their contributions to the development of their constituencies and demonstrate how they had represented the interests of their people on the floor of the House.
He urged the lawmakers to sustain the relationships established during the recess, stressing that effective representation required continuous engagement with constituents and a clear understanding of their aspirations.
Okon also commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for providing what he described as a peaceful atmosphere and adequate security across the state, saying these were essential for economic growth, development and the effective functioning of democratic institutions.
He said the Governor’s leadership had contributed to the stability of the state’s democratic gains and the culture of good governance since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The Chairman further urged members of the House to sustain their spirit of solidarity with Governor Otu, saying cooperation among the arms of government would create greater value for Cross Riverians and promote the overall development of the state.
He, however, stressed that such cooperation should operate within the constitutional framework, noting that mutual respect, institutional maturity and adherence to the principles of separation of powers remained essential to good governance.
Okon assured the Speaker and members of the Assembly of the continued commitment of the House of Assembly Service Commission to the existing cordial relationship with the legislature, pledging the Commission’s support for effective legislative administration.
He expressed confidence that the lawmakers’ return from recess would usher in renewed energy and fresh perspectives into legislative business as they continue to represent the interests and aspirations of the people of Cross River State.
By Iloke Egbe
