By Mfonobong Ukpong
The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, has advised former elected local government councilors who served between 2012 and 2015 to remain calm, assuring that the legislature will engage the executive with a view of ensuring that issue raised by them are addressed by the governor.
The Speaker made the plea, Tuesday while addressing a group of protesters who stormed the Assembly complex with placards carrying various Save Our Soul messages calling on the government to pay their severance gratuity.
Represented by the Leader of the House, Sir, Udo Kieriam Akpan, the Speaker who thanked them for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner, explained that the House was aware of their complaints and would interface with the appropriate quarters in order to address their matter.
"Thank you for being good supporters of the PDP and the government of Udom Gabriel Emmanuel. We are going to engage the executive to that issues raised by you are addressed. I want to you that something will be done soon".
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved former councilors, Hon. Peaceman Inyang said about 329 former councilors who served in the 31 local government councils in the state between the period of 2012 and 2015 are yet to collect severance package after the left office.
He said they decided to visit the House of Assembly to inform the lawmakers about their plight.
Accompanying the House Leader were the Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Barr. Ime Okon, Hon. Aniefiok Dennis, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, and Hon. Otobong Ndem.
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