The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, has committed the 10th Assembly to collaborate with Local Government Chairmen in the State for the development of grassroots initiatives.
During a meeting of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee with Council Chairpersons held at the Assembly’s Complex in Calabar, Ayambem urged them to focus on human capital development, good governance, and accountability while advising them to involve their Vice Chairpersons in the operations of their Councils. 
The Speaker emphasized that the State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Cross Riverians, including those living in rural areas, and called for the Chairmen’s support to realize the Governor’s ambitious plans. “Our governor is making significant efforts to better the State; he requires everyone’s assistance. You play an essential role in fulfilling the Governor’s ambitious objectives. Please operate a cohesive administration, engage your Vice Chairmen and other stakeholders, and guarantee a fair distribution of the appointments sanctioned for you by the Local Government Law.”
In his address, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Member representing Yala 1 State Constituency, Hon Odey Brian Wonah, stated that the meeting aimed to help the Lawmakers get acquainted with the LG Chairmen and provide them with guidance on regulations and proper conduct while in office.
Odey also congratulated the Chairmen on their recent electoral victories and encouraged them to perform their duties efficiently and effectively, noting that his committee would collaborate with them to promote accountability and transparency.
The lawmakers expressed their appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu for creating a conducive environment for the state’s progress. “I express gratitude to our Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for his good governance and for establishing an environment that allows all sectors to prosper. Governor Otu has accomplished much; security has significantly improved, allowing us to rest easy. In terms of infrastructure, he has made considerable progress, and in welfare, civil servants and pensioners are happy due to the consistent payment of salaries and pensions.”
Other lawmakers, including the Deputy Leader, Rt Hon Davies Etta (Abi), Hon Okon Owuna (Akamkpa 1), Hon Samuel Abang (Ikom 1), and Hon Linus Etim (Akamkpa 2), all encouraged the LG Chairmen to foster grassroots development, ensure accountability, transparency, enhance IGR, and adopt best practices while governing their Councils.
In his comments, the Auditor General for Local Government, Dr Oden Eni, highlighted the significance of efficient service delivery at the LG level. He reiterated the necessity for the Chairmen to maintain accurate accounting records and underscored the importance of adhering to audit laws, regulations, and circulars.
The Auditor General further instructed the Chairmen to regularly submit audit reports to his office to improve effective guidance and collaboration while advising them against taking loans.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow Chairmen, the Chairman of Yakurr, Hon Yibala Inyang, expressed gratitude to the Lawmakers and the Auditor General for their guidance and assured them that they would follow the provided instructions. He also pledged that the Chairmen would steer clear of actions that could endanger the synergy with the House.
