By Ekong UKOT
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has confirmed 21 persons nominated by Governor Udom Emmanuel as would-be members of his Executive Council.
The confirmation, which took place on Thursday, July 4, 2019, has 19 persons for the position of Commissioners and two for the position of Special Adviser and this was sequel to a letter received by the House of Assembly on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, from the State Governor.
Those confirmed as Commissioners included a three term member of the House, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang, Mr Akan Okon, Arch. Ime Ekpo, Prof. Nse Essien, Barr Uwemedimo Nwoko, Sir Monday Uko, Mr. Linus Nkan, Barr Ekong Sampson, Mr. Charles Udoh, and Mr. Orman Esin.
Others included Dr Iniobong Essien, Dr Dominic Ukpong, Dr Gloria Edet, Mr. Udo Ekpenyong, Barr. Ukpong Akpabio, Chief Uno Etim Uno, Otuekong Raphael Bassey and Prof. Victor Bassey, while Dr Ekemini Umoh and Mr. Sunday Ibout were confirmed as Special Advisers.
Meanwhile, three bills, sponsored by the Deputy Leader of the House, Barrister Aniefiok Dennis (Etinan) and Dr Usoro Akpanusoh (Esit Eket/Ibeno), were read the first time on the floor of the House.
The bills were 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 of Offenders and for Related Matters; a Bill for a Law to establish Akwa Ibom State School of Health Technology for Training of various Health Professionals in the State and for other Matters connected therewith, and a Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Safety Commission and other Related Matters.
Briefing newsmen shortly after Thursday’s plenary, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Deputy Leader of the House, Barrister Aniefiok Dennis, solicited for continuous support from the media “on its journey for the betterment and progress of Akwa Ibom,” adding that “the 7th Assembly will at all time synergize and collaborate with the media for effective reportage of its activities.”
He assured that the 7th Assembly will be a media friendly Assembly and open to all.
The House’s plenary was adjourned to Thursday, July 18th, 2019.
