By Abasi Ita
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River state has stated the readiness of his administration to work with lawmakers at both state and federal levels irrespective of political parties affiliations in order to guarantee attainment of common goals for the betterment of Cross River State.
Senator Otu dropped the hint on Saturday during a civic reception to mark the formal inauguration of the House of Representatives member for Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Federal Constituency,Rt. Hon Joseph Bassey as member of the 10th National Assembly.
He implored Rt Hon Joseph Bassey to build bridges on the floor of the House in order to attract basic projects needed to address the peculiar plight of the federal constituency.
The Governor,a former two times House of Representatives member and Senator Cross River South, charged the Reps Member to work assiduously towards tackling the glaring needs of his contituents in order to justify the mandate he has been entrusted with.
Otu, who noted that the popularity of the federal lawmaker showcase him as a”man of the people” announced a personal donation of N5million support of an educational assistance initiative by the Lawmaker to 30 secondary and primary schools within the constituency
Otu expressed dismay over the perennial break down of law and order in Akpabuyo resulting from rival cult clashes warning that further security threat to lives and property would be met with the stiff arms of the law
Speaking, the House of Representatives Member, Rt Hon Joseph Bassey expressed appreciation to the people for the massive support he got at the polls across political party divide.
According to him”the overwhelming support I got during the election reflect your trust and confidence in my ability to usher in federal government presence in our localities through projects capable of stimulating socio economic development. By God’s grace,I won’t let you down”‘
He condemned in strong terms the recent destruction of lives and property in Akpabuyo attributed to supremacy battle between rival cult groups urging youths in the Akpabuyo “to give peace a chance in order to guarantee development of the area”
Rt Hon Bassey,who is a former Deputy Speaker in the Cross River 9th Assembly announced a donation of N20million for payment of NECO and Common Entrance Examination fees for indignant students selected from 30 public primary and secondary schools across the area stressing that “the gesture is intended to curtail school drop out while encouraging academic excellence used as a criteria in selecting beneficiaries”
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor,Rt Hon Peter Odey,House of Assembly members, APC bigwigs as well as royal fathers.