A'Ibom LG Service Commission Gets Legislative Backing

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed into law the Local Government Service Commission Law with a commencement date of August 13, 2020.

The State Assembly considered the   report of the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs  on a bill to amend the law establishing the Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission Law and for other matters connected therewith presented by the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset on Thursday.

While deliberating on the bill, members contended on clause 5 which proposed that with the LG Commission's permission, LG Councils shall employ persons from Grade Levels 01-06 but such appointment must be ratified by the Commission. 

After heated deliberation, the House resolved that the Commission should ratify such appointments by Councils as permitted by the Commission.

However, at plenary, after due consideration of the report, the House adopted the 19 amendment Clauses and subsequently passed them into law.

Meanwhile, the House also ratified the report of the Public Accounts Committee on the audited accounts of the 31 LGAs in Akwa Ibom State as presented by the Chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Charity Ido.

In addition, the bill on Compulsory Treatment and Care for Sexual Violence Against Children passed through second reading and was committed to the joint committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare; and Health for consideration and to report to the House within one month.

Furthermore, the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility bill, 2020 passed through second reading and committed to the Committee on Appropriation and Finance to report to the House within one month.

Press Unit

Office of the Speaker,

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Super Eagles Supporters Club Lauds NFF On Covid -19 Relief Fund

The National President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club Prince Vincent Okumagba has commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on including her supporters club as one of the beneficiaries of the Covid-19 Palliatives from FIFA, CAF and it's sponsors. 

Prince Okumagba thanked the Amaju Pinnick led NFF for remembering SESC in a time like this, it shows our unflinching support to the National team has not gone unnoticed. 

"The NFF has indeed shown great leadership and the love it has for football stakeholders in the country in the way they disbursed the Covid-19 Palliatives. 

The Super Eagles Supporters Club is very happy as the funds will go a long way to cushion the adverse economic impacts of this pandemic." 

He further promised to continue to support the NFF, National teams in all that they do and ensure that football development is taken to the next level. 

*SIGNED: MANAGEMENT*

A'Ibom Information Commissioner Visits NUJ, Pledges Partnership

By Mfon Hanson

The new commissioner for Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom state, Hon (Barr) Ini Ememobong visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom state council and in a meeting with members of the State Executive Committee (SEC- Chairmen and Secretaries of Chapels). 

In his speech Ememobong who elaborated the functions of the media as purveyors of information, proposed for stronger collaboration and partnership with the media in Akwa Ibom state in order to move the state forward. 

"There is no need to destroy Akwa Ibom state out of anger, our state must be different because it was in the forefront of state creation, that is why development of Akwa Ibom state should be our watchword, the Governor cannot govern without the media because it is so strategic that the media can make life difficult for a strong leader. 

To this end I'm coming to the NUJ first before I enter my office to ask if you will accept me, let's work together in partnership and collaborate in the interest of Akwa Ibom state".

Hon Ememobong used the forum and proposed a forthcoming meetings at intervals in which the media in the state will chat with the leadership of Information in a soon to be announced date, the programme will be tagged "MEDIA OPEN DAY". 

He also announced the appointment of Comrade Imoh Etimudo, member of of NTA chapel of AK NUJ as the new Press Union Liason Officer. 

Comrade Etimudo's duty is to function as a bridge between the office of the Commissioner for Information and the Union in the state. 

The appointment takes immediate effect.

In his speech the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Amos Etuk described the appointment of Barr Ini Ememobong as divine, he listed the achievement of the Union under his administration for the past one year and pledged the Union's readiness to work in partnership with the Commissioner preferably in an an atmosphere of free flow of information in the state. 

"Your appointment and posting is a clear testimony of the grace of God upon us as a Union especially as it coincides with the first year anniversary of this present leadership. 

Your appointment in this portfolio comes at a critical time in our global history with the challenge of the Covid 19 pandemic. As such your commitment to hit the ground running is strategic as we chart a new course for stronger information management aimed at the development of the state.

In the past one year we have worked as team leaders to change the narrative of developmental journalism positively in all our activities. 

We believe your proactive ideas will propel a stronger partnership in our growth in line with the expected policies of your administration. 

Hon Commissioner, we are extending our very firm hand of fellowship to you today, we want you to succeed because we believe in your capacity and be rest assured that we will remain trusted partners in driving your vision for the Ministry of Information and Strategy successfully".

See Full List And Portfolios Of A'Ibom State Executive Members

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has reshuffled his cabinet with eight new entrants comprising seven Commissioners and a Special Adviser.

In the new dispensation, Professor. Eno James Ibanga, takes charge of the Ministry of Works; Mr. Frank Archibong, oversees the  Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs ; Prof. Augustine Vincent Umoh is the Commissioner for Health while Dr. Ini Adiakpan heads the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Others are Mrs. Enobong Mbobo, Commissioner of Education; Barr. Ini Emembong Essien, Commissioner of Information and Strategy; Dr. Imo Moffat, Commisioner of Science and Technology , the only Special Adviser , Mr. Amanam Nkanga, heads Bureau of Political and Social Re-Orientation.

Administering Oath of Office to the newly appointed state Executive Council members at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Governor Emmanuel charged the appointees to be innovative and responsive to the dictates of the challenging times in which they have come to serve.

He emphasised that commitment towards service delivery should be their watch word and particularly expressed appreciation to the cabinet members who have been relived of their appointment as well as the serving members for their contributions towards the success of his administration.

"...we are poised, we are charged to deliver on all fronts, this is the era of creativity, ideas and imagination, you need to open your mind to see what you can do.

"You're coming at a very challenging time, post COVID-19 has changed  the world, so the way we do things and our thought process must also change, what will make a difference is prayers, pray to God to give you knowledge and wisdom not to fail the people, you must achieve a purpose and you must represent your people well", he admonished .

Governor Emmanuel urged the cabinet members to unravel programmes that will directly revitalised the economy especially investments in agriculture rather than dissipating energies on politiking and announced government intention to set up agro processing companies as soon as international routes are open .

"...we need to deliberately do something about our economy, please don't work towards destroying the economy, we must reorganise ourselves. This is the time we must try as much as we can  to encourage those who are into agriculture, we are working round the globe once they commence international flights we will try to bring agro-processing companies in", he stated .

The Governor sued for moral support for the new appointees, stressing that they should be complimented rather than criticising to enable them succeed in their endeavours. 

"we need your support, we need your prayers, everybody will have a role to play so give these people a chance, give them advice, you don't need to criticize them in the social media we have only one state no human is perfect, everyone survives on one another. Let your strength support the weakness of your brother in order for him to succeed", he advised .

Governor Emmanuel congratulated the new Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) on his appointment and announced the appointment of the immediate past Commissioner for Health, Dr Dominic Ukpong, as Special Adviser on Health Matters.

The Governor also announced the Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, Hon. Iniobong Robson as successor to Hon. Frank Archibong who, until his appointment into the state Executive council, was the Chairman, Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, ALGON .