A’Ibom assembly to assess TC chairmen before tenure elongation

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has resolved to assess the current Local Government Transition Committee Chairmen’s performance before being approved for tenure elongation.

The lawmakers at the plenary on Thursday mandated its Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to assess their performances before granting tenure extensions to the sitting officials.

This was a sequel to a request for tenure extension of local government transition committees forwarded to the House of Assembly by Gov. Umo Eno.

The governor’s request addressed to the Speaker was read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok during plenary.

Eno in his letter, said the request for tenure extension became necessary pending when the Akwa Ibom State Independence Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) would conduct Local Government Election in the state.

The governor had requested the Legislators to pass a resolution extending the tenure of the transition committee chairmen to provide AKISIEC with sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming local government elections in the state.

The message, which was received through a motion by Mr Asuquo Udo, representing the Ikono state constituency was seconded by Mr Mfon Idung, representing the Etim Ekpo/Ika state constituency.

After extensive debate, the House presided over by the Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, concluded that it would be necessary for them to first inspect the activities of the local government councils before any elongation.

According to them, this was necessary since no elected councillors could perform this function.

Our Correspondent recalls that June 7 is the expiration date for the current tenure of local government transition committee chairmen.