7TH AKHA: A SCORECARD OF LEGISLATORS
Abigail Isaac
On the 10th of June, 2019, 25 Legislators of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were ushered into the hallowed Chamber of Akwa Ibom State legislature and inaugurated as honourable members of the 7th Assembly with Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey as the Speaker, a composition of 14 returning and 11 new members.
On December 2, 2019 Hon. Effiong Bassey of All Progressive Congress (APC) was sworn in by the Speaker of the House, who replaced the then incumbent, Frank Okon on the directive from the court of Appeal, while on 11th February, 2020, Hon. (Barr.) Esse Umoh was sworn-in to complete the 26 member component of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
The first year of this legislative session, majority of members have stayed alive to their core mandates of legislation, presentation and oversighting as demonstrated by the quality of private member bills, motions and matters of Urgent public importance presented on the floor of the House which remains unparalleled as they have ensured that quality representation and presentation of bills would largely touch the welfare of the citizens of the State.
However, as the 7th Assembly of the Akwa Ibom state legislature counts down to the completion of its first legislative year tomorrow, it behooves one to probe into the workings of the institution with a view to determining how committed they have been to its primary task of providing humane legislation and other complementary functions required of a vibrant legislature in a contemporary democracy.
RT. HON. ANIEKAN BASSEY- SPEAKER, AKHA - URUAN
The Speaker Bassey's vision for a stronger and virile legislature remains undaunted and had used his years of experience as a legislator to effectively steer the ship of the 7th Assembly with confidence and trust of his esteemed colleagues and satisfaction on the path of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
Rt. Hon. Bassey's style of leadership has been widely hailed as pivot with the milestone achievements recorded so far and the present cordial executive legislative relationship remains one of the catalysts factors in the ongoing Completion Agenda and economic prosperity agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel administration.
The legislature under the 7th Assembly has been a strong pillar of support and unity in the present administration with the timely passage into law of 2020 Appropriation Bill and subsequent adjustment in line with post COVID-19 global economic realities.
The 7th Assembly under Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey has promised to ensure that members are up to date with their legislative duties through participation in capacity building - workshops within the State, nationally and globally in order to futher broaden the legislative dynamics in the discharge of their duties in the remaining legislative session of the current House.
However, the quality of debates on the floor of the house remains robust, interesting with quality contributions by all the members and it is heartening to note that the quality of debates remains of high intellect especially in the presentation of private member bills which are directed at improving IGR of the State and improving the lives of the citizens of the State and other residents.
Another sterling milestone of Speaker Bassey's Legislative prowess is the established of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey's Youth Entrepreneurial Support Scheme - RHAB-YESS, an initiative that has alleviated the plight of young entrepreneurs and rekindled hope while revitalizing the economy of the State.
PERFORMANCE: 9/10, EXCELLENT.
RT. HON. (PRINCESS) FELICIA BASSEY - DEPUTY SPEAKER - OKOBO
A two term Deputy Speaker in the 6th and 7th Assemblies, Hon. Bassey is a dependable ally of the Speaker who has brought in feminine touches to Legislative business of the 7th Assembly.
She has been very proactive and vibrant in the present Assembly, not losing sight in protecting the interest of Akwa Ibom women, the less privileged and the vulnerable. One year under review, princess Bassey has presented one bill and one motion on the floor of the House. They are: A bill for a law to protect the physically challenged against all forms of discrimination, which is awaiting third reading with possible passage into law and a motion on the restoration and revival of the abandoned ferry services plying Oron-Calabar waterways for ease of transportation between Akwa and Cross River States.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10- ABOVE AVERAGE
RT. HON. (SIR) UDO KIERIAN AKPAN - HOUSE LEADER - ORUK ANAM
An erudite, vocal, articulate, vibrant and a five star Legislator, is the Leader of Government Business in the 7th Assembly, Sir. Udo Kierian Akpan.
He is a jinx breaker, a third term lawmaker who has repositioned the political narrative of Oruk Anam. As the leader of the House, Akpan has been a torch bearer in leading salient bebates on the floor of the House and has been able to unite the House for Legislative excellence.
