By Abasi Ita
Barring last minutes of horse-trading and intrigues synonymous with political maneuverings, Hon Elvert Ayambem representing Ikom 11 state constituency is likely to emerge as the Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly
The quest for the plump office has been a two-horse race between the duo of Hilary Bisong, a third-timer from Boki, and Elvert Ayambem, who is equally a ranking member.
Investigations by Summit Post revealed that the unanimous resolutions adopted after a crucial meeting of the APC stakeholders Monday evening tipped the scale in favour of Elvert as major players and the ruling party hierarchy unanimously opted for Elvert as the consensus candidates for the speakership of the 10th Assembly.
The 10th Assembly is billed for inauguration today June 13 following the issuance of a proclamation to that effect by Governor Bassey Otu
Preliminary reasons advanced for the choice of Hon. Elvert revolve around equitable power-sharing dynamics intended to galvanize support from every part of the state to ensure the stability of the government.
That apart, a party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity stressed that Boki, where Hilary hails from is already saturated with juicy political offices.
Such political offices cornered by Boki include the House of Representatives slot for Ikom Boki Federal Constituency occupied by Hon Victor Abang as well as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Otu in the person of Otu Abang.
Further findings indicate that other lawmakers pencil down for other leadership portfolios in the 10th Assembly during the special meeting of the top echelon of the APC in the state includes, Sylvester Agabi, Deputy Leader, Francis Asuquo, Majority Leader, Davis Etta, Deputy Majority Leader, Hilary Bisong designated as Chief Whip while Linus Bassey is expected to function as Deputy Chief Whip
Meanwhile, there are glaring indications that members of the opposition PDP are disposed to support the choice of the APC for the leadership of the House even as Rita Ayim representing Ogoja has been selected for the role of Minority Leader.
On his vision for the 10th Assembly, Hon Elvert Ayambem posited that’ “if I am finally inaugurated, I would be a speaker for all Cross Riverian. The. House would cooperate with the government of the day”