Earlier today, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, was greeted with joyful appreciation by Cross Riverians. The expression of gratitude was in response to his recent actions taken on their behalf against the unfavorable nomination of Asu Okang as the Cross River State NDDC Rep.
It’s worth noting that on August 29, 2023, the President of Nigeria approved the appointment of Hon. Asu Okang as the NDDC Rep for Cross River State.
The entire Cross River State was taken by surprise and immediately took to the streets in a lawful protest against the nomination of Asu Okang, along with other representatives, which was made public by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
The Speaker, who had previously met with the group of protesters, urged them to stay calm and law-abiding while remaining loyal to the president’s leadership, as he was their only hope for reviewing the appointment in the interest of the APC. He also promised to do everything in his power to ensure that the President worked with the Governor of Cross River State, Sen Prince Bassey Otu, to address the concerns of the people.
Today, the protesters returned to express their gratitude to the Speaker, as the previously nominated name was replaced with Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke.
The Speaker, together with the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, thanked the protesters for their patience and resilience. They also expressed appreciation to President Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for responding to the voices of the people of Cross River State promptly.