Obasesam Okoi|25 November 2015|7:20am
Cross River intellectuals weigh in on the prevailing governance challenges in the state. Read and learn:
*Joe Oko Odey:
“The Hon's take themselves for granted by subserving their offices to the Executive so how do they expect to be treated honorably?”
*Wofai Ewa:
“When the Executive and Legislature respect each other's roles (not necessarily the individuals), governance becomes easier, so there is a need for the HoA to be carried along, if that has
not been the case. However, I must state that the manner in which
some members got into the house may affect the way the governor views their long term contributions, because I know for sure that quite a
chunk of the current members are lost and have virtually no idea why they are law-makers. How can
you even explain 2 law-makers granting an interview to CRW and 'requesting not to be mentioned'… WOW. Are these persons really worthy of the moniker 'Honourable Member', or are they just sissies in the business of law-making? This is
alarming…and a pointer as to possible reasons why the governor doesn't think their contribution is
worth anything. Very sad.
I think the leadership of the house needs to put things in place to ensure that the Executive takes them 'more' seriously, but in doing so, they have to rebrand and change the perception that the Executive may have, of them. I personally cannot understand the rationale for HoA members granting an interview and hiding their identities. It is sissy- like…and an extremely sad event.
*Joseph Odok:
“The obvious ineptitude of the state and hazy nature of its policies indicts the Cross River State House of Assembly. This is so because
the legislature ought to perform oversight functions that will keep the government in check and fine tune government policies.
The Ayade led government has shown lots of inconsistencies, lack of transparency, obvious show
of totalitarianism, lack of focused direction, unfulfilled promises based on unrealizable and faulty
economic policies etc. Yet these have got the full assent of the CRSHA making the legislators more of less accomplices and rubber stamps.” It is a truism that Ayade has good intentions for the state but lack the expertise to drive his dreams due to wrong assumption, unrealizable dreams, avoidance of due process, lack of diligence and
approach to government without adequate consultation etc. Being superficial, the governor prefers using amateur praise singers and evade expert.
A look into the policy of the governor of Cross River State shows lots of loopholes. The policy of a large EXCO in a state ridden in debt with collapsing internal structures indicts the CRSHA. The fact that the legislature passed the bill for the addition of 12 more ministries, thereby over bloating the ministries to 28 defines the Cross River State legislators as a mere rubber stamp. An independent legislator would have resisted this move based on economic realities and the huge debt burden of the state.”
*Emmanuel Etim:
“It looks to me this is borne of poor communication between the office of the Aide to the Governor on Events and the chairman of the House Committee on Events and Tourism. Both must then seek to create a more sustainable avenue of
communication in working.”
*Ifere Paul:
“The governor is not communicating his ideas and ideals to the House. He does so only
when he thinks it's necessary.”
*Missang Oyama:
“Why won't the State House of Assembly be taken for granted when Speaker John Gaul told the world that his loyalty to Ben Ayade is absolute…To stop attending State functions will be the least of Gov Ayade's worries.
Truth be told, the leadership of the CRSHA is too weak for the House to assert itself as a legislative arm of
government with checks and balances on the Executive arm. Speaker John Gaul Lebo sold the
legislature too cheap and the aftermath of that sale is what is playing out today as the House has
become a rubber-stamp legislative arm of government. If they are truly angry, the starting point to restore the dignity of the House is to
engage the governor intellectually with the 2016 Appropriation Bill (Budget). Let them clearly show
him that the key assumptions of the budget are faulty and as such, the budget is unrealistic.
If the representatives of the people have become voiceless and timid, then the people are in real trouble”. …Obviously, members of CRSHA are
disenchanted with the style of the governor for treated them with disdain and my humble submission is that the starting point to regain their pride of place or dignity as an independent arm of government is the 2016 Appropriation Bill(Budget). The budget proposal is in the public domain and the key assumptions of the budget are very clear for some of us to see. I won't preempt the CRSHA but I'm waiting for the House to thinker with it and pass
it into law in whatever manner they so desire. Then I'll express my position(professionally) elaborately
in writing. We are concern about our state as stakeholders and we are working for the common good. At the moment the budget is still a mere proposal. So, we are watching and waiting."
*Princewill Odidi:
“Actually when I read that comment from John Gaul Lebo on absolute loyalty to Ayade, it made me very uncomfortable. How then would he able to vet bills or disagree with the Governor on matters of policy when loyalty is absolute. Let me just assume that they are all learning the legislative process. However, that comment was bad thirst…
Well in my judgement, I am looking forward on how the House would engage Ayade's budget. Will they discuss it or merely approve it. Will they question the high capital and infrastructural components, sources of the loans, long term implications on our debt profile, or will they simply approve it. That's what will determine my assessment of the house of Assembly."
Obasesam Okoi
Is a Cross River-born Canadian-based University Don
