By Our Correspondent
The Seventh Bakassi Legislative Assembly has begun its new legislative year with designated activities, including receiving a list of supervisory nominees and unveiling the standing committees for the 7th Legislative Assembly.
During a plenary session held at the council chambers on Friday, the Leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey, presented a letter from the Executive Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Okon. The letter contained the names of supervisory nominees for consideration, marking the first step in strengthening the local government administration.
In the same session, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey announced the formation of standing committees to oversee various aspects of governance in Bakassi LGA. The committees and their Chairpersons are as follows:
- Assembly Committee on Works/Environment – Hon. Ene Edet
- Assembly Committee on Education – Hon. Nkoyo Okon
- Assembly Committee on Health/NGO – Hon. Miriam Okon
- Assembly Committee on Culture and Tradition – Hon. Nsa Effiom
- Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports – Hon. Kenneth Orok
- Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation – Hon. Prince Mkpeti
- Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Mineral Resources – Hon. Joseph Orok
- Assembly Committee on Revenue Mobilization – Hon. Ita Nyoki
- Assembly Committee on Women Mobilization – Rt. Hon. Bassey Esoho
The 7th Assembly also deliberated on its first motion of the legislative year, which called on the Cross River State Government to assist in restoring electricity to Bakassi Local Government Area. The motion, sponsored by Hon. Ita Nyoki of Ward 5 and co-sponsored by Hon. Ene Edet of Ward 4, emphasized the need for stable electricity to improve the lives of residents and enhance economic activities.
The motion sparked discussions among councilors, with contributions from the Deputy Leader, Hon. Prince Mkpeti, and other members of the house. The assembly unanimously adopted the motion, signaling a united front in addressing critical infrastructural needs.
As part of its oversight functions, the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly conducted an investigative visit to the Ikang Motor Park following allegations of illegal structures within the premises. The Leader, Rt. Hon. Bassey, led the delegation, which included key members of the council. The investigation is ongoing, and the council has promised to provide updates to stakeholders.
In a demonstration of solidarity, the council paid visits to community members and leaders. Among those visited were Bassey Nathaniel (nee Papa Etilo), who has been unwell, and Hon. Stanley Edet, a community leader. They also extended condolences to the family of the late Mr. Ene Andem, husband of the former APC Women Leader for Ward 1.
The Leader of the Assembly conveyed the Chairman’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and explained his absence from the condolence visit.
Despite the busy schedule, the Assembly members were commended for their commitment to community engagement and legislative oversight. Residents expressed gratitude for the council’s efforts to address pressing issues and foster stronger ties with the community.
The 7th Bakassi Local Government Legislative Assembly (BLGLA) commenced its Legislative year on Monday 18th November 2024.