The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has reaffirmed his commitment to impactful governance as Governor Bassey Edet Otu signed three pivotal bills into law on Monday.
The newly enacted laws: the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law 2025, Senior Citizens Centre Law 2025, and Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025, mark a significant advancement in infrastructure development, elderly welfare, and internal revenue generation.
Speaker Ayambem noted that the revised Road Maintenance Law introduces a strategic financing model, ensuring a 4% monthly deduction from local government federal allocations to guarantee regular road repairs.
The Senior Citizens Centre Law will establish a central facility in Calabar and support centers across all 18 LGAs to cater to vulnerable elderly populations, including retirees and widows.
Addressing the Lotteries and Gaming Law, Ayambem emphasized its alignment with a recent Supreme Court ruling, enabling states to regulate gaming. The law introduces a 12-part, 102-section framework to promote transparency and responsible gaming while boosting state revenues.
“These laws address real issues facing our people—economic development, elderly care, and road infrastructure,” Ayambem said, applauding his colleagues for their unified legislative efforts.
Governor Otu praised the Assembly’s proactive governance and hailed Speaker Ayambem as “a stabilizing force and dependable partner.” He emphasized the direct benefits these laws will bring to Cross Riverians, especially rural and elderly communities.
“As we mark nearly two years in office, these transformative laws underscore our unwavering commitment to the ‘People First’ agenda,” the Governor stated.
