By John Ernest
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a resolution to the governor Udom Emmanuel approving the removal of the Chairman and members of Akwa Ibom state Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC.
The governor in his letter addressed to the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Tuesday said the decision is based on “intractable rancour between the Chairman and members of the commission”.
Enlightening the members of the hallowed chamber, the House Leader of the 6th Assembly and member representing Oruk-Anam, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan said, the letter from the state governor is in fulfillment of parts of his obligations to the state and it is self explanatory adding that Section 4 sub 1 of the Akwa Ibom State independent electoral commission 2007 amended allows the governor to hire and fire members of the commission through ratification by the state legislature.
"... Mr speaker, condition for the removal is very simple one in the AKISIEC law and it is very straightforward. It is either the person is unable to Perform because of incapacitated or whatever, Mr speaker my emphasis is on the word "any other cause".
The house leader appealed to his colleagues to support the governor in carrying out his duties. Says that there is need for Akwa Ibom State to have AKISIEC that is united from head to the bottom, an AKISIEC that will do things in unity." Having fulfilling the conditions spelled by the law I think this house should be guided to support the governor. Saying that the letter is conformity with the law, conformity with the practice and the governor has the right to act in this direction."
Speaking in favor of the letter were; member representing Esit Eket, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, member representing Nsit Atai, Hon. Mark Esset, member representing Mkpat Enin, Hon Otobong Ndem and member representing Ibesikpo Asutan, Hon. Aniekan Uko.
They all commended governor Udom Emmanuel for seeking to constitute a new AKISIEC committee in order to carry other to have AKISIEC that is united adding they are in support since the reason is clearly stated in the letter. They supports the request of the Governor to dissolve the AKISIEC Board and bring in new leadership. According to them it is not time for rancour. This will help strengthened democracy and prepare the system for the 11/11 election in state.
In a resolution, the House thought the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke granted the Governor his request, asking the clerk of the House to communicate the house solution to the Governor.
However, in another letter addressed to the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke, the Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, sent the following names for confirmation as chairman and members of Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission. They are : Aniedi Ikoiwak will serve as chairman while Patrick Ikon, Mathew Udo, Usoro Ukpanah, Sunday Aniefiok, Dr. Mrs E. E. Umoh, and Elder Eyaekop Effiong Umanah will serve as members of the commission.
The House referred the names to the committee on judiciary,justice, Human rights and public petitions to screen the nominees and to report back to the house in two days.
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