‘Why Gov Eno’s Bill Was Withdrawn At Second Reading’

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has given reasons for the termination and withdrawal of the executive bill transmitted to the lawmakers during the second reading.

The bill, according to the lawmakers, sought for a law to compel local government chairmen to relocate from Uyo, the state capital to their council headquarters.

Governor Umo Eno had explained that the law became necessary in order for the LG helmsmen to effectively oversee grassroots developments and to bring government closer to the local residents in line with the “Arise Agenda” blueprint of his administration.

But the bill, which was already slated for second reading, suffered a setback, as it was removed and withdrawn from the Order Paper by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong (Abak), following a motion to that effect by the deputy leader of the Assembly, Hon Otobong Effiong Bob (Nsit Ubium), which was seconded by the chief whip, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson (Mbo), during Tuesday’s plenary.

Although Bob was the lead sponsor of the executive bill, he did not state reasons for its sudden withdrawal, but cited the House Standing Order 7, Rule 11, which made it clear that, “A member in-charge of a bill may move a motion without notice for it withdrawal, either before commencement of public business, or on the Order of the day at any stage of the Bill being read.”

In an interview with LEADERSHIP yesterday, the spokesman of the Assembly and member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu, said the termination of deliberations on the bill and subsequent withdrawal, was a deliberate action to avoid duplication.

He said the House discovered that “similar bill on the same matter had been transmitted to the House by the immediate past governor Udom Emmanuel.”