A break down on the happenings at the Cross River 10th Assembly
By Klem Ikoi, 26th June 2024
In a recent interview with Beatrice Akpala, Hon. Elvert Ayambem candidly discussed the complexities of the political landscape in Cross River State, focusing on loyalty and misinformation, and reiterated his unwavering support for Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
“They allowed themselves to be controlled by manipulative individuals. Until we break free from those shackles, we won\’t progress. People report things on social media without knowing the facts. Many things have been written about me, and I often laugh at them. No one has requested an interview with me. Ask any of those bloggers if they have ever sat down with me,” Ayambem remarked.
YOU MUST READ: REFERENCE: I AM THE GOVERNOR’S CHOICE TO SUCCEED FORMER SPEAKER AYAMBEM, HON. CY DECLARES.
Despite the challenges, Ayambem takes comfort in the loyalty to Governor Otu. “My greatest joy is that, despite everything, they pledge allegiance to the governor. My priority as the leader of the legislature is to provide optimal support to Governor Otu in achieving his goals for Cross River State. If anyone claims there\’s no external interference in the Cross River State House of Assembly, I can assure you otherwise,” he stated.
ALSO READ: Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem replies to Impeachment report.
Ayambem also shared his newfound awareness of the Assembly’s dynamics. “God wanted me to see what I had previously overlooked. Now, I understand the true supporters and those easily manipulated financially. This early revelation, within the first year, shows that the Assembly\’s journey is just beginning.”
He praised Governor Otu\’s commitment to fulfilling statutory payments. “The governor has been prompt and faithful in fulfilling all statutory payments to the Assembly. If any member claims otherwise, they are entirely on their own. The governor has been 100% faithful and gracious in his responsibilities,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the Cross River 10th Assembly, Ayambem highlighted the governor\’s generosity. “In the 9th Assembly, it took us three years to receive our entitlements. Beatrice, imagine how you would feel if a governor, who inherited virtually nothing upon assuming office, managed to buy nearly 500 vehicles to support the workforce of Cross River State. Despite this, he graciously provided 30 cars to the House of Assembly,” he stated.
Ayambem expressed disappointment at some Assembly members\’ ungratefulness. “When commissioners were appointed, they had no official cars. Shortly after, a team of House members came to me, asking the governor for official cars within a month. I was appalled. The governor had just given us cars, and we hadn\’t even thanked him. Yet, they wanted to request new vehicles, specifically Prado SUVs, at a time when the dollar had risen to 1,800 naira, making each Prado Jeep cost 120 million naira. They expected me to ask the governor to spend almost 2.5 billion naira on another set of cars after he had already provided us vehicles worth 48 million naira each.”
He contrasted the current administration\’s generosity with the previous one. “Under the previous administration, we received manual cars that required rolling down the windows manually. I had to upgrade my car for 2 million naira to have automatic windows, and other members did the same. Those vehicles were worth less than 15 million naira each. In contrast, the trucks we drive now are worth 48 million naira each, and the governor didn\’t dictate our choices. He asked us to choose the cars we wanted, and he paid for them without hesitation.”
Ayambem also highlighted the governor\’s provision of land. “The most frustrating part is that the governor gave us parcels of land in Summit Hill, a prestigious area where a plot is worth 25 million naira. In the previous administration, no Assembly member received any land. Yet, despite this incredible gift, some members still approached me, asking the governor for 50 million naira each to start building on the land. They hadn\’t even thanked him for the land he graciously provided. In contrast, as the Cross River 10th Assembly, we were given non-existent land in 8 miles.”
Continuing his candid discussion, Ayambem revealed more about the internal challenges and conspiracies within the Cross River State House of Assembly. “We received cars, land, and our entitlements within one year. Yet, one member had the audacity to tell me, \’You think you\’re the governor\’s protective shield; we must remove you to reach the governor. We\’ll cause embarrassment to make him spend money.\’ This conspiracy in the state assembly goes beyond me, Elvert Ayambem. It\’s a deliberate attempt to make Cross River State ungovernable.”
Recounting his election as Speaker, Ayambem said, “When the governor asked us to vote among ourselves for a Speaker, we had five candidates. Several members voted for themselves, making a total of five candidates including me. Does that show anyone had the governor\’s interest at heart? If I resign today and someone else takes over, within three months, another vendetta will emerge.”
He emphasized the proper procedures for resolving conflicts. “We have the governor, the deputy governor whose first constituency is the House of Assembly, the Chief of Staff, the governor\’s wife who is everyone\’s friend, and the party chairman. If there was any issue in the House, like maladministration or misappropriation of funds, one could approach these officials. Only if all these avenues fail should drastic measures like impeachment be considered. But in this case, they skipped all these steps and went straight to pronouncing impeachment.”
At this point, interviewer Beatrice Akpala advised Ayambem to be careful and stay focused. He responded with a parable, “They say \’once bitten, twice shy.\’ Even those causing trouble are now cautious because they know that opportunity won\’t come again. As Speaker, I am committed to preventing such negative occurrences from happening again, especially under the leadership of Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu. I am doing everything within my power to maintain good relations with my fellow Assembly members and not be vindictive. I treat everyone as brothers in the Assembly, but I will not allow anyone to trample over me because true leaders are not weak.”
Hon. Ayambem’s remarks underscore his dedication to maintaining stability and order in the Assembly, despite facing significant internal opposition and conspiracy.
