By Fortune Erim, Glory Odey And Winifred Michael
To assist the early passing of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) Amendment Bill 2024, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has praised the Honorable Members for their unflinching dedication to duty.
At the House session, the legislators discussed the Principal Law in detail and made numerous amendments to bring it into compliance with modern times and simplify the process of running for an office.
The Speaker, Elvert Ayambem underscores the importance of the amendment in accelerating the holding of local government elections. He noted that the updated legislation also aims to prevent excessive exaggeration and guarantee that elections are held in a transparent and equitable manner for candidates of all parties.
One of the most significant changes is that the new requirement is that the campaign period for local government elections must not exceed 90 days, nor fall below 30 days.
Additionally, the new law’s Section 20 A(1) requires that “all registered political parties intending to hold congresses or primaries for nominating candidates for any elective office in the Local Government Council give the Commission at least 21 days’ notice in writing to attend and monitor such events.”
It adds that: “A candidate for the office of Chairman shall be deemed duly elected if they are the only candidate nominated and have secured a majority of YES votes, with not less than one-third of the YES votes cast in at least two-thirds of all wards in the Local Government Area.”
According to an amendment made to Section 29 of the Principal Law. A new nomination procedure will be held if the sole candidate is not elected in accordance with these guidelines.
Members complimented Governor Otu in separate remarks for his dedication to holding the local government elections.
In another development, the House Minority Leader of the Assembly, Honorable Samuel Abang representing Ikom 1 State Constituency, has urged the government of the State to invite and probe the Chinese company responsible for the destruction of the forest reserve that runs from the Okuni Community of Ikom to Akamkpa LGA up to the State House of Assembly for an investigation.
In addition to the company’s continued anonymity, Hon. Neji Abang stated that the company has declined to divulge its operational strategy or to collaborate with the local communities.
The House in its unanimous decision supported the motion raised and expressed displeasure how Chinese companies encroach into Cross River forest.
To properly investigate the Chinese company’s activities in Okuni community and other affected communities for identification and to provide documents guiding their operations in the State, some Members who raised the issue of urgent public importance advised that a special committee be formed.
As the House set to conduct a comprehensive investigation, Hon. Neji Abang held that the Chinese Company’s operations be suspended till after investigation. He sought an explanation be given by the Forestry Commission, the Okuni Chiefs, and the Youth Leaders.