C’River Assembly Passes Senior Citizens Center Bill, 2025

The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed into law the Cross River State Senior Citizens Center Bill, 2025.

The Bill which seeks legislative frameworks to cater for needs of senior citizens in the state and other matters related therewith as applicable in advanced countries received overwhelming support of lawmakers thereby eliciting joy of Hon. Mercy Akpama, lead sponsor and member representing Yakurr 2 state Constituency.

Presenting the report of the Committee during plenary, it’s Chairman and Deputy Leader of the 10th Assembly, RT Hon Davies Etta, representing Abi State Constituency highlighted several merits of the bill when domesticated in the State, emphasizing that it will bring respite to elderly people who can no longer take care of themselves. Hon. Etta says

“The bill seeks to establish a home for the elderly people who can no longer take care of themselves. It is true that most elderly people, both men and women are found roaming the streets because they have no home or cannot fend for themselves. Some are termed witches or wizards and forcefully ostracized from their homes.

“The intent of the bill is to ensure that a home known as Center will be provided for the elderly to stay in order to give them comfort and access to both medical and recreational facilities.” Etta noted.

Speaking to journalists after passage of the bill, the Lead Sponsor and Member no representing Yakurr 2 state Constituency, Hon Mercy Mbang Akpama expressed joy and fulfilment at the passage of the bill which serves as reward for the elderly who had contributed meaningfully to nation building.

“Older persons will be very happy. Those who have contributed to the country should not be used and dumped. They should be adequately taken care of.

Just day before yesterday, all the elderly, in the country celebrated themselves.

They took a victory dance, it was glorious and a privilege to grow old.

“I feel happy and fulfilled. The bill was presented before l came to the Assembly and when l came l took it up in view of it advantages.” Akpama said.

The Yakurr 2 Lawmaker expressed gratitude to the Speaker, RT Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Judiciary Commitee Chairman and Members as well as her colleagues for their unalloyed supports in ensuring timely passage of the bill.

She expressed confidence that the State Governor Senator Bassey Otu will assent to the bill because it is in line with his people oriented administration.

It will be recalled that the Bill was first read on Tuesday, 1st August 2023 and second time on Thursday 10th August, 2023 before being referred to the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution.