The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called on the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police to carry out a thorough investigation into the murder of a University of Uyo Student, Gabriel Bassey Edward.
The House made the call following a Motion brought before it by the Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Hon. Otobong Bob at Tuesday Plenary.
Hon. Bob while leading the debate on the Motion, informed the House that the deceased, a twenty three year old final year student of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Uyo, was allegedly murdered by a certain Pastor with one of the pentecostal churches in Nigeria in the early hours of Monday, 21st December, 2020.
“The deceased was allegedly murdered by a certain Pastor with one of the Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria in a parish located at Atakpa Ifa Ikot Ubo, Ifa Ikot Okpon, Etoi in Uyo.
Prior to the murder of Gabriel, the suspected murderer who is now in police custody, developed an acrimonious relationship with the deceased after the church branch rented the deceased property at Atakpa Ifa Ikot Ubo, Etoi in Uyo”, he said.
He expressed displeasure over attempts to compromise the ongoing investigation and circumvent justice for the slain Uniuyo student and his family.
He therefore prayed the House to direct the Commissioner of Police to conduct a swift investigation into the matter.
Members of House, including Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko (Ibesikpo Asutan), Rt. Hon. Mark Esset (Nsit Atai), Rt Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh (Ibeno/Esit Eket), Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey (Ini), Rt. Hon. Aniefiok Denis (Etinan), Rt. Hon. Felicia Bassey (Okobo), Hon. Godwin Ekpo (Ibiono Ibom) and Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem (Itu) who spoke in favour of the Motion, condemned the gruesome murder of the university student and called on relevant institutions to ensure a speedy and uncompromised investigations into the matter.
In his ruling, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey , referred the Motion which gained unanimous support, to the House Committee on Security to follow up the investigation and report back to the House on Monthly basis.
He directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the decision of the House to the appropriate quarters.
While condoling with the family of the deceased, the University of Uyo community, Catholic Youth Organization, friends and associates of the deceased, the House called on the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police to carryout a thorough and swift investigation into the murder of the Late Gabriel Edward.
The House also mandated the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State to ensure that the case is properly handled and culprits diligently prosecuted.
Also at Plenary today, ‘A Bill for a Law to Establish Akwa Ibom State Economic Advisory Council and for other Matters Connected Therewith’, sponsored by the Member representing Ini State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey and ‘A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of the Office of the Public Defender, Its Functions and other Connected Matters’, sponsored by the Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Hon. Otobong Bob, scaled through First Readings.
Both bills were referred to the House Committee on Rules, Ethics and Privileges for rescheduling.
In the meantime, the House has adjourned its plenary to Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 10am.
