* Lawmakers at the Assembly, on Tuesday
…condoles Gov Umo Eno on wife’s demise
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA), on Tuesday, passed a bill to amend some sections of the Local Government Administration Law in order to enhance the management of the Local Government system.
The bill, presented by the member representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, focused on incorporating additional political wards created by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).
According to Idung, the amendment increased the total number of Wards from 329 to 368, while it also aimed to foster unity, inclusivity, and tranquility within the Local Government administration.
For Section 49 the amendment read, “subject to approval by the Legislative Council, the Chairman shall appoint from outside the legislative Council, such number of Supervisors not less than three and not more than eleven to head the departments as may be created by him.
While the amendment for Section 52, read, that “The number of such Advisers one of whom shall be a Legal Practitioner in charge of Legal Matters, shall not exceed five…”
Speaking in favor of the amendment, Hon. Aniefiok Imoh-Ita representing Mkpat Enin and Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson representing Mbo expressed their support, highlighting that the changes would lead to more appointments and promote harmony and efficiency in Local Government Administration.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, further directed the Assembly Clerk, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, to transmit the amended bill to the Executive for further actions.
In a related development, the House also read for the first time, “A Bill for a Law to provide for the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education Afaha Nsit and to make provisions for its administration and for other purposes connected thereto sponsored by Hon. Nsidibe Akata and thirteen others.
Also, “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Peaceful and Orderly Transfer of Executive Powers from one democratically elected Governor to another and other matters connected therewith, sponsored by Hon. Moses Essien of Ibiono Ibom State Constituency and ten others,” was read the first time.
The bills were referred to the House Committee on Rules, Business, and Ethics for rescheduling.
Meanwhile, the House has expressed condolences to State Governor Pastor Umo Eno on the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the First Lady of the State.
The Speaker emphasized the immense shock caused by the event, noting that the House had not fully come to terms with its reality and consequences.
“No doubt, the shock and pain are severest on you and the family for whom Her Excellency was not just a mother but a pillar, unifying force and a major source of support and strength to you and everyone else.
“It is therefore, impossible that any act of man can assuage the pains and grief that you and the family are experiencing at the moment”.
Referencing Ecclesiastes 3:11, that “the Lord will make all things beautiful in His time”, Speaker Udeme Otong said “the Lord will wipe all tears from our eyes as a State and finally turn our mourning into dancing, when we meet again with our beloved First Lady on the Resurrection Morning”.
Speaker Otong requested a moment of silence from the members of the 8th Assembly as a tribute to the late First Lady of the State.
He expressed his belief that the Governor and his family would find solace and comfort in the Lord during this challenging time of loss.
The House after deliberations adjourned Plenary to reconvene on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
