Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Wednesday at a plenary, passed a resolution authorising Gov. Umo Eno to constitute an interim administration in 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The resolution was a sequel to the letter from the governor with reference number: GHU/AKS/S/104/VOL.1/607 dated Dec.5 requesting the House to pass a resolution authorising him to constitute the interim administration in LGAs under s.5(2) of the Local Government (Administration) Law, 2017.
The governor, in his message, informed the lawmakers that there was no provision in the 2023 budget for Local Government elections, so there were no funds appropriated for that purpose.
He reminded the Legislators that the 2024 budget proposals before the House were currently undergoing sectoral defence and breakdown by respective MDAs before passage.
Eno in the letter said that the State Independent Electoral Commission, (AKISIEC) has commenced the process leading to the announcement of the date for the election of new Chairmen of Local Government Councils.
The governor added that he was left with no alternative but to set up interim governance in the Local Governments pending the conduct of elections as proposed by AKISIEC and prayed the House to favourably consider his request.
Mr Otobong Bob, Deputy Leader of the House and member representing Nsit-Ubium State constituency while supporting the letter, urged his colleagues to grant the Governor’s request.
Bob said that there was an urgent need to prevent a vacuum at the third tier of government, as the tenure of the Local Government Councils would expire by midnight on Wednesday 6th December 2023.
He later moved a motion for the resolution which was seconded by the Chief Whip of the House, Mr Effiong Johnson.
The Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Nsikak-abasi Orok to communicate the resolution of the House to the Gov. Eno for further action.