A bill aimed at amending the Independent Electoral Commission Law, specifically the Akwa State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), has successfully passed the second reading at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
The bill, introduced by the Executive, was deliberated on the Assembly floor and supported by the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, and his Deputy, Prince Sampson Idiong during Friday’s plenary session.
Following the receipt of a message from Governor Umo Eno to the Speaker, urging legislative support for the proposed amendment, the bill progressed to the next stage in the legislative process on April 12, 2024.
The Governor’s letter, dated April 3, 2024, emphasized the importance of the legislative review and passage of the bill, in line with established procedures outlined in the House rules.
The Governor’s message, marked with serial number “GHU/AKS/S/104/S.1/VOL.111/845,” states, in part, “Pursuant to order 7, Rule 2(1) of the standing orders of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, I am forwarding the above bill for your consideration and passage into law.”
During the debate on the bill, the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, clarified that the Governor aims to conduct elections in all 31 local government areas of the State, necessitating the empowerment of the state electoral body, AKISIEC.
Highlighting the amendments proposed in the bill, Hon. Bob appealed to fellow lawmakers for their support and cooperation to ensure the successful passage of the amendment.Hon. Eric Akpan of Nsit Ibom State Constituency, and Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung representing Etim-Ekpo/Ika, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, voiced their support for the proposed amendments.
Subsequently, Speaker Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, referred the bill to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, instructing them to provide a report to the House within four days.
The House adjourned plenary and is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, 16th of April 2024.