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| Barr. Aniefiok Dennis |
INTRODUCTION
Gentlemen of the press, on behalf of the seventh Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, welcome to this Press Briefing. Our briefing today will be centered on our activities in the last one year.
Firstly, I hope everyone is managing to stay safe and well. Secondly I want to say thank you so much for joining us today, we appreciate those who have always been with us here and we extend our gratitude to those who have always constructively and objectively taken a critical look at our activities in the period under review.
The 7th Assembly was inaugurated on the 10th day of June 2019, how time flies! In the past one year, things have moved so quickly here beginning with infrastructural development around the Assembly complex to create a convenient and conducive working environment. Massive renovation of offices, committee rooms, replacement of furniture, generating set, repainting, landscaping and more has so far been done thereby earning this assembly the tag; “Working Assembly” led by a “Working Speaker”.
To keep you up with speed, allow me the liberty of centering my briefing in line with our constitutional role which is; “to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the state or any part thereof” as enshrined in Section 4 sub.(7) of the 1999 constitution (as amended). Our primary function as State Legislators include: Lawmaking, Representation and Oversight.
LAWMAKING
Indeed, lawmaking is one of the main functions of a legislature. As mentioned earlier, the Constitution gives us powers to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the state. In the area of lawmaking, thirty-one (31) people oriented bills have been brought before the house. Out of these thirty-one (31) bills, Eleven (11) have been passed into law while others are at the various stages of legislation which is between 1st reading and public hearing/stakeholders engagement. Over 35 motions and matters of public importance have been raised on the floor of the 7th assembly and several committee reports submitted between inauguration to date. Details are stated below showing titles of bills/motions, lead sponsors and their various stages of legislation. May I respectfully refer you to the table hereinafter annexed for ease of reference.
Bill No. Title of Bill(s) Lead Sponsor Stage
1. HAB 217 Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill. Hon. (Barr) Aniefiok Dennis (Etinan) Passed into law.
2. HAB 218 A Bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State College of Health Technology. Hon. (Barr) Aniefiok Dennis Passed into law.
3. HAB 219 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Safety commission. Rt. Hon. (Dr) Usoro Akpanusoh Stakeholders’ engagement completed.
4. HAB 220 A bill for a law to make provision for establishment of Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency. Rt. Hon. Mark Esset Passed into Law
5. HAB 221 2020 Appropriation Bill Executive Bill Passed into Law
6. HAB 222 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund. Hon. (Barr) Otobong Bob Passed second reading.
7. HAB 223 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Tourism, Art and Culture Endowment Fund. Hon. Asuquo Nana Udo (Ikono) Passed second reading.
8. HAB 224 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State College of Science & Technology, Nnung Ukim, Ikono. Hon. Godwin Ekpo (Ibiono Ibom) Passed into law.
9. HAB 225 A bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Akwa Ibom Debt Management office. Rt. Hon. Uduak Odudoh Passed into law.
10. HAB 226 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Bureau of Public Procurement and budget monitoring Hon. Uduak Odudoh Passed into law.
11. HAB 227 A bill for a law to establish the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Legislative Fund Management and other matters connected therewith Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan Public hearing/Stakeholders engagement.
12. HAB 228 A bill for a Law to provide for free tuition and examination fees in public primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State. Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan Public hearing/Stakeholders engagement.
13. HAB 229 A bill for a law to provide for the control of physical/urban and regional planning activities, the establishment of urban regional planning agency and area planning authorities in Akwa Ibom State. Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan Passed into law.
14. HAB 230 A bill for a law to regulate free basic and compulsory education and other matters connected. Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko (Ibesikpo Asutan) Passed first reading.
15. HAB 231 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Neighborhood Safety Corp and for connected purposes. Hon. Anietie Eka Passed second reading.
16. HAB 232 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Professional Counselling commission. Hon. Charity Ido Passed second reading.
17. HAB 233 A bill for a law to protect the physically challenged against all forms of discrimination. Rt. Hon. Felicia Bassey Public hearing.
18. HAB 234 Akwa Ibom Customary court Bill Hon. Charity Ido Passed second reading.
19. HAB 235 Akwa Ibom Sport Development Fund Bill. Rt. Hon. Nse Essien Passed second reading
20. HAB 236 Scrap Business Regulation Bill Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko Passed second reading.
21. HAB 237 Security Improvement through functional Community Policing. Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko Passed first reading
22. HAB 239 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Lottery board Rt. Hon. Uduak Odudoh Public hearing completed.
23. HAB 240 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom Private Healthcare Management Agency. Hon. Udeme Otong Passed first Reading.
