Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has underscored the importance of a peaceful and rancour-free handover of power to the incoming administrations after every governorship poll.
LEADERSHIP learnt yesterday that the Executive Power Transition Bill, titled: “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Orderly Transfer of Executive Power in Akwa Ibom State and Other Matters Connected therewith,” has passed the second reading.
The lawmakers applauded the bill and pointed out that “it marks a significant legislative step toward institutionalising a peaceful and orderly transfer of executive power between democratically-elected administrations.”
Sponsored by Hon. Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency, the bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework to govern transitions after a governor’s tenure, thereby addressing potential administrative and political challenges that often arise during such periods.
Leading the debate during Tuesday’s plenary, Hon. Essien explained that the legislation was designed to ensure continuity, administrative stability, and peace in the state’s governance structure.
He noted that the bill, which is poised to become landmark legislation, would set a precedent for orderly power transfers and deepen democratic governance in Akwa Ibom State.
“This bill, when passed into law, will provide a legal framework that guides the transfer of executive authority and ensures a peaceful and orderly process. It will equip both the outgoing and incoming administrations with procedural clarity, ultimately promoting good governance.”
According to the lawmakers, the bill is structured into four parts with 15 sections. It also outlines provisions for the transfer of power, particularly the offices of governor and deputy governor, in a manner that safeguards public interest and state security.
Essien, who chairs the House Committees on Health, Nutrition, and Food Security, stressed that “any key element of the bill, as contained in part 2, Section 2, is the requirement for the outgoing governor to constitute a Governorship Transition Committee within seven days of the declaration of election results.
He said the committee would be chaired by the secretary to the state government (SSG) and include the chief of staff, the attorney-general, the commissioner for Justice, the commissioner for finance, the head of the civil service (HOS), and other officials deemed necessary for effective coordination.
A forward-looking clause in the bill also mandates incumbent governors to ensure the completion of major projects initiated by their predecessors. This emphasises continuity in developmental efforts for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State, thereby reducing the number of abandoned projects in the state.
The motion for the second reading of the bill was moved by Hon. Lawrence Udoide, member representing Ini State constituency, and seconded by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Otobong Bob, representing Nsit Ubium State constituency, who lauded the bill as “apt and simple,” noting its potential to provide a seamless framework for executive transitions.
In his ruling, the speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, committed the bill to the House Committee on Inter-governmental and Political Matters, with a directive to conduct a public hearing and submit a report within one month.
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