A’Ibom Assembly passes state map establishment bill into law

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has passed into Law a bill to provide a Map for Akwa Ibom State and other matters connected therewith.

The bill which was read the third time at plenary on Thursday is cited as the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023 and it takes effect from April 13, 2023.

This was a sequel to a report of the Joint Committee on Lands and Housing, Boundary and Conflict Resolution and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, presented by its Chairman, Mr Udo Kierian Akpan – PDP Oruk Anam.

Akpan while presenting the report said the Bill, sponsored by Mr David Lawrence – PDP Eket will help reduce agitations and communal conflicts and enhance and promote development within the mapped-out boundaries.

“The Bill will enhance cultural affinities of the people within the boundaries and make for easy identification and placements. 

“It will also assist in the proper identification and allocation of resources domiciled in the component units,” he said.

The report also recommended that all government White Paper on boundary issues across the state be taken into consideration and implemented without delay.

Also at plenary, the House also passed A Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access Roads Agency and Fund for the Management, and Development. Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Maintenance of Class B, Class C and Class D Roads in Akwa Ibom State and for Funding and other matters connected therewith.

The Speaker, Mr Aniekan Bassey, who presided over the Plenary, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Nsikak Orok to transmit clean copies of the Bills to the Executive Governor for assent.

Meanwhile, the House has adjourned its plenary to reconvene on April 18.