By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elbert Ayanbem, has appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to release funds to rehabilitate the dilapidated Assembly complex and lawmakers’ quarters, saying many legislators no longer live in their official residences because of their poor condition.
Ayanbem made the appeal on Wednesday during the presentation of the state’s N987 billion 2027 budget by the governor.
He lamented the condition of the Assembly complex, saying it required urgent attention, and urged the governor to release funds for its rehabilitation.
The Speaker also raised concerns over the state of the Parliamentary Village in Calabar, where the state’s 25 lawmakers are allocated official residences.
He said many of the legislators no longer lived in the quarters because of their poor condition, and called for their comprehensive renovation to make them habitable.
“On an auspicious day such as this, we seize this opportunity to appeal to our dear governor to assist us with funds to fix this Assembly, which is in a poor state.
“We also appeal that he release funds to enable the Parliamentary Village to be renovated so that legislators can live there comfortably,” Ayanbem said.
The Speaker further appealed for financial support to enable lawmakers to attend international conferences, seminars and legislative workshops to keep abreast of global legislative practices and standards.
Responding, Otu said work had commenced at the Parliamentary Village, adding that his administration remained committed to supporting quality legislative output.
