By, Atibile Williams.
In fulfilment of her constitutional duties, the Cross River state House of Assembly at Thursday plenary session in Calabar confirmed second batch of Commissioner nominees bringing the total number of successful candidates to 24 out of the 26 forwarded to the House for consideration by state Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu.
This follows report from House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution which vindicated confirmed nominees for meeting constitutional requirements deduced from rigorous questions and answers session with a view to determine their capacities.
The lawmakers expressed satisfaction with the integrity and qualifications of the confirmed nominees, commending Governor Otu for his wise selections to enhance the growth of Cross River State.
Recall that in his wisdom for effective interrogation and interface with prospective Commissioners, RT. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Assembly had expanded the scope of ratification by scheduling the confirmation exercise in three phases with the first batch of 11 candidates screened yesterday.
The newly confirmed nominees includes, Dr. Beatrice Igwe, Mr. Mike Odere, Hon. Patrick Egbede, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, Pastor Ekpeyong Cobham, Barr. Ijom Ukam, Barr. Mensah Bassey, Hon. Edama Erom, Bishop Margaret Ene Ita, Chief Francis Ekpeyong, Barr. Ededem Ani, Ntufam Emmanuel Anum and Hon. Ita.
However, Mrs. Gladys Eutemdala nomination from Yakurr local government area met rocky walls as she was declined on grounds of multiple petitions from civil society organizations against her candidature.
The Committee Chairman on Judiciary, Rt. Hon. Davis Etta had earlier informed the lawmakers of plethora of petitions from Concerned Yakurr Indigenes against her nomination.
Given that the 10th Assembly is people-centric, Mrs. Gladys Eutemdala’s appointment was not confirmed.
In response to their appointments, some of the confirmed nominees, including Dr. Beatrice Igwe and Prince Eka Williams, expressed their gratitude to Governor Otu for the privilege to serve the State and vowed to work diligently to enhance the State Executive Council’s effectiveness.
