By Nurat Uthman
Governor Umo Eno has proposed a law that would require Local Government (LG) chairmen in Akwa Ibom state to reside in their respective areas while in office.
This proposal was included in one of four executive bills that the governor sent to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
The other three bills include the “Bill for a Law to establish the Ibom Peace Corps and for Connected Purposes” and the “Bill for a Law to make Special Provisions for Statutory Boards in Akwa Ibom State and for Connected Purposes.”
Another bill sent to the House for consideration and approval is the “Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics and Akwa Ibom State Statistical System and for other Matters Connected therewith.”
The bills were presented to the State Legislature in four letters from Governor Eno and were read during the Friday plenary by Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikak Abasi Orok.
The motion to adopt the governor’s bills was put forward by Lawrence Udoide, the member representing Ini Constituency, and seconded by Uduak Ekpo-Ugot of Etinan State Constituency.
After careful consideration, the House referred the bills to the Committee on Rules, Ethics, Business and Privileges for further legislative action.
During the same plenary session, the House also urged the State Government to construct a Cargo Terminal at the Victor Attah Int’l Airport, following a motion presented by Mr. Uwem Peter Imoh-Ita of Mkpat Enin State Constituency.
The motion called for the construction of an International Cargo Terminal, along with associated aprons and service roads at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Imoh-Ita explained that the airport project was designed to have three main components: a passenger Terminal, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and an International Cargo facility.
He further noted that while the passenger Terminal and MRO have been completed, the Cargo Terminal and other necessary structures to attract aviation-related businesses have not yet been built.
Imoh-Ita emphasized that constructing the Cargo Terminal would bring about more business opportunities, job creation, and significant revenue generation for the State.
House Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, instructed the Clerk to inform Governor Umo Eno about the House’s resolution regarding the construction of the Cargo Terminal in the State before the adjourned plenary till Thursday, August 31.