Within this one year, he has presented four people-oriented bills to the House which are at various Legislative stages. The Bills are: A bill for law to establish the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Legislative fund management and other matters connected therewith - status - stakeholder engagement completed, A bill for a law to provide for the free tuition and examination fees in public primary and Secondary schools in Akwa lbom State - status - stakeholders engagement completed, a bill for a law to provide for the control of physical/urban and regional planning activities, the establishment of Urban regional planning and area planning authorities in Akwa Ibom State - status - public hearing/ stakeholders engagement completed and a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Local government Service Commission and for other Matters connected therewith.
PERFORMANCE 8/10 VERY GOOD
RT. HON. (BARR.) ANIEFIOK DENNIS - DEPUTY LEADER - ETINAN
A learned gentleman who has brought to bare his depth of intellectual capacity in Legislative business, is the ranking member for Etinan State Constituency, Barr. Aniefiok Dennis.
As the spokesperson for the 7th Assembly, he has been a catalyst in the favourable projection of proceedings of the House through timely interface with the Assembly press Corps and Correspondents when necessary.
Calm and culculative in nature, Barr. Akpan has put his constituents on the frontline of his legislative pursuits, with premium to the wellbeing of Akwa Ibom people through presentation of quality bills, motions and matters of urgent public importance in this first legislative year, especially when he called for further intensification of Akwa Ibom State infectious diseases prevention measures as Nigeria records first confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease ahead of the pandemic outbreak in Akwa Ibom State.
He has presented a total number of two Bills- all passed into law, four motions and a matter of urgent public importance. The bills include: violence against persons (Prohibition) bill - status - passed into law, and a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State College of Health Technology- status - passed into law. While the motions are: urgent need to reconstruct collapsed Ikot Mfon Bridge, proliferation of LPG sales outlets within residential areas, curtail the resurgence of Lessa fever in Akwa Ibom State: A proactive call for action and vigilance, and further intensification of Akwa Ibom State infectious diseases prevention measures as Nigeria records first confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease while the matter of urgent public importance was: murder of one Mr. Godwin Thomas by unknown assailants.
PERFORMANCE 8/10 - VERY GOOD
RT. HON. (OTUEKONG) EMMANUEL EKPENYONG- CHIEF WHIP - INI
Hon. Ekpenyong is a ranking Member and one of the principal officers of the House, a two term member, he is a great team player who has been able to give an appreciable representation to his constituents.
Although he has not sponsored a bill in the first Legislative year of the House, the Ini lawmaker has co-sponsored several bills and moved two motions. The motions are: relocation of head of DPR and NAPIMS to Akwa Ibom State and incessant and unauthorised encroachment of communities in Ini Local Government Area.
PERFORMANCE 5/10 - AVERAGE
RT. HON. (OTUEKONG) NSE ESSIEN - DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP - ONNA
He is one of the jinx breakers who has found themselves back to the 7th Assembly against all odds. Nse Essien is a two term representative in the State House, a team player, an the engine room of the 7th Assembly.
Representing the people of Onna State Constituency, including the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Nse Essien has recorded gaints strides in the youth and sport sector within this one year and has presented a bill titled: Akwa Ibom Sport Development Fund bill - Status- passed second reading and co- sponsored many other bills.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10 - ABOVE AVERAGE
RT. HON. (ELDER) ANIEKAN UKO - MEMBER, IBESIKPO ASUTAN
The return of Hon. Uko to the 7th Assembly was a clear picture of the divine upturning and repositioning the political structure of the Constituency in his favour.
A choir master, musician, Elder of the gospel and legislator, the Ibesikpo Asutan lawmaker is a rare breed of politician baked in a beautiful Legislative pie. Without no reasonable doubt, some persons were born to be a legislator and Hon. Uko is one of them.
His intellectual, at times controversial contributions on the floor of the House has aided in bringing out an aesthetically driven approach to issues of State concerns and brought out the beauty of Akwa Ibom Legislature with his effortless ability to capture attention of his listeners whenever he has the floor.
Within this one year under review, Hon. Uko has sponsored four bills, co-sponsored several others and moved two motions
Bills sponsored by Hon. Uko are: a bill for a law to regulate free and basic compulsory education and other matters connected- status - passed first reading, Scrap business regulation bill - status - passed second reading, Security improvement through functional community policing bill - status - passed first reading and A bill for a law to establish a comprehensive food security framework for State: food storage facilities, strategic food reserve and for other connected purposes.
