The proposal by Cross River lawmakers to establish four separate federal medical centres (FMCs) in Ogoja, Boki, Ugep, and Abi reflects a lack of coordination and strategic planning. With 23 FMCs already in existence nationwide, the likelihood of securing presidential assent and federal funding for four additional centres in a single state is highly improbable. Instead of working at cross purposes, legislators should adopt a unified approach to ensure meaningful and achievable development initiatives for Cross River State.
Chief Okoi Obono Bola captures this succinctly. Excerpts below:
The recent move by the Cross River State contingent to the National Assembly to table four separate bills for the establishment of federal medical centers in Ogoja, Boki, Ugep, and Abi is quite perplexing. With 23 federal medical centers already existing in the country, it’s surprising that our legislators would propose establishing four more in just one state.
This lack of coordination and harmonization among our lawmakers in Abuja is evident. It’s unclear how these bills would be passed into law, and even if they were, it’s unlikely that the President would assent to all four. Furthermore, it’s improbable that the executive branch would allocate funds for four federal medical centers in a single state.
Our legislators should prioritize working together in a focused and harmonious manner to achieve meaningful results. Instead of trying to outdo one another or prove a point, they should strive for effective collaboration. This lack of cohesion not only portrays them as unserious but also hinders the development of our state.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla 28 February 2025 Abuja, Nigeria