24. HAB 242 Akwa Ibom Consumer Protection Agency Bill Hon. (Barr) Esse Umoh Passed first Reading.
25. HAB 244 A bill for a law to provide for the reservation, protection and restoration of historical properties and cultural heritage sites in Akwa Ibom State and for Connected Purposes. Hon. (Barr) Otobong Bob Passed second Reading.
26. HAB 245 A bill for a law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission and for other matters connected therewith. Rt. Hon. (Sir) Udo Kierian Akpan Passed second Reading.
28. HAB 246 A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Information Technology Development Agency. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem. Passed First Reading.
29. HAB 247 A bill for a law to establish a comprehensive food security framework for the State; Food storage facilities, strategic Food Reserve and for other connected purposes. Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Uko Passed First Reading.
30. HAB 249 A Bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing And Midwifery and for other purposes connected thereto. Hon. (Elder) Udeme J. Otong Passed First Reading.
31. HAB 243 A bill for a law to amend the appropriation law, 2020. Rt. Hon. (Sir) Udo K. Akpan Passed into Law.
S/No. MOTIONS & MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE SPONSOR RESOLUTIONS
1. Matter of urgent importance: Need for urgent intervention in the deplorable portion of Calabar – Itu highway at Enen Atai. KufreAbabsi Edidem
18th July 2019.
2. Disastrous impact of flood water evacuation from Uyo metropolis, its implications and threats to lives and properties to the people of Obot Idim community and need for urgent intervention. Aniekan Uko
23rd July 2019.
3. Matter of urgent public importance: Abuse of office by Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government Council. Uduak Odudoh
25th July 2019.
4. Incessant attacks on Seafarers by Sea pirates and militants along Oron-Udung Uko and Mbo waterways. (HAM 103) Effiong Bassey
17th September 2019. House Committee on Security, Youths and Sports and Boundary and Conflict Resolution to handle the matter and report back to the House within one Month.
5. Motion on the restoration and revival of the abandoned ferry services plying Oron – Calabar waterways for ease of transportation between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. (HAM 104) Felicia Bassey.
10th October 2019. Motion referred to House Committee on Works and Transport for further legislative action.
6. Motion: Urgent need to reconstruct Collapsed Ikot Mfon Bridge. (HAM 106) Aniefiok Dennis
10th October 2019. Motion referred to joint House Committee on NDDC and Works and Transport
7. Motion on wanton destruction of properties and murders by herdsmen in Ukanafun and other parts of AKS. (HAM 107) Charity Ido.
10th October 2019. Motion referred to House Committee on Security, Youth and Sport.
8. Urgent need to rescue the people of Ette-Ita Community from erosion. (HAM 105) Godwin Ekpo
7th November 2019. Motion referred to joint House Committee on Health and Works and Transport.
9. A call for immediate takeover of Ndukpoise – Ubium Health centre by Akwa Ibom State Government from Catholic mission. (HAM 108) Otobong Bob.
7th November 2019. Motion referred to House Committee on Health to meet with the Stakeholders and report back to the House within one Month.
10. Motion to stop indiscriminate use of sirens and fake number plates by unauthorized persons. (HAM 109) Nse Essien.
7th November 2019. 1. “That the State Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State Command, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission and other relevant agencies do arrest and prosecute owners and operators of vehicles with fake and unauthorized official plate numbers in Akwa Ibom State.”
2. “That the Ministry of Information and Ethical and Attitudinal Re- orientation Commission should enlighten the people on the unlawfulness and consequences of the use of fake and unauthorized official plate numbers”
3. “That this resolution takes effect from the 1st day of December, 2019”
11. Matter of Urgent Public Importance: Murder of one Mr. Godwin Thomas by unknown assailants. Aniefiok Dennis
12th November 2019.
12. Motion for government intervention for displaced persons caused by flood in Ukanafun. Charity Ido.
12th November 2019.
13. Threat to lives, properties & businesses in Uyo metropolis by activities of hoodlums and armed gangs. (HAM 109) Anietie Eka
19th November 2019.
14. Motion on the erosion wreckage threatening to demolish Abak Independence hall building. (HAM 110) Udeme Otong.
19th November 2019.
15. Motion on the need to consider the employment of Indigenous youths by companies operating in AKS. (HAM 111) Aniekan Uko
26th November 2019. i.) To urge all companies operating in the State to adhere strictly to all extant laws and regulations relating to the employment of indigenous persons.
ii.) That the Joint House Committees on Security, Youth and Sports and Labour and Productivity should interface with relevant Ministries to submit a list of Companies working in the State as well as check the level of compliance to the Local Content Law with regards to the terms of salaries, Taxes and the number of Youth employed.
