By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent
The Cross River State House of Assembly has prayed the State Government to wade into the situation of the 1990s Olympic gold medalist – Mr. Bassey Effiom pathetic situation.
Bassey, who hails from Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the State won a gold medal in weight lifting during the 1991 Olympics is said to have become a destitute in the streets of Lagos.
Cross River Assembly in a plenary held on Tuesday 29 August, 2023 in a matter of urgent public interest laid before the House by the member representing Abi State Constituency, Hon. Davis Etta noted that the gold medalist who once gave Cross Riverians joy is now aged and roaming the cold streets.
“That the Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian and Social Welfare as a matter of urgency constitute a team charged with the relocation and rehabilitation of Mr. Bassey Effiom Ironbar.
“That the Minister of Sport Development be communicated in this regard that he may provide palliative measures to ameliorate the condition of Mr. Bassey Effiom.”
The House Speaker Honorable Elvert Ayambem said “Mr. Bassey is almost bedridden, probably from the weight lifting,” assuring the House will go in search of him.
The Lawmakers urged Sen. Prince Bassey Otu to intervene and his government should not wait for him to die before rendering support to nurse him back to good health.