By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo.
A-one year tenure in office for Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council in Akwa Ibom state has been outlawed in order to advance the services of the traditional institutions in governance.
The development followed the passage into law by the State House of Assembly, the bill for the amendment of the Traditional Rulers Law 2000 and for other matters connected therewith.
Assembly at its plenary on Tuesday amended the law to two years’ tenure as against the former which fixed one year duration for the office. The law took effect from September 23rd, 2015.
The bill which was read the third time got the nod of the lawmakers after the House dissolved into a committee of the whole to consider a report submitted by the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Idongesit Ntekpere and Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency.
Reacting, the Speaker, Mr. Onofiok Luke commended Members for their sense of commitment to duty. He thanked them for ensuring that the state traditional institutions have a pride of place.
“We are setting a pace by this action of the House today. We will continue to ensure that our traditional institution is given the place it deserves”.
The Speaker said the increment of tenure of office from one year to two years for the TRC will provide the room for successive chairmen of the council to be more productive and contribute effectively and more meaningfully to the progress of the state.
Also, the House considered a bill for a law to establish an agency to promote the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the state.
The bill which was sent to the House by Governor Udom Emmanuel pursuant to order 7 Rule 2(1) of the Standing Orders of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is titled “A Bill for a law to establish the Akwa Ibom State micro finance and enterprise development agency and for other matters connected therewith”.
The bill was committed to the committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges for scheduling.