16. Proliferation of LPG sales outlets within residential areas. (HAM 113) Aniefiok Dennis
21st January 2020. i.) That the state Ministry of Environment and Petroleum Resources, Akwa Ibom State Environment Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) ensure the enforcement of relevant extant laws relating to establishment and location of these LPG vending outlets/facilities
ii.) That proper checks should be made to ensure these outlets are duly licensed and locations must be certified by Department of Petroleum Resource (DPR), Fire Service and/or other relevant agencies.
17. Urgent need to curb the rising menace of child theft in Akwa Ibom State. (HAM 114) Anietie Eka
23rd January 2020. 1. The security agencies and relevant agencies like National Agencies for the prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) step up action in Akwa Ibom State to effectively tackle the menace of child theft in the State.
2. The State Government through the Ministry of Information, Ethical Attitudinal and Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) embark on adequate sensitization drive condemning the menace of child theft.
3. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare should also be proactive towards ensuring the safety of our children.
18. Abysmal performance of AKS Fire Service in Oron. (HAM 115) Effiong Bassey
23rd January 2020. Motion referred to House Committee on Works and Transport to report back to the House within one month.
19. Motion on relocating the dumpsite at Uyo village road. (HAM 116) Otobong Bob.
23rd January 2020. Motion referred to House Committee on Environment and Mineral Resources to interface with the Akwa Ibom State Environmental protection and Waste Management Agency for necessary action and to report back to the House within one month.
20. Curtailing the resurgence of Lassa Fever in AKS: A proactive call for action and vigilance. (HAM 117) Aniefiok Dennis
28th January 2020.
1. To urge the State Ministry of Health to maintain high index of suspicion for Lassa fever; be vigilant, activate their response system, ensure active surveillance, early detection, isolation, case management and look out for signs and symptoms of these deadly diseases and be ready to deal with possible outbreak.
2. To urge the State Ministry of Information, Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) to embark on aggressive public enlightenment to educate members of the public about these killer diseases and to maintain highest standards of personal hygiene while adhering to preventive measures.
3. To urge the State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to promote good and healthy environment and timely evacuation of refuse in the State.
4. To establish functional public health laboratories to enhance early diagnosis of Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhage fever.
5. To train related health personnel by the Ministry of Health for prompt intervention.
21. Motion against the building of Nuclear Power Plant in Itu. (HAM 118) Kufreabasi Edidem
11th February 2020. That no part of Akwa Ibom land should be released for the purpose of building a nuclear power plant
22. Urgent need to curb extortion of electricity consumers in AKS. (HAM 119) Victor Ekwere.
13th February 2020. Motion referred to House Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities to interface with the relevant agencies and report back to the House.
23. Motion on the need for compliance with the provision of Nigerian Local Content. (HAM 120) Idongesit Ntekpere.
13th February 2020. Motion referred to Joint House Committee on Labour and Productivity, Petroleum, Project Monitoring Evaluation and Boundary and Conflict Resolution to report back to the House within one month
24. Relocation of head offices of DPR & NAPIMS to AKS. (HAM 121) Emmanuel E. Bassey.
13th February 2020. 1. That NNPC should take immediate step to move the Head Office of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) to Akwa Ibom State and Exxon Mobil should move its Headquarters to Akwa Ibom State.
2. A copy of the resolution be forwarded to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
3. A copy of this Resolution be forwarded to our representatives in the National Assembly.
25. Clarion Call to stem the tide of quackery in AKS health sector. (HAM 122) Otobong Bob.
18th February 2020. Motion referred to House Committee on Health to report back to the House within two weeks.
26. Continuous death from ghastly vehicular accidents at Utu Etim Ekpo roundabout. (HAM 123) Mfon Idung
18th February 2020. Motion referred to House Committee on Works and Transport to liaise with the Ministry of Works and report back soon.
27. HAM 124: Need to Improve Upon the Habitable Condition of the 1500 Housing Estate in Akwa Ibom State Rt. Hon. (Prince) Idongesit Ntekpere. Matter referred to Joint House Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Renewal and House Committee on Security, Youth and Sports to report back within two weeks.
