As the fight over who should emerge Senate President of the upper chamber of of the National Assembly intensified, with the supporters of the gladiators making propaganda on why candidates of thier choice should emerged as senate President.
The scenario is also replicated across the 36 states of the federation, with supporters of each Political gladiator canvassing for support from House of Assembly members elect to ensure that they vote for the emergence of thier candidates whom they prefer to occupy the seat of House Speaker.
In Cross River State,one of the politicians who is likely to emerge as House of Assembly Speaker is Rt. honorable Elvert Ayambem, ranking law maker and member representing Ikom two state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly.
His meekness, popularity and closeness with other house members places him on advantage, given the fact that he is conversant with the house intrigues and strategies to be applied in piloting affairs of the Assembly.
A legislative staff with the Cross River State House of Assembly, John (surname witheld), stated that Elvert would be an asset to the house, given his peaceful and friendly disposition and his deep sense of humour and better human relations which he has with other legislative members and staff of the assembly.
One of the assembly men who spoke in anonymity stated that with Ayambem, the house will witness stability, especially now that a new administiion is going to be Inaugurated.
“Going by the zoning principle where the speakership position has been zoned to the central Ayambem is said to be on advantage”. The lawmaker maintained.
Reacting to the issue in a telephone conversation with LEADERSHIP On Wednesday, they lawmaker representing Ikom two state constituency Rt. Hon Elvert Ayambem stated, “I am the due for the speaker position. It’s my turn to assume the position of the speaker in 10th Assembly.
When asked if he is not afraid to face another top contender in the speakership race, Rt. Hon Hillary Bissong also an APC member with Ayambem. Ayambem asked, Why would I be afraid. Am not afraid of any candidate. I’m the right person for the position.”.
The Policy Administration graduate averred that for the fact that the Boki man is the one to occupy the seat of Ikom/ Boki federal constituency once the National Assembly is Inaugurated, it won’t augur well for another Boki son to occupy the seat of speakership, claiming it’s the turn of Ikom son where Elvert hails from to occupy the speakership position.
“There is never a time in the history of politics in the area when two opportunities are presented before the people of Ikom/Boki federal constituency and you see any Boki son desire to two away the two opportunities alone.
“What my contender is trying to do is alien to the people of Ikom/Boki federal constituency. His personal ambition shouldn’t mar the peace that we had enjoyed”. Ayambem stated.
On the preference for a speakership position, as far as Cross River State Assembly Speakership position is concerned, close ally to the governor-elect said,who spoke in anonymity stated, “As it stance any one telling you that he is a prefered candidate of Senator Otu, in the speakership race is might be lying.
“ Otu is one man who would prefer the house members to choose whoever they prefer to preside over affairs of the house.”The source stated.
The source maintained that even though Rt. Hon. Bissong (son to current Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar) who is current deputy majority leader in the Cross River State House of Assembly is assumed in most quarters as prefered candidate to the outgoing governor, is no quarantee for automatic emergence as House Speaker.
