[OPINION] ELVERT AYAMBEM: A LEGISLATOR TICKING THE RIGHT BOXES

The people of Nde-Ikom and Ikom Constituency II in Cross River State, Nigeria, have much to celebrate when their fellow citizen and representative, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, returns home. It is a moment of great pride and joy for the community, akin to the return of rain after a drought. The elders, youths, women, and children all join in the celebrations, basking in the aura of eventuality that saturates the ambience of this small community.

For some, this is a sign that the government is now closer than they had previously thought. For the elderly, it’s a beautiful sight to see a young man grow up to become a man. For the youths, it’s a moment of camaraderie and friendship, and a point of pride to share a common descent with someone of worth. For the women, it’s a chance to have someone to call on, lean on, and share in the joys of motherhood.

Ultimately, when a child does well, the entire community takes pride in their accomplishments. This is the essence of African communal parenting, responsibility, and pride.

In Nde-Ikom, Hon. Elvert Ayambem is more than just the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. He’s a beloved son who represents hope for a people who have had almost no significant government presence. He embodies the collective aspirations of his people and understands the sense of destiny that he carries with him.

It’s no surprise, then, that he returned home to commission his constituency office in his hometown. Despite the enormous responsibilities that come with leading one of the most proactive state assemblies in the nation, he has remained grounded and focused on serving his people. He has fearlessly emphasized the need for due process, getting the job done irrespective of whose ox is being gored.

Under his leadership, the Tenth Assembly passed the budget in record time after a week-long retreat of scrutiny. This was the first of its kind, and it set the tone for accountability in public service. The Assembly meticulously dealt with every item mentioned, questioned what needed to be questioned, and even requested heads of ministries to present themselves for the defence of their budgets.

The Assembly also rejected commissioner nominations that were queried by constituents on grounds of quiet and fairness, recommending replacements to His Excellency. The House of Assembly quarters and complex received an immediate facelift, and the staff welfare was prioritized. As a result, the staff of the state assembly are the most courteous you’ll find in the state civil service. This is all thanks to the multiple incentives, motivation, and leadership of Ayambem.

He has also shown a deep sense of empathy and intentionality in his actions. He journeyed to Lagos and took to the streets to find former Olympic gold medalists of Cross River origin. He brought one of them back home and persuaded the government to incorporate him into the state’s sports commission. Similarly, he was on the ground with the commissioner for humanitarian affairs to rescue an abandoned baby.

The ongoing recovery of government assets being led by the Tenth Assembly in Cross River state is a commendable effort that deserves recognition. Despite the challenges faced by politicians in the state, particularly in avoiding controversial actions to appease powerful individuals, the Speaker of the House has remained focused on his duty to the people of the state. His mantra of doing what is right, regardless of political correctness or personal interests, has earned him the respect of many.

Recently, there was a misunderstanding between the House of Assembly and the Executive, which resulted in a misguided attempt to create an appearance of a legislative fisticuff. However, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, refused to reinforce failure and stood his ground in the face of public ridicule. He remained committed to doing the right thing, as long as it was in the interest of the general public, before God, before the law, and before all right-thinking people. His refusal to bow to pressure helped to lead to the resolution of the issue in favour of the facts and the truth. This incident emphasised the synergy of purpose between the executive and the legislative arms of government and echoed a subtle message that there was no place for dirty dealing in the new dispensation.

The Speaker’s commitment to the people of Cross River state is evident in his decision to open a constituency office in Ikom Constituency II. He believes that this move will create a viable feedback system, open the doors of representation closer to the people, and assure the people of his constituency of his obligation to be part of governance. He understands that having a place to meet and discuss issues with members of the common demography will enable them to project their thoughts and resolve through him to the leadership of the state and on the floor of the Assembly.

Hon. Elvert Ayambem is not just committed to serving his constituency; he also understands his larger duty to the people of Cross River state. He reminds his people that they must share in the collective responsibility that is now upon them and support him in any way possible so as not to disappoint the yearnings of Cross Riverians. His humility of heart to lead not just from the front but to do so by example is evident in his action of commissioning his constituency office. This move has earned him more respect, and Cross Riverians now appreciate his modesty of purpose.

In conclusion, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has demonstrated his understanding of the ethos of his job, the sense of duty imposed on him, and the humility of heart to lead. His commitment to doing what is right and his focus on the interest of the general public have earned him the respect of many. As Cross Riverians, we can only hope and pray for his success and support him to remain resolute in the face of the enormous task of complimenting His Excellency, Sen. Prince People’s First Government.

Victor Egba
Writes from Calabar