THE Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has sanctioned an extension of the tenure of the local government transition committee for an additional six months, pending the organization of council elections.
This decision came after the presentation of a report by the House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, delivered by its Chairman, Mfon Idung, during a Plenary session yesterday.
Idung stated that the current transition committee chairpersons and members across all local government councils were eager to execute the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, focusing on implementing capital projects, enhancing personnel development, and providing humanitarian services.
He mentioned that during their visits to each local government council, the House Committee was welcomed by the Transition Committee chairpersons and their teams, and shown around project sites like the Arise Demonstration Farms and other council projects.
Idung also reported that each local government council had received its full allocation from the Governor, and most transition committees had utilized the funds effectively, with each council boasting of at least one prominent project.
The lawmaker expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Local Government Interim Administration, except for a few councils that were under closer scrutiny by the committee.
Deputy Leader of the House, Otobong Bob (Nsit Ubuim), clarified that while the house had made its decision, the state governor retained the authority to re-appoint or replace any transition committee chairman.
In response, Speaker Udeme Otong instructed the clerk to convey the house’s decision to the governor.
The House adjourned the plenary session to Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 10 am.
