A Bill for a Law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics which has Aniekan Uko, a member representing Ibesikpo/Asutan State Constituency as the lead sponsor, has passed a Second Reading.
The bill entitled “Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics Bill, 2021” was first read on February 9, 2021on the floor of the House.
Giving an insight into the bill, Uko restated that the importance and viability of timely and reliable statistics on the socio-economic life of the people of Akwa Ibom State cannot be over-stressed as complete and accurate statistics are crucial for creating and sustaining an environment that fosters strong and equitable development.
He listed the areas which require statistical records in the state to include, preparation of government budget (estimating the expected expenditure and revenue from source), management of effective delivery services, improved transparency and accountability in policy-making which is essential for good governance and the timely assistance in the post- Covid 19 economic reconstruction programmes as it will assist the committee set up by government on that purpose to draw an economic blueprint that will turn the state into an investment and economic hub for Africa.
According to the lawmaker, the Bureau when established will be in charge of planning, authorising, co-coordinating and supervising all official statistical programmes undertaken within the state statistical system.
“It will collect, compile, analyze, interpret, publish and disseminate statistical information alone or in collaboration with other agencies, both government and non-governmental,” the lawmaker stressed.
“It will also formulate and ensure compliance with standards and promote the use of best practices and methods in the production and dissemination of statistical information across the State statistical system,” he added.
Continuing, Rt Hon Uko noted that the bill will also promote, develop and maintain an integrated statistical system in the state as well as co-ordinate and advice official bodies on statistics, including developing, and ensuring compliance with, statistical standards.
He, therefore, assured that the Bill when passed into law will provide for the collection, compilation, analysis, publication and dissemination of statistical information and coordination of the state statistical system which will enhance probity in Public Service.
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has waded into the communal crisis between Ikot Ebak village in Mkpat Enin LGA and Enen Atai village in Oruk Anam LGA.
This was a matter of Urgent Public Importance brought to the floor of the House by Hon. Victor Ekwere of Mkpat Enin State Constituency during Tuesday plenary.
According to the mover of the motion, “lives and properties in the villages involved in the land dispute are exposed to danger. People are not safe as there is serious tension in the land.”
“Recently, commuters travelling to Ikot Abasi LGA were asked to suspend their journey for hours because of the fight in a section of the road leading to Ikot Abasi LGA.”
He went ahead to explain how the crisis has degenerated to robbery, kidnapping by miscreants who take advantage of the situation.
The Mkpat Enin member urged the House to direct security agencies to move into action and restore peace to Ikot Ebak and the neighbouring village.
The Member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko moved for the matter to be received by the House and was seconded by Hon. Mfon Idung of Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency.
Meanwhile, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey who presided over the plenary session referred the matter to the House Committee on Boundary and Conflict Resolution to report back to the House within one month.
Also during Tuesday plenary, Rt. Hon. Aniefiok Denis of Etinan State Constituency moved a motion calling on the State Government to be proactive as cholera has broken out in 23 states of the federation.
The motion entitled ‘As Cholera Hits 23 States: Need to take Precautionary Measures in Akwa Ibom State,’ had legislators speaking in support of it.
In his contribution, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset of Nsit Atai State Constituency thanked Etinan members for the proactive information so that the state will not be caught unawares by the outbreak of the disease. He added that there is need to prepare and put up proactive measures to tackle the situation before the disease hits the state.
Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob of Nsit Ubium commended the member of Etinan State Constituency for the motion and noted that a stitch in time saves nine. He added that there is a need for relevant agencies of public health to swing into action so that the outbreak does not get the state unawares.
Also contributing, the Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong said the need for precautionary measures can not be underestimated as neighboring states have been affected.
The motion prays that; “The House should direct the Ministries of Health, Environment, Information and Strategy as well as Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission, (EARCOM) to as a matter of urgency, embark on rigorous sensitization campaigns on the need for good hygiene and routine sanitation.
“Urge Akwa Ibom State Environment Protection and Waste Management Agency and the Ministry of Environment to redouble effort in evacuating waste and keeping our state clean and green to forestall the outbreak in the state.
“Implore the Ministry of Land and Water Resources and other relevant Ministries and Agencies to intensify effort towards making safe drinking water available for Akwa Ibom people.
The House upheld the prayers contained in the motion and urged the Clerk, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the resolution to relevant agencies of the State Government.
Also, during plenary, a motion for Urgent need to decongest Ikot Ekpene/Ikpa Road Roundabout and other Locations in Uyo Metropolis sponsored by Hon. Victor Ekwere was committed to the House Committee on Works and Transport for a depth study and to report back to the House within one month.
As part of the House Order of the Day, House of Assembly Bill 266 entitled ‘Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics Bill, 2021,’ Sponsored by Rt. Hon. Aniekan Nyong Uko passed through second reading after its first reading on February 9, 2021.
Contributing to the Bill, the Leader, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian said he supports the spirit and letters of the bill as there is a need to have a database for MDAs for an effective information storage system in the state.
Also the Ukanafun representative, Hon. Charity Ido said due to the importance of statistics in the corporate accounting system, the Bill will help in discovering loopholes in governance and will guide in decision making. She also said it will aid to build the state’s confidence in public governance.
In his contribution, the Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo member, Rt. Hon. Uduak Odudoh said his support for the bill is because it exists in the majority of the states in the federation.
The Bill was thereafter committed to the House Committee on Economic Planning and Development to report back to the House within one month.