The two motions are: disastrous impact of flood water evacuation from Uyo metropolis, its implications and threats to lives and properties to the people of Obot Idim community and need for urgent Intervention and Motion on the need to consider employment of indigenous youths by construction companies operating in Akwa Ibom State.
PERFORMANCE: 8/10 - VERY GOOD.
RT. HON. UDUAK ODUDOH- MEMBER, IKOT ABASI/EASTERN OBOLO
Member Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo is a ranking member of the 7th Assembly chairing a powerful committee on Appropriation and Finance.
Under his chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee, the State legislature has created history in the annals of Akwa Ibom State Legislature by passing year 2020 budgetary provisions a month to the fiscal year in line with global fiscal year policy requirements.
He had earlier on facilitated the Akwa Ibom State government's sponsored IPSAS training of Members of the House which kept them abreast with IPSAS principles as culminated in the timely passage of year 2020 budget.
In all of the debates on the budget, Hon. Odudoh remained with a focus to promote Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) for the State and consolidation on the gains of democratic dividends under the leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
His contributions on the floor of the House cannot be over emphasized and has sponsored three economic driven bills of which two have been passed into law and brought one matter of urgent public importance in this first legislative session.
His bills are: A bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Akwa Ibom debt management office - status - passed into law, A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom bureau of public procurement and budget monitoring - status - passed into law, and A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom lottery board - status- public hearing completed, while the matter of urgent public importance stands at "Abuse of office by Executive chairman of Abak Local Government Area, a legislative engagement that brought decorum to the third tier of government and served as deterrent to other Council chairmen.
PERFORMANCE: 8/10 - VERY GOOD
RT. HON. (ELDER) MARK ESSET - MEMBER, NSIT ATAI
vast, controversial, vocal, jinx breaker and erudite legislator is the Member representing the people of Nsit Atai State Constituency.
He is a business guru, an Elder in the lord's vineyard and a shrewd politician who epitomizes effective representation which is one of the determinant factors and the grace of God for his return to the 7th Assembly, taking the lead as the first ranking Member from Nsit Atai in the State hallowed chambers.
Hon. Esset is a voice in the 7th Assembly whose position in debates and deliberations whether in support or against introduces new twist and perspective to the subject of discourse.
He has used his position as the Chaiman, Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure leaders of third tier of Government comply accordingly to democartic rules and entitlements of principal officers delivered as required.
His oversight function across the 31 local government areas of the State has put most Chairmen on checks and today, most local government councils are wearing a new face of open and effective governance.
Hon. Esset has presented a bill for a law to make provision for establishment of Akwa Ibom environmental protection and Waste management Agency and has been passed into law.
PERFORMANCE: 7/10 - GOOD
RT. HON. EFFIONG BASSEY - MEMBER, ORON-UDUNG UKO
Hon. Bassey is a ranking member of the 7th Assembly. Although he not presented a bill in this one year into the 7th Assembly he has co- sponsored several bills and moved two motions.
The motions are: Incessant attacks on seafarers by sea pirates and militants along Oron- Udung Uko and Mbo water ways and Abysmal performance of of Akwa Ibom State fire service in Oron.
He may not be very erudite in debates and contributions but he lends his voice on issues when deemed necessary.
PERFORMANCE: 5/10 - AVERAGE
RT. HON. DAVID LAWRENCE - MEMBER, EKET
Hon. Lawrence is a ranking Member of the House. His re-emergence as the representative of Eket State Constituency was surprising to most political pundits as Okon people had stated their readiness to send a representative from the axis to the State House.
He is the chairman, committee on works and has oversights over Government projects within this one year, although he has not presented any bill nor a motion but has co-sponsored bills.
Recently, he has been noted for mostly opposing bills and motions on the floor of the House, although such dispositions, bring out the beauty of the Legislature.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10 - BELOW AVERAGE
RT. HON. USORO AKPANUSOH- MEMBER, ESIT EKET/IBENO
He narrowingly made it back to the seventh Assembly, hence, he is a ranking member of the House.
