By Beatrice Akpala
As the nation waits with great anticipation and amidst the political horse trading, political calculations, inner schemes and jostling for the various leadership positions of the yet to be inaugurated 10th National Assembly, the elected representatives from Cross River State, have made their position known as to whom to support to clinch the various positions, when eventually the National Assembly is inaugurated in June, 2023.
The 10th National Assembly is unarguably the most anticipated Assembly in the history of Nigerian democracy.
The very intimidating calibre of those angling for the positions is already public knowledge and their top notch political pedigree, experience and personal credentials will come into close focus.
With the above anticipated scenario, every Nigerian expects to see viable and robust representation exhibited by their Representatives at all quarters and in effect, the performances of the representatives will definitely be called to question.
It has therefore become quite compelling and imperative for the elected representatives from Cross River State, to take a practical decision amongst themselves on their unapologetic positions as they manoeuvre through the rather complicated process of choosing or supporting whoever for the exalted leadership positions of the incoming National Assembly.
Conversely, their decision must not only be ably guided by the desire to continuously put Cross River State in national reckoning but to also elect those who would in the long run, be supportive of federal government programmes and projects in the state.
It was with this factors in mind that majority of the representatives from Cross River State irrespective of political party affiliations, have resolved that the party is supreme and they would continue to give their unalloyed loyalty and support to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The State National Assembly members pledged to be at the centre of decision making and reiterated the fact that Cross River State stands as the only State in the entire South‐South region that is ruled by the All Progressives Congress and majority of the law makers are of the ruling party.
In conformity with better reasoning therefore, they all resolved to continuously offer their unalloyed loyalty, solidarity and goodwill to the APC and its leader in the South ‐ South, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State.
In doing this, the returning and potential law makers from the State believe very strongly in the ability and leadership credentials as well as the possibility of a resounding victory of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, whom they all described as an astute and very experienced public service administrator cum suave political figure.
They reasoned and quite understandably too that his leadership of the National Assembly will surely reposition the 10th National Assembly and take it to a new and better height of legislative glory.
Equally, the Cross River State legislators are of the opinion that the supremacy of the party must come to play and since Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is of the ruling party, he will, in conjunction with his colleagues and the bearings of his political sagacity, bring in new ethics and ably transform the national legislative body to a towering pedestal.
The Cross River State House of Representatives elects also reiterated their preparedness to put up a workable and beneficial A Game to enable them to deliver on their mandate by making the good people of Cross River State see the benefits of their contributions in the National Assembly.
The various elected representatives reasoned that it was in the same National Assembly that some representatives from other States cooperated with each other regardless of party differences to draw many developmental projects to their States and that they are all first of all Cross Riverians before their respective political affiliations.
In unison and in deep appreciation of the fatherly roles and the effective leadership which enabled them to get elected, they all thanked His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State for providing them with the platform with which they are flourishing politically.
With the grounds set for an epic legislative session that would produce the leadership of the two Chambers of the National Assembly, all hopes are hinged on the outlook, performance and results that will emerge from Cross River State representatives at the 10th National Assembly.