AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCILORS’ FORUM(2017 – 2020 COUNCIL)
C/o 245 ORON ROAD,
UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE
Days ago, the attention of the reading public was drawn to a news item in the media credited to a section of former councilors who served between 2017-2020, demanding for the resignation of the Hon. Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong over the nonpayment of severance benefits to them.
That story no doubt created an impression in the minds of uninformed members of the public that such is the position of the Akwa Ibom State Councilors Forum (2017-2020).
Therefore, as Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Councilors Forum (2017-2020), it behooves that I rejoin that publication and set things in the right perspective as follows:
1. It is true that Councilors who served between 2017-2020 are yet to receive their severance allowance. However, contrary to the impression that nothing is being done about it, it might interest members of the public to know that discussions between the Akwa Ibom State Councilors Forum (2017-2020) and the Akwa Ibom State Government has been ongoing. This has been orchestrated by the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong and has been communicated to members of the forum by my humble self. Our last interaction on the subject matter was a couple of weeks ago and we received assurances from Government that the matter is being considered. Therefore, it is unfair on the person of the Hon. Commissioner for the same people he’s advocating for to call for his resignation.
2. Never at any point was I or the Akwa Ibom Councilors Forum (2017-2020) consulted before the said meeting was held nor was my opinion or that of the Forum sought in anyway about their resolutions. Therefore, the call for the resignation of Hon. Frank Archibong remains the personal opinion of a few and not the position of Hon. Bassey Bassey or the Akwa Ibom Councilors Forum (2017-2020).
3. Consequently, I hereby call on my colleagues to exercise restraint as that particular move of theirs is inimical to our collective demand for payment of severance benefits which is a statutory entitlement of ours.
4. The Government of Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel is not insensitive to our plight. As a matter of fact, payment of severance benefits has been something His Excellency has done over and again. As a matter of fact, Councilors who served in the preceding tenure before us had received their severance pay. Same applies to political appointees who fall within the category. Therefore, we are optimistic that ours will not be an exception.
5. In conclusion, I appeal that we maintain a cordial relationship with government as an antagonistic relationship will not be beneficial to both parties. In the light of this, I hereby restate my commitment and that of the Akwa Ibom State Councilors Forum (2017-2020) to His Excellency Gov. Udom Emmanuel and the Completion Agenda.
Hon. Barr. Bassey Etim,
Chairman, Akwa Ibom State
Councilors’ Forum (2017-2020).
11/08/2021
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