Hon. Akpanusoh rarely stays till the end of plenary sessions and seems to hibernate in this first Legislature year, he however, presented a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State safety commission- status- stakeholders engagement completed.
Recently, Hon. Akpanusoh appeared consumed with the ongoing Esit Eket political tussle and his legislative engagement suffers the brunt of the political unrest.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10 - BELOW AVERAGE
RT. HON. ASUQUO ARCHIBONG - MEMBER, URUEFONG ORUKO
Hon. Archibong is a regular absentee of the 7th Assembly within this first Legislative year.
He is a perpetually absent at plenary sessions maybe he has been absent with leave or without leave.
Although he has been making scanty appearances at monthly environmental sanitation monitoring, as the Chairman, committee on environment.
PERFORMANCE: 3/10 - BELOW AVERAGE
RT. HON. (PRINCE) IDONGESIT NTEKPERE - IKOT EKPENE/OBOT AKARA
He is a ranking member. He has no bill to his name in the first Legislative year but moved a motion on the need for compliance with the promotion of Nigerian Local content. He has co-sponsored some bills.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10 - BELOW AVERAGE
HON. IFIOK UDO - MEMBER, NSIT IBOM
Hon. Ifiok Udoh is the legislator representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency in the hallowed chambers of Akwa Ibom State Parliament and a first timer.
In the past one year, he has delivered on the core mandates of Legislating, representing and oversighting. He presented a bill that died at the committee level.
However, being responsive to the yearings of the people, he moved two motions namely; Oboetim Nsit and Neighboring communities still in ordeal, aftermath of July 2016 Gas pipeline explosion a move taken to salvage the plight of people and concern over Deeply excavated gully abandoned in Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit: a call for immediate intervention to avert disaster.
Within this period under review, Hon. Udoh has frequently interfaced with his Continents to ascertain specific areas of needs, the silent achiever has also touched lives in the area across board.
PERFORMANCE: 5/10 - AVERAGE
HON. GODWIN EKPO - MEMBER, IBIONO IBOM
Hon. Ekpo is a fresher in the State legislature who had made his voice heard on the floor of the House.
Within this first Legislative session, the utility business guru has presented a bill and moved two motions.
They are: a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom College of Science and Technology, Nung Ukim Ikono - status - passed into law, a motion on urgent need to rescue the people of Ette-Ita community from erosion and Post COVID-19 food sufficiency; closure of livestock market and fall in crude oil price: a wake up call to support Akwa Ibom Agricultural sector.
PERFORMANCE: 7/10 - GOOD
HON. ASUQUO UDO - MEMBER, IKONO
Hon. Udo is an astute legislature who has within this one year executed live touching projects in his constituency to alleviate the plight of the people.
Though a first timer, he is counted among members who frequently contribute to subjects of discourse on the floor of the House.
He has presented a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom state tourism, art and culture endowment fund - status- passed second reading and co-sponsors other bills and motions.
PERFORMANCE 6/10 - AVERGAE
HON. KUFREABASI EDIDEM - MEMBER, ITU
Hon. Edidem a first timer who has within this one year represented his Constituency effectively at the Legislature. He has presented a bill, brought a matter of urgent public importance and moved a motion within this period. They are: a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State information and technology development Agency, the need for urgent intervention in deplorable portion of Calabar-Itu Highway at Enen Atai and motion against the building of Nuclear power plant in Itu.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10 - ABOVE AVERGAE
HON. (BARR.) OTOBONG BOB- MEMBER, NSIT UBIUM
Representing the not to young to run, the young Parliamentarian has proven that youthfulness comes with zeal, vigour, determination for greatness.
He has made the people of Nsit Ubium and the entire youths of Akwa Ibom proud in this one year in office.
The Barrister cum politician has presented two Bills and moved three people oriented motions.
The bills are: a bill for a law to make provision for establishment of Akwa Ibom State Security trust fund - status - passed second reading, and a bill for a law to provide for the reservation, protection and restoration of historical properties and cultural heritage sites in Akwa Ibom State and for connected purposes - status - passed second reading.
