A leader, they say, is not just he who pontificates or recites worthless ethical platitudes, but he, who by palpable example, acts in line with precepts at all times.
Unfortunately, our polity has been overtime cursed with leaders who offer all but fluff — insipidity, repackaged conventional wisdom and broad principles that lack any veracity.
Nevertheless, a few people have offered a glimmer of hope to our not-so-hopeless optimism and thoughts of a better Nigeria.
One of these people under focus is one of the most politically adept lawgiver and Speaker of the 9th Cross River State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams.
Imbued with Mandela’s stoicism, the soft-spoken but unrelenting lawmaker has marshaled the 9th legislature with tranquil effectiveness, which is yielding a win-win effect on our dear Cross River State.
The relative peace that has characterized the workings of the present Cross River Assembly is noteworthy and one which stands in stark contrast to what has depicted Nigeria’s legislatures, where the hallowed chambers have ignominiously become battlegrounds and our lawmakers mix martial artists.
Interestingly, even with the division of the House, orchestrated by the political shakeups in the State, members have continued to go about their legislative duties with utmost professionalism, putting the State ahead of political differences. And that could only be possible when the leadership is selfless and living up to its billing.
Without over-flogging the urgent attention the State Assembly grants to matters of public interest, the recent assent to legislative and judicial autonomy by the State Governor, remains an enthralling feat that yet again highlights the unity of the the legislature under the Williams-led leadership and its seamless relationship with other arms of government.
In addition to Rt. Hon. Williams’s leadership prowess is his priority for the smooth day-to-day running of the House of Assembly.
Also poised to preserving the magnificent facade of the Assembly Complex, the Speaker has rehabilitated the Administration Block of the Assembly to give Hon. Members conducive offices. It is important to note that the rehabilitation exercise also escalated to other Blocks within the Assembly.
The official residential quarters of lawmakers have been provided with alternative power supply, while water supply has remained uninterrupted in the last 12 months.
The Williams-led leadership has also collaborated with the Nigerian Police and other security outfits to provide a 24 hours security in the quarters to forestall crime and criminality. However, other challenges like collapsed fence are being addressed.
In attempting to accentuate Rt. Hon. Eteng’s sterling leadership qualities, it is also imperative to point out how effective he has piloted the affairs of the 9th Assembly with so much quietude and purpose.
By Kingsley Agim and Trinity Jesam
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