PLATEAU State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Chairman of Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly (COFSSHA) has led over 40 former Speakers from across the country to Calabar, the Cross River State capital to honour their late colleague, Rt. Hon. Mike Ogar who presided over the Cross River State Assembly between 2000-2003.
Among those in attendance were former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transport Rt. Hon. Rotimi Ameachi, Former Governor of Cross River Donald Duke, and current Governor Ben Ayade, some National Assembly members among others, said a statement.
Governor Lalong while paying tribute to the former Speaker described him as a man of peace and a political colossus who contributed immensely to the development of his State and the nation at large.
“As a legislator, the deceased fought hard for the independence of the legislature and did a lot to initiate and consistently advocate for the autonomy that has today come into reality” the Chairman said.
He said during the struggle for Autonomy, many of the former Speakers lost their seats and suffered personal damages and prosecution with others including himself unjustly detained on various occasions.
“Today, the labour of people like the late Mike Ogar have yielded fruits as Autonomy has finally become a reality in the country, especially after some of them emerged as Governors as well as other leaders at various levels of the nation’s political echelon to finish the process”.
Lalong used the opportunity to clear the air on happenings at the Plateau State House of Assembly which he said is a purely a legislative matter that should not be put on his neck or the Executive by politicians who want to benefit from the situation by associating with it at all costs.
Lalong reiterated that autonomy is for the growth of the legislative institution and democracy, not for the presiding officers to corner resources for themselves.
He warned that the Assemblies which have already started enjoying it must operate within the law so as to encourage other States who are yet to implement the law to do so.
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State said the former Speaker Mike Ogar was a man of immense humility and patience who never took his representation in Government for granted. He took very seriously the mandate of his people and served them with honesty, diligence and integrity.
While urging, family, constituents, and the entire people of Cross River to be comforted by the testimony of the late Mike Ogar, he urged them to work hard and sustain his legacies which remain very visible and strong.
Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi also spoke glowingly about the deceased who he said was dogged intelligent and refined in his conduct both in and out of the chambers. He did a lot to stabilise the Legislative arm of Government and give it credibility.
Amaechi said the demise of the late Speaker creates a vacuum in the political scene in Cross River State and the nation as a whole. The onus according to the former Rivers Speaker and first Chairman of the Conference of Former Speakers, lies with the members still living to do their best to improve democracy in the country.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke said the late Mike Ogar was a team player who assisted in resolving many issues of governance in the legislature, and ensured that there was less friction between the arms of Government. Many bills were also passed while reforms were initiated to strengthen the institution.
Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly Rt. Hon. William Eteng who presided over the valedictory session said the Cross River House of Assembly was honoured to have the former Speakers, Governors and legislators to pay last respects to their senior colleague.
The former Speakers from Plateau State who accompanied Governor Lalong to the event include Isa Chungwom Song, George Daika, Emmanuel Goar, Istifanus Mwansat, Mike Dapianlong, John Clark Dabwan, Titus Alams, Peter Azi and Joshua Madaki.
After the valedictory session, the former Speakers paid a courtesy visit on Governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade at the Government House Calabar.