While the motions are: a call for immediate takeover of Ndukpoise- Ubium Health centre by Akwa Ibom State government from Catholic mission, motion for relocating the dump site at Uyo village road and clarion call to stem the tide of quackery in Akwa Ibom State Health sector.
PERFORMANCE: 7/10 - GOOD
HON. (DR.) CHARITY IDO (MRS.) - MEMBER, UKANAFUN
Hon. Ido, a first timer on the floor of the House is a fearless and confident legislator whose boldness and determination availed her the opportunity of contributing to the lasting peace and stability witnessed today at Ukanafun and the neighbouring Constituencies.
She is a true representative of the 35% affirmative action whose doggedness as the House Committee chairman on public account translated to the timely ratification of public accounts of local and state governments.
Within one year in office, while co-sponsoring several bills, she has equally presented two bills and moved two motions on the floor of the House.
Bills presented by Member Ukanafun are: a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom professional counselling commission - status - passed first reading, and Akwa Ibom Customary court bill - status - passed first reading, while the motions includes: motion on wanton destruction of properties and murders by herdsmen in Ukanafun and other parts of Akwa Ibom State, and motion for government intervention for displaced persons caused by flood in Ukanafun.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10 - ABOVE AVERAGE
HON. ANIETIE EKA - MEMBER, UYO
Hon. Eka an experienced Legislator coming from the lower chambers of Uyo Legislative council, has found himself in the mainstream of Legislative business of the 7th Assembly.
He has presented a bill and moved three motions, which are: A bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Neighbourhood Saftey Corps and for connected matters - status - passed second reading, threat to lives, properties and businesses in Uyo metropolis by activities of hoodlums and armed gangs, urgent need to curb the rising menace of child theft in Akwa Ibom State and urgent need to establish Entrepreneurial hubs in Akwa Ibom state primary and Secondary schools.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10 - ABOVE AVERAGE
HON. MFON IDUNG - MEMBER, ETIM EKPO/IKA
Despite being a first timer in the House, he has moved three motions and co-sponsored many bills, although he is yet to sponsor a bill.
The motions are: continuous death from ghastly vehicular accidents at Utu Etim Ekpo round about , abandonment of Ikot Osukpong - urua Inyang road in Ika, and the need for teachers training and retraining on e-learning tools in preparation for post COVID-19 education models.
PERFORMANCE: 5/10 - AVERAGE
HON. UDEME OTONG - MEMBER, ABAK
Coming from the medical field, the Abak representative has presented two health related bills and moved a motion.
They are: a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State private healthcare management agency - status - passed first reading, a bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State college of nursing and midwifery, for othe purposes connected thereto - status- passed first reading and motion on the erosion wreckage threatening to demolish Abak Independence hall.
PERFORMANCE: 5/10 - AVERAGE
VICTOR EKWERE- MEMBER, MKPAT ENIN
Though not too vocal, the Mkpat Enin fresher has moved two motions on the urgent need to curb extortion of electricity consumers in Akwa Ibom State and Traspass and sale of Government land; a call for urgent action.
He is yet to sponsor a bill but has co-sponsored some private members bills.
PERFORMANCE: 5/10 AVERAGE
HON. (BARR.) ESSE UMOH - MEMBER, ESSIEN UDIM
A Barrister and politician, Esse Umoh happens to be the last inaugurated legislator into the 7th Assembly. Joining other members of the House in February 2020, Barr. Umoh hit the ground running and presented a bill and one motion within his four months time in the Assembly.
They are: Akwa Ibom consumer protection Agency - status - passed first reading and a motion to stop indiscriminate use of sirens by unauthorized persons. He has been very active and vibrant on the floor of the House.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10 - ABOVE AVERAGE
HON. (CHIEF) EFFIONG JOHNSON - MEMBER, MBO
Address him as the Paramount ruler of the 7th Assembly and you will not be out of place.
Hon. Johnson joined the current Assembly in November, 2019 when he ousted the then incumbent on the directive of court of appeal.
He is the only All Progressive Congress member in the present Assembly and has brought his wealth of knowledge andexperience into Legislative proceedings of the House.
He has moved a motion on the non-inclusion and non-recognition of Oro Communities as oil-producing communities and catchment areas of Akwa Ibom State.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10 - ABOVE AVERAGE
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