BY: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Senator Gershom Bassey representing the good pei of Cross River South, and indeed Cross River State has said being a senator is a responsibility which he took seriously during his two term tenure as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Said he, “leadership is a privilege, and serving the people is a gift. During my two-term tenure from 2015 to 2023, I am proud of the 35 bills and 55 motions I sponsored and/or co-sponsored, demonstrating my commitment to legislative excellence”.
Distinguished Senator stated this while speaking at the Valedictory Session of the 9th Senate which came to an end penultimate weekend.
He expressed deepest appreciation to his Distinguished colleagues of the 9th Assembly. Despite our diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, we worked together for the collective good of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Sen. Bassey noted that “we achieved significant milestones, crafted laws for justice and progress, and provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration. I commend your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to the service of our nation”.
“Our legislative reforms have had a profound impact on various sectors of the nation. Among our successes are the passage of the “Electricity Bill, 2022” and the enactment of “Constitution Amendment Bills”.
“Among the motions I sponsored, were the need for value-addition and domestication strategies for sustainable economic growth; the deplorable state of Nigeria’s Federal Roads and the necessity of combating illicit financial flows through a legal framework and tax amnesty review for voluntary repatriation of funds to Nigeria”.
According to him, “I introduced landmark bills such as the Federal Road Authority Bill, aimed at providing a solution to the deplorable condition of our Federal roads and improving the management and maintenance of Federal roads. There was the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill.”
Furthermore, he said, “a version of this Bill is still awaiting assent. Mr. President please sign this Bill. I advocated for and continue to advocate for at least 70% of FERMA’s budget to be allocated to Recurrent Expenditure until the FRA Bill becomes a Bill.”
The Distinguished Senator of the Federal of Nigeria, said that “in addition, the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 stands out as a major accomplishment. We also further democratized the electoral process through the Electoral Act, 2022, with measures aimed at ensuring freer and fairer elections and to ensure the seamless delivery of justice in the courts and tribunals”.
Bassey said “Landmark Corporate Regulatory Reforms were made with the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, reducing compliance burdens and fostering a more business-friendly climate.Recognizing the importance of the technology sector, we enacted the Nigeria Start-up Act, 2022, promoting a vibrant start-up ecosystem.”
We also improved the ease of doing business for (MSMEs) with the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2023.
He acknowledged the excellent leadership of ex-Senate President, Distinguished Senator Ahmed Lawan, who guided us through these meaningful legislative endeavours. Your even temperament and effective management of a Senate of passionate and determined legislators is commendable. Well done Mr. President.
“The 9th Assembly he recalled passed 162 bills of which 104 were assented to by the President. This surpasses any previous National Assembly. Is this the work of a rubber-stamp National Assembly or the work of a Parliament partnering with the Executive, in the overall interest of the Nigerian people?
He therefore urge leaders to always prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people, working towards a brighter future.The next Assembly must address the unfinished business ahead. It is important for the Executive to enact legislation like “the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, the National Roads Fund Bill, and the Federal Roads Authority Bill”, which will lay the foundation for an efficient infrastructure system and promote public-private cooperation that will meet the needs of our growing population. Mr. President, please sign these bills.”
“The 10th Assembly has a unique opportunity to lead alongside an Executive Branch headed by peers. The President, Vice President, and First Lady, SGF, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are all Senators.”
He said, “this presents a unique opportunity for exemplary leadership, strategic foresight, efficient policy-making and cooperation between the arms of government, to deliver the country Nigerians have been yearning for and congratulated his colleagues t and Constituency staff for their tireless work in serving the people. Together, we have made a difference”.
Senator Bassey expressed his profound gratitude to the people of Cross River South Senatorial District, and indeed, Cross River State. Your support and trust have guided my legislative functions. The baton is being passed to capable hands, and I have full confidence in my successor to work tirelessly on your behalf.
He thanked “his darling wife, five children and the entire family for their support, love and encouragement through these eight years. You are my pillars of strength and greatest source of inspiration. As I transit from the role of Senator, I am reminded of the Efik saying “Otom obio iyeneke utid” which means that service to the people has no end. Let us continue to serve our communities, uplift the marginalized, and strive for the progress and development of Nigeria”.
He prayed God to bless Cross River South Senatorial District, bless Cross River State, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.Mr President. Distinguished Colleagues.”
