LAWMAKER SEEKS END TO SEA PIRATES IN AKWA IBOM WATER LINES

By Deborah Ekanem

A Lawmaker representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Selinah Ukpatu has expressed  worry over the activities of Sea Pirates in the Coastal Waters of Akwa Ibom State.

Consequently, she has sponsored a motion on the floor of the State Assembly during the Thursday 20 July, 2023 plenary to nip the activities of Sea Pirates in the bud

Hon. Ukpatu decried the persistent  unlawful activities  of the unscrupulous men,  saying it has crippled the legitimate businesses of fishermen and other businesses in the areas leading to untold hardship, loss of life and revenue in the affected Communities.

" Between December 2022 and April 2023 alone, at least 50 outboard  engines  were lost , with 30 of them lost in Eastern Obolo within  the month  of March 2023, and an additional 20 in May 2023. Presently, the value of an outboard engine exceeds three million naira (3,000,000)

'the activities of the sea pirates have persisted in the coastal Communities for the past 15 years, leading to the significant loss of revenue, loss of life and the impoverishment of families" Hon. Ukpatu hinted.

The Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo member listed the Coastal Communities to include;

Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Mkpat Enin, Ibeno, Mbo, Oron, Udung Uko, Uruan, Itu and Okobo Local Government Areas of the State.

However, the motion gained the support of the House after being deliberated upon and was referred by the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong to the Committee on Security, Youths and Sports for further  legislative actions.

In a related development, Speaker Otong has committed the motion  for enforcement  of Road Traffic Law to reduce avoidable  incidences of Road Traffic Accidents in  Uyo Capital and other  Roads in Akwa Ibom State, sponsored by the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong to House Committee on Works and Transport.

In the same vein, a motion for a speedy implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Law was also brought to the House by Ibiono Ibom State Constituency member, Mr. Moses Essien and was also directed to the Committee on Health and Clerk of the Assembly  to  liaise  with the relevant Ministry and report back to the House.

The House has adjourned to Tuesday, 25 July, 2023.