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Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging Governor Udom Emmanuel to intervene and assist the people of Ikot Offrong, Ikot Akpan and Ubienkene Villages in Nkari Clan of INI local government area to return to their ancestral homes, by providing adequate security in the area.
The House has also asked the governor to make public the report of the Panel of Inquiry headed by Hon. Justice J. U. Bassey (R.t.d) and direct the relevant government agency to release the Government ‘White Paper’on the subject matter. The assembly’s directive followed a motion titled “ A cry for help by the people of Ikot Offong, Ikopt Akpan and Ubienkere Okom sub-clan) in Nkari Clan, Ini Local Government Area”, presented at Tuesday’s plenary by the Chief Whip of the House and member representing , INI State Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong Bassey.
The Assembly also directed the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Committee, and also appealed to other philanthropic organizations, faith based organizations, and generous individuals within and outside the state to assist in the provision of relief materials to the affected communities to ameliorate their sufferings.
Presenting the matter on the floor of the House, Hon. Ekpenyong informed that the attack on the affected communities by the people of Mbente which occurred in October, 2011, led to the loss of lives, properties, houses, as many where rendered homeless. He said the attack forced the surviving people of Ikot Offrong, Ikot Akpan and Ubienkene to flee their ancestral heritage and homes, and were currently taking refuge as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the neighbouring villages.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Mandu Umoren to communicate the resolution of the House to relevant government department. Also on Tuesday, the House in a resolution urged governor Udom Emmanuel to order the publication and Gazetting of villages under their respective clans. The House had noted that some villages in Nsit Atai local government Area were not listed under their respective clans. The lawmakers also directed “that the name ‘Ikot Otor’ be corrected to reflect “Ikot Itor” village in Midim/ Abak clan of Oruk Anam local government area and the village head be dully recognized.
The Assembly also directed “That Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs should issue a certificate of recognition to the Village Head of Ikot Itor in Abak/Midim Clan in Oruk Anam Local Government Area”.
This is sequel to the submission of report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on the recognition of Ikot Itor Village in Abak/Midim clans of Oruk Anam local government area.
A bill for a law to amend the Akwa Ibom State College of Arts and Science Law and for other matters connected threwith, sponsored by the member representing Ikot-Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ududo, and 12 0ther members of the House, passed first reading. The bill was referred to the Committee on Rules, Ethics, Business and Privileges for indepth scrutiny.
Another bill, Akwa Ibom State Strategy Bill, 2016 sponsored by the member representing Mkpat-Enin State Constituency, Hon. Otobong Ndem and 12 other members was read a second time at the floor of the House.
