By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, Thursday, swore in Barr. Kate Ujong Ubi, as the first female Clerk of the State House of Assembly.
Giving charge to the new Clerk, the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, enjoined her to be fair and just in all her dealings in spite of all odds.
“If you don’t answer to a man, you surely will answer to God. It is always fair to be on the right path even though some actions might attract hatred, but at the end of the day, all parties will be happy that the right thing was done.
“I respect leadership that correct mistakes, hence any decision that is taken on wrong grounds, such situations need to be addressed and corrected.
“We are proud of you because even before you became a Clerk, you have been working assiduously to ensure you keep the tempo.
“Appointments are made by God not man. I know very well that you passed through some challenging times, but when God says yes, no one can say no,” the governor remarked.
Continuing, Otu commended the relationship that exists between the executive and the legislature in the state, maintaining that, most of the successes recorded within the short period of his administration, could be attributed to the synergy.
He also applauded the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for their bold and courageous actions in ensuring that the state secures its properties licences.
According to the governor, “this will enable the next generation come and enjoy some of the things that we will leave behind,” adding that, “Cross River is one family, all we want is to build a formidable state for the beauty of democracy to be enjoyed by all.”
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Owan Enoh, represented by the Permanent Secretary (Exco) Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, had informed that the beauty of democracy though vividly seen in the concept of separation of powers had never separated the three arms of government from coexisting.
He argued that such marriage between the three arms of government, offers the governor with the legal powers to appoint a Clerk for the State House of Assembly.
Responding, Ubi thanked God for his mercies as she assumes such an elevated position.
She also applauded the governor, Prince Bassey Otu for finding her worthy, even as she pledged to offer her best for the good of the Assembly and the state.
The event which took place at the Dan Archibong Lodge, a temporary office of the governor, was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, members of the executive and legislative councils as well as a former Clerk of the House, Ntufam John Achort Okon, among others.
