The Chairman of the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon, has congratulated members of the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council and Cross River State Consultative Forum on their inaugural formal meeting, describing the gathering as a significant step towards strengthening unity, stability and inclusive development in the state.
The meeting, held at Mary Ekpiken Hall, Channel View Hotel, Calabar, brought together more than 200 eminent Cross Riverians drawn from the three senatorial districts. It was chaired by former Governor of the state, Chief Clement Ebri, CON, with Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo serving as Chairman of the Consultative Forum and Dr. Ochim Julius Okputu as Secretary.
The forum deliberated on critical issues affecting the state and agreed on terms of reference designed to provide a strategic operational framework for the enlarged body. Reacting to the outcome, Okon expressed excitement over the composition of the Council, noting that its membership comprised men and women with proven track records and extensive experience in public and private life.
According to him, “The fact that these eminent Cross Riverians came together in such numbers is an indication that they are willing to continue contributing their experience, wisdom and support to the development of our dear state.” He described the Council and Consultative Forum as critical components of the state’s development architecture.
Okon said, “The place of the Elders Advisory Council and Consultative Forum in the matrix of state development is like pillars in a building and the backbone in human life. They provide stability, inclusiveness and people-centred perspectives that can strengthen policies and programmes of government.”
He commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for approving the constitution of the Elders Advisory Council and Consultative Forum, saying the initiative had created an avenue for experienced Cross Riverians to add value to governance and public service. He also expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief Clement Ebri, describing him as a leader with the wisdom and capacity to coordinate the Council and Forum effectively.
The Commission Chairman also acknowledged the contribution of the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, whom he said had provided critical support towards ensuring the smooth operation of the forum. “The Governor has a dependable Chief of Staff who knows his job and is serving with humility,” Okon said.
Commenting on the eight-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Okon described it as “the best position taken by the Council,” saying it provided a clear direction for the body and would contribute significantly to reducing conflicts and promoting political stability in the state.
He added that the advisory structure would enable the Governor to continue consulting with the Council and Forum on matters affecting Cross River State, including issues of national significance. According to him, the collective wisdom of the elders would help strengthen the state’s position on important matters and promote unity across political and senatorial divides.
On the Council’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Otu for second terms, Okon said both leaders had performed exceptionally well and deserved the opportunity to consolidate their achievements. He described Governor Otu as “the answer to the quest for meaningful development in Cross River State,” adding that there was no alternative to continuity under the Governor.
“There is no option and there is no vacancy in Government House,” Okon declared, expressing confidence that the endorsement reflected the Council’s assessment of the Governor’s performance and its understanding of the aspirations and challenges confronting Cross Riverians.
The inaugural meeting and the resolutions reached, he said, demonstrated that the elders remained committed to providing responsible counsel and supporting initiatives capable of advancing peace, development and political stability in Cross River State.
