Lawmakers Confirm nomination of Okon, 4 others as C’River Assembly Service Commission’s Chairman, commissioners

By Ene Ene, Calabar

Cross River State House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Victor Okon and four others as Chairman and Commissioners in the State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Those confirmed were; Victor Okon Chairman, Leonard Anyogor Commissioner 1, Mr Ayamba Akanya Asigbe Commissioner 2, Mrs Mary Eraye

Commissioner 3, and Mr Charles Okon Kutman Commissioner 4.

The Lawmakers considered the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution presented by its Chairman and Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Rt, Hon. Davies Etta.

According to Etta, the nominees were invited to appear before the Committee for screening on the 3rd and 6th of May, 2024, where they were “subjected to a rigorous question and answer session”.

The Lawmaker, Etta further stated that the Governor’s nominations were in compliance with section 3(1) of the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Law No. 6 of 2020 which states; “There shall be, appointment by the Governor, five(5) members to serve as Chairman and Members of the Commission who shall be confirmed by the House”

He added that the nominations were also in agreement with section 2 of the same law which provides that;

“The membership of the commission shall be drawn from the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State”

In his remarks, the Speaker of Cross River state house of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem said that the nominees were qualified and suitable for the appointment.

He commended the State Governor, Bassey Otu for spreading the appointments evenly across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

“The commission must have a symbiotic relationship with the House. The Commission is a creation of the House. We must be on the same wavelength. The Commission must not be characterised by high-handedness or conflict. We must work together so that the legislature will function optimally in the overall interest of the State. The 10th Assembly believes in Equity and the Governor ensured that the nominees were evenly spread”. Ayambem stated.

The Lawmakers including the Leader of the House, Francis Bassey Asuquo all applauded Governor Otu for following the provisions of the Assembly Service Commission Law and for nominating credible persons into the Commission.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the confirmation, the Chairman of the commission, Ntufam Victor Okon expressed gratitude to the Governor for his appointment and promised to carry out it’s assignment in the interest of the State at all times.