The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr Elvert Ayambem has again emphasised the need for the State Government to put in place a welfare package for past legislators.
Mr Ayambem gave the indication when the Assembly held a Valedictory Session in honour of its late former Member, Mrs Uduak Akiba who represented Calabar Municipality State Constituency between 2007 and 2015.
The Speaker expressed sadness over the death of Mrs Akiba and other past legislators, saying, “this is the 5th Valedictory Session in the 2 years of the 10th Assembly, it is very sad. Something needs to be done. The 10th Assembly will push for the welfare of former legislators.”
According to him, “I feel sad but encouraged by the massive turnout here to honour our late colleague. We did our best to assist whenever she called. Death is an inevitable end for all humans. She was outspoken and an astute lawmaker who served her people creditably.”
He condoled with the bereaved family and promised them financial assistance.
In a solemn tribute, former First Lady of the State, Mrs Obioma Imoke described the deceased as “loyal to the core” amongst other admirable attributes.
While thanking God for the “beautiful memories” she shared with the late legislator, Mrs lmoke expressed her sympathy to the bereaved family.
In her tribute, the former Senator who represented Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, stated that the deceased was her “very strong ally and a great lawmaker who identified with her people even after leaving office.”
She applauded the Assembly for organising the Valedictory session while encouraging her family to be consoled.
In another tribute, Senator Gershom Bassey, who also represented the Southern Senatorial District, described the late lawmaker as “powerful, fierce, honest, loyal, determined and a positive political leader.”
He admonished her family to uphold her legacies and strive to surpass her achievements.
Other political bigwigs including, Mr Alex Egbona, who represents Yakurr/Abi federal constituency, and the current Member representing Calabar Municipality, Mr Stanley Nsemo, in their separate tributes applauded the contributions of Mrs Uduak Akiba to the development of the State, condoled her family and prayed for a peaceful repose of her soul.
Earlier, the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs Catherine Ubi, in a citation, highlighted the achievements of the deceased while serving as a lawmaker including some of her bills, motions and Committees, describing her as a, “legislator par excellence”.
Members and other dignitaries in the Chamber filed past the casket to pay their last respect to their departed colleague.
