By KAO Etta
The member representing Ikom II State Constituency in the State House of Assembly and leading contender for the speakership position, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has promised an all-inclusive leadership of the legislature if he is eventually elected speaker of the 10th Assembly.
Rt. Hon. Ayambem, who gave the assurance while fielding questions from journalists, recently, in Calabar, said he envisages an "egalitarian legislature," should he prevail in his bid to be their speaker, "where all lawmakers would be carried along in the scheme of things of the Assembly."
When asked about the tremendous good will he enjoys from political stakeholders, and colleagues in the assembly which has placed him as favourite for the speakership position, the lawmaker responded: "I have always been open-minded and opened to learning. I never allow circumstances to becloud my sense of judgment. I have also contributed meaningfully to legislations with direct bearings to the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens. My humble min and receptive disposition have endeared me to all my colleagues, both ranking and first-time members, leaders of my party, as well as other political stakeholders in the State. I have extensively interfaced with my colleagues and stakeholders, sold my speakership blueprints to them, and sought their support, which a vast majority of them avowedly given me."
"God-willing, when I become speaker, allotment of Committees' leadership would be devoid of party inclinations. Finding common grounds for the best and collective interest of the State will be the hallmark of the legislature under my watch," the Ikom II representative reiterated.
On the ranking member question, Ayambem "the whole arguments about tenures are misconstrued," pointing out that "more than a term in the Assembly qualifies one as a ranking member and fit for leadership of the House."
He cited instances where Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, now Deputy Governor, became Leader of the House ahead of Rt. Hon. Okon Ephraim, who was his senior in terms of tenure in office. He also stated that if Senator Goodwill Akpabio eventually becomes Senate President, he will be leading senators who are also older than him in terms of tenure in office. He said the above references put to bed the unsubstantial argument on tenure seniority and ranking members of the Assembly.
He argued that while the House of Assembly speaker position has been zoned to the central district of the State, it is politically correct for only Etung and Ikom to jostle for the position. He noted that other constituencies in the central all hold key positions in the state or federal government. He, however, narrated further that with elected lawmakers from the aforementioned areas, except Ikom II, in the 10th Assembly, all first timers, thereby making him the best man for the job.
On the contention for the speaker position by the representative of Boki II, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, Ayambem quipped that Boki was already loaded with people in political and other leadership positions in the State and country, insisting that Boki II quest for speakership is tantamount to "asking for too much."
He promised to extend an olive branch to his contenders when he eventually becomes speaker, noting that they are all "critical to the legislative advancement of lawmaking."
The Ikom-born politician ended his session with the assurance that the legislature under him will foster effective cooperation with the Senator Bassey Otu-led administration and the judiciary for the State to move to greater heights.