28. HAM125: Immediate Intervention on the Scourge of Cultism in Akwa Ibom Secondary Schools
Hon. Godwin Ekpo Matter referred to the Joint House Committee on Education and Security, Youth and Sports to interface with the Ministry of Education and all the School Boards to report back within one month
29. HAM 126: The Non-Inclusion and Non-Recognition of Oro Communities as Oil-Producing Communities and catchment Areas of Akwa Ibom State Hon. (Chief) Effiong Etim Johnson Matter referred to the Joint House Committee on Petroleum Matters and Environment and Natural Resources to report back within one month
30. Urgent need to establish entrepreneurial hubs in AKS primary & secondary schools. (HAM 127) Anietie Eka.
27th February 2020. Matter referred to House Committee on Education for indepth study and report to the House within two weeks.
31. Abandonment of Ikot Osukpong – Urua Inyang Road in Ika. (HAM 128) Mfon Idung.
5th February 2020. Matter referred to the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for indepth consideration and to report back to the House.
32. HAM 129 The Need for the Establishment of Customary Court of Appeal in Akwa Ibom State . Rt. Hon. (Prince) Idongesit Ntekpere.
33. Further Intensification of AKS Infectious Disease Preventive measures as Nigeria records first confirmed case of CoronaVirus (COVID-19) disease. Aniefiok Dennis
5th February 2020. 1(a) That the State Ministry of Health should strengthen, and if need be, increase its infectious disease control and prevention committee in order to boast their function.
(b) Immediately deploy personnel, special protective equipment and other necessary facilities including hand sanitizers and infrared thermometers to our hospital, airport, public offices, schools and other entry routes into the State.
(c) That the isolation centre at Ikot Ekpene be made to be fully functional by Akwa Ibom State Government.
2. That the State Ministry of Information, Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) should aggressively embark on extensive and intensive awareness, sensitization and enlightenment campaigns across every nook and cranny of the state on coronavirus epidemic.
3. That the State Ministry of Transport in conjunction with Ministry of Health should ensure that operators of motor parks and public transport systems are provided with hand sanitizers and other protective equipment.
34. Obotim Nsit and Neighboring communities still in ordeal, aftermath of July 2016 Gas pipeline explosion. Ifiok OS Udoh.
26th March 2020. 1. Urge Seven Energy International Limited to rebuild Asang Community High School ravaged as a result of their 2016 pipeline explosion.
2. Urge the Akwa Ibom State Government, particularly the Ministry of Environment & Mineral Resources to revisit the 2016 Obotim Pipeline Explosion with a view of coming out with a comprehensive report stating the level of damages suffered by the affected communities.
3. Urge Nigeria Gas Company, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation and other relevant supervisory agencies in the oil and gas sector to ensure that Seven Energy International Limited take measures to adequately compensate the affected communities in order to mitigate the suffering of the citizen resulting from the said explosion.
35. Post COVID-19 Food Sufficiency, Closure of Livestock market and fall in Crude oil Price: A Wake up call to support Akwa Ibom Agricultural Sector. Godwin Ekpo
28th May 2020. Motion referred to House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources to report back within one Month
36. Incessant and unauthorized encroachment of communities in Ini Local Government Area by Neighbouring Abia State Communities. Emmanuel Ekpenyong Bassey
4th June 2020. Motion referred to committee on boundary and conflict resolutions to report back within one month.
37. The Need for Teachers Training and Re-training on E-Learning Tools in preparation for Post COVID-19Education models. Mfon Idung
4th June 2020.
38. Concern over deeply excavated gully abandoned in Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit: A call for immediate intervention to avert disaster. Ifiok O.S. Udoh
4th June 2020. Motion committed to joint house committee on works and education for further legislative action to report back within one motion.
39. Trespass and sale of Government Land; A call for urgent Action. Victor Ekwere
4th June 2020.
REPRESENTATION
As legislators, we are first and foremost seen as the representative of our people. As one of our core legislative function in the past twelve months, we have collectively as a house pursued an active strategy of improving service to Akwa Ibom people and as individuals to our respective constituencies. This we have done through:
• Various empowerment programmes in education, sports and entrepreneurship such as the Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (RHAB-YESS) for Akwa Ibom Youths.
• Sponsoring of people-oriented bills & moving life-touching motions that positively affects the well being of our constituents in particular and the state in entirety.
• Setting up of constituency offices to facilitate public access – this we have done in most of our constituencies.
• Regular physical visits to constituents.
• Seeking public inputs on our bills before passage.
• Present petitions on behalf of constituents to ensure that their grievances are addressed.
