By Julius Nsikak
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called on the state government to immediately intervene in the restructuring and control of erosion menace in the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua in Ikot Ekpene.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, 30th April, 2024, the member representing Ikot Ekpene/ Obot Akara State Constituency, who moved a motion on an ” Urgent Need to Intervene in the Erosion Menace of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic”, revealed the dilapidated state of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osura, noted that the institution is faced with erosion menace which if not controlled in a hurry will cause more damage than good.
Hon. Otu , explained the need to put up a perimeter fence round the institution premises to provide safety for educational activities for the purpose of securing a conducive learning environment for students. Giving more why the school should be fenced, Hon Otu hinted that it will prevent herdsmen from invading into the polytechnic premises to interrupt the learning atmosphere.
He reminded the house of the anti -grazing law that was enacted and passed into law. He appealed to the assembly that it should ensure its enforcement to stop unruly invasion.
The motion was seconded by Deputy Leader House Leader and member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, who commended, Hon. Otu for always seeking measures to ameliorate the pains of his people.
Hon. Bob recalled that the same matter was brought before the floor of the house and deliberated by members of the seventh (7th) Assembly, but I’m surprised that it was left unaddressed.
” I support the member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu to call for an urgent intervention scheme in Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.
Our children are not animals that should be exposed to such harsh condition.
” I hereby appeal to this honourable house to pass a resolution to discuss the matter as soon as possible to prevent the school from losing its accreditation,” the deputy house leader added.
In the same vein, the member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency, Hon. (Chief Mrs.) Kenim Oniofiok; member of Essien Udim State Constituency, Hon. (Prince) Ukpong Akpabio and member of Etinan State Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, who also supported the motion, they maintained that there have been several disturbing security threats and damages of government properties, thus they further urged the state government to give succour and sent relevant agencies to visit the institution immediately to control the erosion menace.
Hon. Ekpo-Ufot, who mentioned few newly added departments in the institution, explained the need to urgently intervene into the matter in order to sustain the institution and as well prevent withdrawal of its accreditation.
However, the speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, directed the clerk of the house, Mrs Nsikak – Abasi Orok to write to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for his administration to intervene in erosion menace of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua and College of Education and remind him of the implementation of the anti – grazing law.
