By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondence
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has emphasized the importance of parents leaving a good name for their children.
He made the assertion during the valedictory session held in honor of the late Rt. Hon. Effiom Etim Okon, who passed away on April 21, 2024. Ayambem highlighted the values of peace, forgiveness, love, and faith in God.
“Every day you live, you are writing your history, whether positive or negative. Forgive anyone that offends you because you don’t know when the call of death will come. The life we live is borrowed; it is not designed by us. The question is, what legacy will you leave behind for your children?” he stated.
Ayambem assured the bereaved family of his support and called for sober reflection and forgiveness. “The moment calls for a sober reflection. The deceased was very eloquent in his days as a Legislator but today he is gone. As we all leave here today, let us forgive whomever we are carrying in our hearts. Tender apologies to even those who hurt you,” he urged.
A citation read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Barr. Catherine Ubi, underlined the achievements of the late lawmaker, who represented the Akpabuyo State Constituency under the People’s Democratic Party from 2007 to 2011, and again from 2011 to 2015.
During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Public Utilities, Land and Survey, and House Services Committee, and was a member of several other committees. He sponsored a Private Member Bill and moved several motions.
The both past and present legislators paid glowing tributes to their late colleagues, describing him as a humble man, an astute lawmaker, a good family man, a grassroots politician, a good leader, and a community man.
Hon. Bassey Bassey, the current Member representing Akpabuyo State Constituency, eulogized the deceased as “a determined, principled, and disciplined man” who died in his prime. The Lawmaker added that while the late Rt. Hon. Okon may not have left riches behind, he left a good name.