• Creating awareness and disseminating information to our constituents – we championed the COVID-19 awareness campaign tagged: “let’s keep coronavirus out” and provided palliatives to our constituents during the lockdown,
• Actively participating in the budget process and ensuring that there is room for constituents to also participate through monitoring of local projects and
• Actively supporting and engaging in media activities – we have always taken your events as ours just the same way you take ours as yours (NUJ, COOPA can attest to this).
• Proactively, we directed the relevant government ministry/agencies to tackle both lassa fever/coronavirus before its insurgence.
OVERSIGHT
Our powers of legislative oversight are usually carried out by each standing committee on their relevant authorities, LGAs and MDAs. May I use this medium to inform us further that our legislative oversight over public funds and budget is a constitutional provision. While the legislature has the primary responsibility of monitoring budget implementation, the media and general public have a complementary role to play here as well. The twenty-six (26) standing committees of this house whose jurisdictions are clearly defined in Order 9 of the Standing Orders of this Honourable Assembly (6th Edition) has so far submitted fourteen (14) reports from various committees. Our range of oversights in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Akwa Ibom State Government and even in the Local Government Councils has yielded positive impacts in complementing the completion agenda of this administration. Our budgeting cycle now conforms to the global accepted standards to drive the wheels of our state development.
With the insurgence of COVID-19 Pandemic, there was need to revisit and or revised our budget, the House reconsidered the 2020 Budget which was initially NGN597.74BN and same was slashed to NGN366BN representing a 38.8% reduction in the State’s budget. Same was passed on the 30th day of April 2020.
Committee Reports of the 7th Assembly (June 2019 – June 2020)
1. HAR/93/07/2019 – Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions on the Screening of Nominees for Appointment as Commissioners and Special Advisers
2. HAR/94/09/2019 – The Report of House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on Allegations of Abuse of Office and Gross Misconduct Against Barr. Imo Williams of Abak Local Government Council.
3. HAR/95/12/2019 – Report of the Committee on Appropriation and Finance on Appropriation Bill, 2020 (HAB 221)
4. HAR/96/12/2019 – Report of the House Committee on Health on the Bill to establish the Akwa Ibom State College of Health Technology and for other matters connected therewith (HAB 218)
5. HAR/97/12/2019 – Report of the Public Accounts Committee of the State House of Assembly on the Audited Accounts of the Government of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria for the year ended 31st December, 2018
6. HAR/97/02/2020 - Report of House Committee on Women Affairs, Social Welfare and Cooperative on a Bill for a Law to Eliminate Violence in Private and Public Life, Prohibit All Forms of Violence Against Persons and to Provide Maximum Protection and Effective Remedies for Victims and Punishment for Offenders and Other Matters Connected Therewith(HAB 217)
7. HAR/96/01/2020 - Report of House Committee on Education on A Bill for a Law to Establish Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology, Nung Ukim, Ikono, 2019 (HAB 224)
8. HAR/98/02/2020 – Report of the Joint House Committee on Finance and Appropriations and Economic Planning on a Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Public Procurement and Budget Monitoring for the Conduct of Public Procurement in the State and for other Matters Connected Therewith (HAB 226)
9. HAR/101/02/2020 – Report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations on a Bill for a Law to provide for the Establishment of Akwa Ibom State Debt Management Office and related matters
10. HAR/102/03/2020 – Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Audited Accounts of the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State from 1st January 2010 – 31st December, 2013
11. HAR/104/5/2020 – Interim Report of the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on the Allegation of Gross Misconduct against the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Hon. (Elder) Imo Okon
.
12. HAR/103/5/2020 – Interim Report of the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions on Alleged Gross Misconduct Against the Chairperson of Nsit Atai Local Government Council, Lady Emem Ibanga.
13. HAR/105/6/2020 – Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Audited Accounts of Akwa Ibom State Government for the year ended 31st December, 2019.
14. HAR/106/6/2020 – Report of the Joint Committee on Lands & Housing; and Environment on a Bill for a Law to provide for the Control of Physical, Urban and Regional Planning Activities; the Establishment of Urban and Regional Planning Board, Local Planning Authorities and Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal in the State and for other connected purposes therewith.
CONCLUSION
Gentlemen of the press kindly permit me to conclude by once again appealing most passionately, for your continuous support and cooperation. I implore you to always feel free to contact us for any information that might assist you in your balanced reportage of our activities. This turbocharged working Assembly is eager, prepared and ready to continuously carry out its core mandate, functions and/or duties as provided by relevant extant laws and statutes in a very transparent manner with the sole aim of improving our society and giving effective representation to the good people of Akwa Ibom State. A soft copy of the details of this briefing is available for transmission to you all by email if you provide your email addresses.
Thank you!
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