Cross River House Speaker harps on leaving behind good legacy at valedictory session for late lawmaker
Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly has emphasized the importance of parents leaving a good name for their children.
He made the remark during the valedictory session held in honor of the late Rt. Hon. Effiom Etim Okon who passed on April 21, 2024. Ayambem highlighted the values of peace, forgiveness, love, and faith in God.
“Every day you live, you are writing your history, whether positive or negative. Forgive anyone that offends you because you don’t know when the call of death will come. The life we live is borrowed; it is not designed by us. The question is, what legacy will you leave behind for your children?” he stated.
He assured the bereaved family of his support and called for sober reflection and forgiveness. “The moment calls for a sober reflection. The deceased was very eloquent in his days as a Legislator but today he is gone. As we all leave here today, let us forgive whomever we are carrying in our hearts. Tender apologies to even those who hurt you.”
A citation read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Barr. Catherine Ubi, underlined the achievements of the late lawmaker, who represented Akpabuyo State Constituency concurrently on the People’s Democratic Party ticket from 2007 to 2011, and 2011 to 2015.
During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Public Utilities, Land and Survey, and House Services Committee, and was a member of several other committees. He sponsored a Private Member Bill and moved several motions.
Both past and present legislators paid glowing tributes to their late colleague, describing him as a humble man, an astute lawmaker, a good family man, a grassroot politician, a good leader, and a community man.
Hon. Bassey Bassey, the member representing Akpabuyo State Constituency currently, eulogized the deceased as “a determined, principled, and disciplined man” who died in his prime. He added that while the late lawmaker may not have left riches behind, he left a good name.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
