...says Nigeria needs a
validly acceptable census
As Governor Udom Emmanuel
flagged off the pre-census Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) Phase 5, in Onna
Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Special Adviser in the Bureau of
Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources has charged the people of the
State to disregardtheir political leaning in dealing with issues of data and
development planning.
Speaking at the
flag-off ceremony, the Special Adviser said Nigeria as nation cannot afford to
ignore the importance of the Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise which expectedly
will provide Nigeria ample background to conduct credible, reliable and
acceptable credible national population and housing census, a process critical
to national planning and sustainable development.
Barrister Ekong Sampson
described the exercise as timely and a golden opportunity for the people of
Akwa Ibom State to prepare to stand up and be counted. He commended Governor
Udom Emmanuel for the value he attaches and support, which brought about great
success in the previous phases at Oron, Nsit Ibom and IkotEkpene Local
Government Areas. He stated that by encouraging and supporting this important
activity, Governor Udom Emmanuel has further demonstrated capacity, patriotism
and visionary leadership.
Sampson said census
just like national identity and voter’s registration cuts across political
persuasions. He particularly stated that “voter card has no political party”.
The Special Adviser
said the Bureau has been working with other political party chieftains to drive
the such national programmes as the Continuous Voter Registration, National ID
Card Scheme and particularly cited the good working relationship between the
Bureau and the National Population Commission in the State, headed by an APC
Chieftain, Engr. Benedict Ukpong.
He urged the people of
Onna to continually show-case the friendship, accommodating and receptive
qualities that the Onna people are known for as well as provide maximum support
to officials of both National Population Commission and Independent National
Electoral Commission to assist them in their work and also enhance the task of
moving Onna Local Government Area to a greater height.
The Honourable Federal
Commissioner of National Population Commission, Engr. (Chief) Benedict Ukpong
appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel for his support for population matters and
the Special Adviser in the Bureau for his effort towards ensuring the success
of the EAD projects in previous phases.
According to the NPC
Commissioner, the commission like in the previous phases has been working with the
Independent National Electoral Commission to delineate existing wards or
registration area boundaries in the LGA for election purposes. He said children
of ages 0-17 years will be registered and issued Birth Certificates. He however
stated that for this particular phase, UNICEF, being a technical partner of the
Commission in the exercise, has instructed that only children of 0-59 months be
registered.
The Chairman of Onna
Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunday Attat, assured the NPC officials of
the cooperation of the people of the area towards the success of the exercise.
He also assured of the safety and security of field workers.
The Paramount Ruler, of
Onna, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Raymond Inyang, also assured the officials of
the cooperation of royal fathers to ensure the success of the exercise.
Also in attendance
were: the Director of NPC in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Benjamin Ndaobong, former
Chairman on Onna LGA, Otuekong Patrick Ifon, Permanent Secretaries of SUBEB and
the Political Affairs Bureau, Mr. Elder Ezekiel Umoh and Elder Nse Edem,
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council among others.
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