* Akpabio’s men top list
BY EMMANUEL AKPAN
There was anxiety yesterday amongst members of the 6th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as the members took time longer than expected during yesterday’s Executive Session in the Speaker’s office before coming out to the hallowed chamber for plenary. THE INK correspondent who monitored proceedings observed that all was not well with the Members. The Members spent about four hours deliberating on the list, an indication that the lists did not go down well with them. This, our correspondent learnt was as a result of the composition of the lists which had 90 percent of Akpabio’s men. The argument among members was that Udom Emmanuel returning Akpabio’s men to the state exco is totally unacceptable. This argument forced the executive session to run from few minutes past 10.am to 1.20pm.
There was anxiety yesterday amongst members of the 6th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as the members took time longer than expected during yesterday’s Executive Session in the Speaker’s office before coming out to the hallowed chamber for plenary. THE INK correspondent who monitored proceedings observed that all was not well with the Members. The Members spent about four hours deliberating on the list, an indication that the lists did not go down well with them. This, our correspondent learnt was as a result of the composition of the lists which had 90 percent of Akpabio’s men. The argument among members was that Udom Emmanuel returning Akpabio’s men to the state exco is totally unacceptable. This argument forced the executive session to run from few minutes past 10.am to 1.20pm.
Even when members of the Assembly came out after a longer-than-always Executive session, they looked angry and refused to even respond to greetings from their aides, visitors and even some pressmen who shared pleasantries with them. A member of the Assembly from Eket Senatorial District was even overheard saying to his colleague, why should he (apparently referring to Udom) accept those names forced on him by Akpabio, he should understand that this is his Government and not that of Akpabio. The lawmaker even queried by submitting that if Udom does not want to take his decisions as the Governor, he should quietly resign as the 6th Assembly will not want to work with the hand of Akpabio but the voice of Udom
Inside the executive session, members were said to have threatened to return the letter bearing the names of nominees to the Governor with a position that some names should be replaced especially those who started and finished with the former administration. It was gathered by our reporter through a member of the Assembly from Uyo Senatorial District that the argument and plea from the Speaker, Aniekan Uko was not received hook line and sinker by members who threatened to walk out of the Executive session in protest.
Our source disclosed that members even had to force the Speaker to Call the Governor so they can speak to him and seek explanations on why he had to recycle old faces in an administration that is supposedly new. Our source did not speak further whether the members were able to communicate on phone with the Governor. But he however maintained that after arguments and counter arguments, members finally agree to constitute a committee headed by the member for Nsit Ubium state Constituency Barr Onofiok Luke to screen the nominees.
Our reporter gathered that members have also agreed to ensure that most if not all the old commissioners do not serve longer than necessary. It was not very clear how they were going to do that. But our reporter scooped that members are plotting to come out with a resolution that will bar any commissioner or member of Exco that served up to four years in the last administration from continuing in office beyond a given period of time. This information could not be ascertained immediately from the office of the Speaker. But a House member from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District said, there are moves by members in such direction.
THE INK learnt from one of the Members who attended the Executive Session that the leadership and some members of the 6th Assembly were not happy with names of nominees as Commissioners and Special Advisers sent to them by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for clearance. Our source said the list attracted serious argument amongst members. It was gathered that some members especially from Eket Senatorial District were not happy with some names in the list, arguing that 90% of names were from the former Governor Godswill Akpabio. It was gathered that the AKHA members had threaten to bounce some names in the list, reasoning that if the nominees are cleared by the House, Senator Godswill Akpabio will still indirectly rule the State. However, the list was later brought and was read at the floor of the House by the clerk, Mrs. Mandu Umoren. The Speaker, Hon. Aniekan Uko referred the report from the governor to the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Right and Public petitions. Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has constituted two committees. There are: Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Right and Public petitions and Committee Rules, business and privileges.
Members of House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Right and Public petitions are: Barr. Onofiok Luke as Chairman, Hon. David Lawrence, Deputy Chairman, Hon. Nse Ntuen, Hon. Friday Iwok, Hon. Idongesit Ntekpere, Hon. Uduak Ududoh, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, Hon. Idongesit Ituen and Barr. Aniefiok Dennis as members, While Committee on Rules, Business and Privileges has Barr. Aniefiok Dennis as Chairman, Hon. Friday Iwok, Deputy Chairman, while members are: Barr. Ime Okon, Barr. Onofiok Luke, Hon. Otobong Ndem, Hon. Asuquo Archibong, Hon. Nse Essien, Hon. Victor Udofia , Hon. Gabriel Tobby. Inaugurating the committees, the Speaker, Hon. Aniekan Uko charged members of the committees to immediately swing into actions so that the House can have the necessary reports. He said the committees should reports to House in the next three days for further actions.
COMMISSIONERS AND S.As SENT TO AKHA BY GOVERNOR
S/N - Nominee - LGA
1. Barr. Uwemedimo Thomas Nwoko - Ika
2. Mr. Akan Okon - Itu
3. Dr Matthew Nathan Ekaette
4. Mr. Ephraim Akparawa Inyang-eyen – Onna
5. Prince Godwin Ntukudeh – Uruan
6. Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Simon Akpan – Ukanafun
7. Dr. Dominic Ukpong – Eket
8. Rt. Hon. Uwem Ita Etuk - Ibesikpo Asutan
9. Mr. Enobong Emmanuel Uwah – Uyo
10. Dr Iniobong Essien – Ibiono
11. Mr. Aniekan John Umanah – Abak
12. Rt. Hon. Victor Antai – Mbo
13. Barr. Emmanuel Moses Enoidem - Etim Ekpo
14. Rt. Hon. (Barr) Ekong Sampson - Mkpat Enin
15. Dr Emmanuel Ating Onwioduokit - Oron
16. Dr (Mrs.) Elizabeth Donald Obot
17. Otuekong Emmanuel Udo Ibiok - Nsit Ubium
18. Dr Glory Emmanuel Edet – Ini
19. Sir Monday Ebong Uko - Obot Akara
20. Engr. Etido Inyang - Ikot Ekpene
Special Advisers
1. Mr. Eyinna Ekpenyong - Ibeno
2. Rt. Hon. Anietie Sunday Etuk - Nsit Ibom
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