Ini Billie, Uyo
Fishermen in Akwa Ibom State in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State criticized plans by the Akwa Ibom State Government to regulate the marine sector.
The fishermen, who constitute themselves under Watch Out Fishermen Cooperative Society or Ghana/Joint Union, threatened to drag the government to court over moves to enforce the marine safety regulations.
According to the group, the state government has no power to regulate the maritime sector as it falls within the exclusive legislative list, adding that only the Federal Government through the National Assembly has such power.
They warned that the group would resist the move in the law court, as the regulation would amount to usurping the power of the federal government and her agencies.
The state government had in a memo dated December 31, 2021, sent to the association through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation informed them of plans to commence marine safety development in littoral local government councils.
“I have been directed to inform you that Akwa Ibom state government has commenced marine safety development including biometric registration of boats, vessels, reorganisations of waterfront, beach operation in all littoral local government areas of the state.
“You are by this letter requested to cooperate with marine safety officers to enable them carry out their official duties effectively as stipulated in the Akwa Ibom Marine (regulations) law, 2017,” the memo said.
But in its response, the group through their solicitors, Ogunbiyi Oluwajuwon and Co, advised the state government to desist from taking such action as it is illegal.
The association said there is no such thing as Biometric registration of boats or vessel anywhere in the world, adding that biometric only relates to human characteristics.
Their response in a letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Otuekong Nse Edem, copied Governor Udom Emmanuel; IGP, Usman Alkali Baba; State Attorney General, Barr. Uko Udom and the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme.
It said, “The maritime sector is within the Exclusive legislative list as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which invariably means that only the Federal Government through the National Assembly has the power to legislate on same.
“Your purported action to regulate the maritime sector in Akwa Ibom state will amount to usurping the power of the federal government and her agencies.
“There is no such thing as Biometric registration of boats or vessel anywhere in the world. Biometric is part of derivative human characteristics which makes your action no less than extortion, which is a crime under our law.
“We want to advise you to cease and desist from contacting our clients further over your illegal activities. Once an action contravenes the laws of the land it becomes illegal, no matter how highly placed or well-conceived it may be.
“Kindly, take this letter as appropriate notice to commence legal proceedings against you and the state government in case you go on with your purported illegal exercise. A stick in time saves nine.”