Cross River Assembly passes Diaspora Commission Bill 2025, confirms nominees for CRIDCOM – Converseer

CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed into Law, the Cross River State Diaspora Commission bill 2025.

The bill is to establish the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) as well as provide for the engagement of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora towards the overall socio-economic, cultural and political development of the State.

The House passed the bill after deliberating on the report of its Special Committee earlier mandated to carry out an indepth appraisal of the Executive bill which was sponsored by the Leader of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo (Odukpani) after its first and second readings held on the 15th and 17th of April respectively.

The Chairman of the Special Committee, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta (Abi), who serves as the Deputy Leader of the House, stated that “the bill aims to provide a framework for engaging with Cross River State indigenes in the Diaspora, foster partnerships between the State Government, Diaspora Communities and international organisations.”

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Etta emphasised that the bill will bring numerous benefits to the state; “One of the economic benefits is that, through the Commission, the Diaspora Communities will remit to the State certain percentages from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) taxes.

“Diaspora members will also have opportunity, once this bill is passed, to invest in business, real estate and other ventures in the State,” Etta said.

The Lawmaker further intimated that the proposed Commission will greatly facilitate development of the State.

“The Commission will foster positive international relations, promote mutual understanding and co-operation between our dear state and host countries of CrossRiverians all over the world”.

The House had dissolved into the Commitee of the Whole where they deliberated on the report of the Special Committee.

Members noted, amongst other benefits, that the commission will create a platform for transferring skills, knowledge and expertise adding that Diaspora members will be encouraged to initiate and support developmental projects in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

In a related development, the State House of Assembly has confirmed nominees for appointment as Chairman and Members of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM).

Those confirmed are; Okor Otu Eso who is to serve as the Chairman of the Commission.

Others are Maduike Emily Esama, Agbe Douglas, Inde Margaret Uyilewhoma and Ita Eyobong who are to serve as Members while Greene Elizabeth was nominated as the secretary of the Commission.

The confirmation which was done during plenary, was sequel to the request of the State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, conveyed to the House by a letter from the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh.

The letter reiterated that, the request was in line with constitutional provisions which stipulates that, appointments by the Governor are subject to confirmation by a resolution of the Assembly.

Before the confirmation, the nominees were screened through a Question and Answer session in the Assembly’s chamber.

The Lawmakers, in seperate comments noted that all of them were qualified for the appointment. They described them as “square pegs in square holes” and commended Governor Otu for nominating such calibre of CrossRiverians for appointment.

In his comments, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended the Lawmakers for a very thorough screening of the nominees.

He expressed confidence that the Chairman and Members of the Commission will work towards “selling the good things that Governor Otu is doing in CRS to the outside world.” He congratulated the nominees on their appointments.

Ayambem also sued for synergy between the Commission and the House for the overall benefit of the State.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the confirmation, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr Okor Otu Eso, expressed appreciation to the Governor for giving the Commission Members the opportunity to serve the State. He promised that his Commission will work hard to achieve their goals in the interest of the State.