09/10/2024
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The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA), on Tuesday, 8th October, 2024 passed into law, "a Bill for a Law to Amend Local Government Administration Law, Cap 90, of Akwa Ibom State 2022 (as amended) and for Other Matters Connected Therewith".
Before the Bill was passed, it was read the first time by the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, and later sailed through second reading and Committee of the whole before it was eventually passed.
However, while on second reading, the lead sponsor of the Bill, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung who also is the Chairman, Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs explained that the Amendment Sections of the Bill sought to create more room for Supervisors and Special Advisers in various wards of the Local Government Councils.
The lawmaker who represents Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, pointed out that the Amendment Sections of the Bill became necessary to guide development in the third tier of government and also urged members to support the passage of the Bill.
Speaking in support of the Bill, member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon. Uwem Imoh-ita said the Amended Sections of the Bill would curb the issues of marginalization and give political wards a level playing ground to have representatives in different wards.
Rt.Hon. Effiong Johnson, Member representing Mbo State Constituency and the Chief Whip of the House, also in support of the Bill emphasize that the Bill will increase appointments.
After the second reading, the House dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the Amended Section. The Sections include; Section 49 amended to 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 departmens as may be created by him".
Also Section 52 sub 2 read, "The number of such Advisers one of whom shall be a Legal Practitioner in charge of Legal Matters, shall not exceed five".
Motion for the Bill to be passed into law was moved by the Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob and seconded by member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Friday Udobia.
The Bill was therefore passed into law and the Clerk was directed to communicate same to the Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.
Meanwhile, the House also consoled with His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for the loss of his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno and observed a minute silence.
The plenary was however adjourned to reconvene Tuesday, 29 October, 2024
