Occasion of the Official Handing Over from ABI HOLGA to Hon. Egbala Bassey, Chairman of ABI: A New Beginning for Progress.

On Monday, November 11, 2024, the ABI Local Government Council marked a significant milestone with the official handing over of administrative documents and the signing of the handover notes. This momentous event, which took place in the office of the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), was attended by both council staff and the political entourage of Hon. Egbala Bassey, alongside his Vice Chairman. It symbolized not just the transfer of authority, but also a new dawn for ABI Local Government Area, ushering in a path of continuity and progress.

The ceremony commenced with a prayer led by Mrs. Patience Azogor, followed by the introduction of key dignitaries present for the occasion.

Among the prominent officials representing the ABI Council were Mrs. Akei Ani, ABI HOLGA; Mrs. Ikpeme Inyang, Director of General Services; Mr. Bassey Ita, Director of Finance; Mrs. Eucharia Asom, Director of Works; Mrs. Christina Iwara, Director of Public Health; Hon. Egwu Adjah, Director of Agriculture; Mr. Joe Williams Abang, Director of Budget; Pst. Effiong Ubio, Clerk of the House; Effiom Emma Esq., Head of Personnel; Mr. Godwin Obot, ABI Paramount Ruler and Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council; HRM Ovai Elder Osim Edward JP, and Chairman of ABI Traditional Rulers, Chief John Ivon.

The political entourage of Hon. Egbala Bassey was also well-represented by distinguished figures, including Hon. Moses Osogi, Commissioner for Environment; Pst. Hon. Josuah Igboke, ABI APC Chairman; Hon. Sunny Udeh, former Special Assistant to the Governor on Shanghai Farms; Hon. Joseph Ukata, Vice Chairman; Hon. Wilfred Inah; Hon. Enang Aboli; Hon. John Iteh, Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government Affairs; Hon. Isaac Imoke, former Chairman of the Cross River State Anti-Deforestation Task Force; as well as ten Councillors: Sylvester Mboto (Adamama Ward), Pst. Tete Christopher (Afafanyi/Igonigoni), Michael Eko (Ebom/Ebijakara), Victor Ewa (Ediba/Anong), Olivia Bassey (Ekureku I), Richard Eja (Ekureku II), Tebe Enya (Imabana II), Mrs. Fortune Paul(Itigidi Ward) and Seta Bassey (Usumutong/Abeugo Ward), as well as a Mammoth crowd of supporters too numerous to mention.

In her remarks, Mrs. Akei Ani, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), extended a warm welcome to Hon. Egbala Bassey and his large entourage, expressing genuine surprise at the overwhelming turnout that accompanied the Chairman. She thanked God for the opportunity to gather for such a significant moment of transition, acknowledging the positive energy brought by the new leadership, represented by Hon. Egbala Bassey and his Vice Chairman, Hon. Joseph Ukata. Mrs. Ani pledged her unwavering support to the new administration, emphasizing her commitment to working alongside Hon. Bassey to propel ABI forward.

She went on to highlight the symbolic nature of the handover, advising the new Chairman to view his leadership role as one that extends to all 11 Council wards of ABI, with the Council itself functioning almost as an additional ward. Mrs. Ani offered her assistance for any matters that may arise, assuring Hon. Bassey of her continued support. She then officially handed over the administrative documents to the Chairman, marking the commencement of his leadership.

Hon. Egbala Bassey, in his remarks, acknowledged the established protocols before addressing the gathering. He noted that while this was not a moment for lengthy speeches, it was a significant symbolic event of leadership transition. Hon. Bassey assured the assembly that he had come fully prepared to take on the responsibilities of his office. Though he humbly accepted the documents, he emphasized that any issues or challenges that might arise during his tenure would be addressed collectively and transparently. He expressed his commitment to leaving behind a stronger and more prosperous ABI Council at the end of his tenure, with the support of his appointees and the ten Councillors. Hon. Bassey reassured everyone present that under his leadership, ABI would embrace a new era of unity, progress, and inclusivity.

The ceremony also included a call for advice from three esteemed political figures. HRM Ovai Elder Osim Edward JP, the Chairman of the ABI Traditional Rulers, expressed confidence in the new Chairman’s leadership, praising Hon. Bassey for his preparedness and vision for the community. He assured the new administration of his support and willingness to lend his voice whenever needed.

Hon. Moses Osogi, the Commissioner for Environment, thanked Mrs. Ani for the exceptional work she had done in the short time she served as HOLGA. He spoke of the divine providence surrounding Hon. Bassey’s rise to leadership, from his emergence as the APC candidate for ABI to his election as Chairman. He noted that while Hon. Bassey and his Vice, Hon. Ukata, may be young in age, they were far from inexperienced, and their leadership was a testament to the future of ABI and the nation. He encouraged a strong collaboration between the legislative and executive arms to ensure the success of the administration. Hon. Osogi also advised the new administration to embrace modern office facilities to enhance the daily workings of governance.

Finally, Pastor Hon. Joshua Igboke, the Chairman of the ABI APC, reminded all present that this was a day made by the Lord to rejoice in. He described the emergence of Hon. Egbala Bassey as a divine blessing for the people of ABI, especially in this season of progress under the leadership of His Excellency, Ntufam Sen. Prince Edet Otu. Pastor Igboke expressed unwavering confidence that Hon.Egbala will deliver in his mandate for a “Greater ABI”. He pledged maximum support to Hon.Egbala and Hon. Ukata’s administration.

In his vote of thanks, Hon. Joseph Ukata expressed heartfelt appreciation for the pivotal role played by ABI’s HOLGA, Mrs. Akei Ani, in ensuring the success of the event. He extended gratitude to all the Directors whose contributions made the day possible, praying that God would reward their efforts abundantly. He also acknowledged the invaluable mentorship, guidance, and fatherly support of the Paramount Ruler, HRM Ovai Elder Osim Edward JP, whose leadership has been a source of strength for the community. Hon. Ukata concluded by praying for God’s protection and guidance, asking that everyone be granted safe journeys to their respective destinations.

The ceremony then proceeded with the formal signing of the handover notes between ABI HOLGA and Hon. Egbala Bassey, marking the official transfer of leadership.

The event came to a close with a final prayer, offered by Pastor Effiong Ubio, as the assembly reflected on the day’s significance and the bright future ahead for ABI.

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The briefs presented here were compiled by Imoke Etorti