Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed the bill for a law to provide a map for the state and other matters connected therewith into law.
The new law, which is titled the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023 was passed on Thursday, during the plenary and is expected to take effect from April 13, 2023.
This followed a report of the Joint Committee on Lands and Housing, Boundary and Conflict Resolution, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, presented by its Chairman, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, representing Oruk Anam State constituency.
According to the report, the bill, sponsored by Hon. David Lawrence (Eket), would reduce agitations and communal conflicts, enhance and promote development within the mapped-out boundaries.
The report further stated that “The Bill will enhance cultural affinities of the people within the boundaries and make for easy identification and placements. It will also assist in the proper identification and allocation of resources domiciled in the component units.”
The report also recommended that all government White Paper on boundary issues across the state be taken into consideration and implemented without delay.
The bill was co-sponsored by Sir Udo Kierian Akpan (Oruk Anam), Barr. Aniefiok Dennis Akpan (Etinan), Otuekong Nse Essien (ONNA), Elder Mark Esset (Nsit Atai), Hon. Victor Ekwere (Mkpat Enin), Hon. Uduak Odudoh (Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo), Barr. Otobong Bob (Nsit Ubium), Obong Godwin Ekpo (Ibiono Ibom) and Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem (Itu).
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Aniekan Bassey, who presided over the plenary, has directed the Clerk, Mrs. Nsikak Orok, to transmit clean copies of the bill to Governor Udom Emmanuel for assent.