By CrossRiverWatch Admin
All is set for the inauguration of the 9th Cross River State House of Assembly as scheduled for 11 June, 2019 at the State House of Assembly Complex.
The tussle for the leadership of the 9th Assembly has also been on behind the scenes for weeks but, contrary to expectations that members will be allowed to vote for their leaders on Tuesday, CrossRiverWatch reliably gathered today (Sunday) that leaders of the ruling PDP in the state and the governor have agreed on how the leadership positions in the 9th Assembly should be shared.
As such, the Leader of the 8th Assembly and member representing Yakurr II State Constituency, Hon. Eteng Jones Williams, will become Speaker of the 9th Assembly.
The incumbent Deputy Speaker and member representing Calabar South State Constituency, Hon. Joseph Bassey will retain his position as Deputy Speaker in the 9th Assembly.
Hon. Peter Odinga Odey has been penciled as Leader of the 9th Assembly with Hon. Fred Osim, as Deputy Leader.
Hon. Ephraim Okon will be Chief Whip of the 9th Assembly while the only female member considered in the 9th Assembly leadership, Hon. Regina Anyogo, has been designated as Deputy Whip.
Our House of Assembly Correspondent reports that, this information has been communicated to members and the Tuesday inauguration formalities are only meant to adopt the list by voice vote.