The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly members have formally requested the establishment of five new state constituencies. This initiative aims to bolster effective representation by increasing the total number of state constituency seats to thirty-one.
Following thorough deliberation, the legislators’ insistence came with their consideration of a motion advanced by Hon. Asuquo Nana-Udo, the designated representative of Ikono State constituency. The motion, denoted as ‘The Need to Create Additional State Constituencies in Akwa Ibom State,’ catalysed their request for additional constituencies.
Asuquo Nana-Udo brought forward the motion on Tuesday during the plenary session, underscoring that the motion is in accordance with the regulations delineated in Order Three (3), rule One (1) within the recognised Standing Order of the Akwa Ibom State assembly.
His submission emphasised the overdue requirement for extra State Constituencies within the state, pointing out the parallel creation date and year of Katsina State, which presently enjoys 34 State constituency seats.
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His motion put forth the contention that Akwa Ibom State rightfully deserves 31 State Constituencies, substantiating this assertion through references to the provisions articulated in Sections 112, 113, and 114 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
‘According to section 91, ‘the State Assemblies shall consist of three or four times the number of seats which that State has in the House of Representatives divided in a way to reflect, as far as possible nearly equal population: Provided that a House of Assembly of a State shall consist of not less than twenty-four (24) and not more than forty (40) members.’, He stated.
Nana-Udo also argued ‘That the creation of thirty-nine (39) new political wards across the three (3) Senatorial districts of the State by Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has not only delimited our political wards but has also prepared us for national political expansion’.
The motion garnered backing from several lawmakers, including those representing Abasi/Eastern Obolo, Ibiono Ibom, Uyo, and Nsit Ubium State Constituencies.
Acting on the Speaker’s command, Hon Udeme Otong, the Clerk of the House, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok, was tasked with communicating the House’s decision to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and other pertinent Government Agencies.
Others presented on the Floor of the House plenary were a motion on ‘Worrisome Flood Menace in Ikot Isighe, Ikot Obiokoi, Ikot Etefia Ukam and Ikot Akpaden Communities in Mkpat Enin L.G.A’, sponsored by Uwem Peter Imoh-Itah and a motion on ‘Urgent Need to Intervene on A Gully Erosion Affected Areas in Eman Uruan, Uruan Local Government Area’ sponsored by Dr. Itorobong Etim of Uruan.
In addition, Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot raised a Matter of Urgent Public concern during the session, shedding light on the tension within Ndoneyo community located in Etinan LGA. He highlighted the grim outcomes of this crisis, including loss of lives, property devastation, and the displacement of the community’s inhabitants.