By Mfonobong Ukpong
The four branch of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Akwa Ibom State, comprising of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, and Oron branches of the bar, have been urged to contribute their inputs to the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise which is before the National Assembly.
Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, gave the charge on Monday when he interacted with the Chairmen of the four branches of the the NBA at the House of Assembly complex.
He hinted that the National Assembly will soon send its proposal to state Houses of Assembly for consideration, and enjoined members of the NBA in the state to gear up to the task ensuring that the country has a constitution that would be acceptable by all Nigerians. Barr. Luke said the House of Assembly will welcome inputs from the Akwa Ibom State chapter Nigerian Bar Association, ( made up of the four branch).
While reassuring of the commitment of the 6th assembly towards giving the necessary legislative backing to speedy dispensation of justice in the state, the Speaker reminded that that the recent expeditious passage of the criminal Justice Administration law sponsored by Etinan representative, Hon. Aniefiok Dennis, goes further to show the resolve of the legislature in that direction.
''Very soon, the National Assembly will be sending their proposal to us on the Constitution Amendment, we will need your expertise. We will need your wealth of experience. We will engage a wide range of Akwa Ibom people to know where they stand before we vote as an Assembly''
Barr. Luke charged the leadership on the NBA on the need to expose members of the profession in continuing legal education, especially in industrial arbitration and Maritime law. He explained that the need for such training had become necessary given the ongoing industrialization drive in the state being undertaken by Governor Udom Emmanuel. Bar. Luke reasoned that by the time l Ibom deep sea port and several industries would spring up in the state, it would open up window of opportunities for practitioners in the legal profession.
He promised to discuss the issues raised by the NBA Chairmen with the Governor with a view of of seeking solution to the matters raised.
Speaking on behalf of the NBA Chairmen, the Chairman of, Uyo branch, Mrs. Enobong Akpan, the NBA in the state commended the Speaker for his contributions towards the promotion of the rule of law in Akwa Ibom State.
The Bar also appreciated Barr. Luke for always identifying with his professional body. The NBA Chairmen used the opportunity to intimate the Speaker on some issues of concern to the professional body.
Members of the House in attendance were, the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Lawrence Udofa, Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Judiciary,,Human rights and Public petitions, Hon. Aniebiet Dennis, and Ukanafun representative, Hon. Otobong Jonathan Akpan.
On the NBA entourage were, Chairman, of Eket branch of the NBA, Udo Ime, NBA Chairman for Ikot Ekpene, Cosmas Udoette , Chairman, Oron branch, Bassey Okon, Director, Legal services Department in the House of Assembly, Barr. Bassey Umoren, Assistant Director, Legal Services, Innocent Okon, and Barr. David Augustine
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke, has appreciated the Chairman, Ibom Power company, Engr. Etido Inyang, board members, management and staff of the company for the improved power situation currently witnessed in the state. He gave the commendation today when he received the leadership and members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, on a courtesy visit.
He lauded the company for keying into the industrialization vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Engr. Inyang, a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers, NSE, and Chairman of the state owned power company had accompanied the Chairman of the professional body, Engr. Mfon udo Ekong on the courtesy visit to the Speaker.
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