Julius Nsikak
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly – AKHA, Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. (Eld) Mfon Idung, has led members of his committee and others for an inspection exercise in Abak, Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Ika and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State for the appraisal of the Transition Committee scorecards for their six months in office.
The exercise which was earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 14th May, 2024, officially began on Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.
The tour was fashioned out to ascertain the level of performance by the Local Government Transition Committees at the grassroot and as well evaluate its attendant benefits to the people.
Our legislative correspondent, reports that the undertaken exercise by the committee was instituted in a resolution made on the floor of the house, during plenary on Thursday, 9th May, 2024 which did mandated the house committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to embark on tour in all the LGA’S in the state before giving a resolution to extend the tenure of the administration in the Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
Conducting committee members and newsmen round the five LGA’s listed in the tour schedule, the Committee Chairman, Elder Idung while reiterating the purpose of the tour, noted that in order not to make regretful and blanketed decisions, “it is expedient to first oversee and assess the performance of the transition committees, before extending the tenure of the various transition committees.
He poured accolades on deserving Transition Committee Chairmen and members for a job well executed within six months stay in office, while expressed displeasures in visible areas that the TC had failed to work on and encouraged them to step up.
The EtimEkpo/Ika Lawmaker, chided against ungallant attitude to work amongst members of the TC, reminding that it behooves on the various transition committee members to work hand in hand with their chairman to visualise the several expectations planned for and as well bid actualise the State governor’s visions to ensure that the dividends of democracy is brought closer and reaped by all.
He tasked them to enjoin in the enhancing of the State, while promised to pilot the local government affairs in a way that will foster effective delivery in all ramification of the State.
Reacting on the remarks of the legislature committee on the tour, the Transition Committee Chairmen of Abak, Rt. Hon. (Apost) Ekerette Inyang; Rt. Hon. (Dr) Kingsley Frank (Oruk Anam), Hon. (Eld) Godwin Ekpe (Ukanafun), Hon. Utibe Nwoko (Ika), Hon. (Eld) Ekpuk Eshiet (Etim Ekpo), said that the gesture was a rare privilege to create awareness on the oversight functions of the legislature on Local Government Councils among other agencies.
They respectively in their council terrain highlighted several projects executed within the period of six months in office. These are; massive grading of internal roads, human development and empowerment, well cultivated model farms, reconstruction and remodeling of administrative blocks, staff canteen and toilet within the councils, impress promotion. Others include; Payments of welfare packages, electrification, renovation of primary school building, painting the councils and many more.
In a special request for collaboration and supports, the chairmen appealed to the committee for partnership in order for them to serve their people better, while urged the legislators to voice their situations to the government of the day.
Committee members on tour were: Rt.Hon. (Elder) Mfon Idung, Chairman, Rt. (Hon.) Kufreabasi Edidem ( Deputy Speaker/ Itu), Rt. Hon. (Sir) Effiong Johnson (Mbo), Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana (Ikono), Hon. Jerry Otu (Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara, Hon. Friday Udobia (Esit-Eket), Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo (Uyo), Hon. (Chief Mrs) Kenim Oniofiok ( Oron/ Udung Uko), Hon. (Mrs) Selina Ukpatu (Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo).
Others were: Hon. (Dr) Itorobong Etim (Uruan), Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom), Hon. Bassey Bassey (Okobo), Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Precious Selong (Urue Offong/ Oruku), Hon. (Deac.) Lawrence Udoide (Ini), Hon. (Engr.) Uduak-obong Ekpo Ufot (Etinan), Hon. (Eld) Emem Udom (Ukanafun), Hon. Eric Akpan (Nsit Ibom), Barr. Imoh Udoh ( Head of Legal Services), Mr. Edidiong Idung, the Clerk on the Table during plenary and others.
