Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has resolved means to intensify security measures to safeguard and protect lives, property and busineses of coastal areas in the state.
The resolution reached during the Thursday 20, 2023 plenary was moved by Hon. Mrs. Selinah Ukpatu, Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency.
While presenting the motion, Hon. Ukpatu stated that coastal communities including Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Ibeno, Mbo, Oron, Udung Uko, Uruan, Itu, and Okobo are ravaged frequently by sea pirates who lay seige to the affected areas, abduct fishermen, and plunder their wealth and source of livelihood.
"Between December 2022 and April 2023 alone, at least 50 outboard engines were lost, with 30 of them lost in Eastern Obolo during the month of March 2023, and an additional 20 in May 2023. Presently, the value of an outboard engine exceeds three million Naira (3,000,000).
"The activities of the sea pirates have persisted in the coastal communities for the past 15 years, leading to the significant loss of revenue, loss of life, and the improverishment of families." She said.
She noted that the continuous attacks pose serious threat, cripple the local economy in the affected fishing settlements and also tarnishes the corporate image of the State, thereby discouraging investment in the Maritime sub-sector.
Deeply saddened by the attacks and loss of lives, Hon. Ukpatu prayed the House to establish a dedicated Maritime Security and Monitoring Taskforce in partnership with other relevant security apparatus to foster collaboration and address the issue of piracy and criminality in the affected areas.
She called on the State Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to strengthen and expand the existing patrol teams to effectively cover all coastal areas in the affected communities.
The motion was however adopted and referred to the House Committee on Security, Youths and Sport for further legislative actions.
Meanwhile, a motion on the Need to Implement the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency Law was sponsored by Hon. Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency.
Hon. Essien and Clerk of the House were asked to liaise and collaborate with the Ministry of Health and report back to the House.
Similarly, a Motion for Enforcement of Road Traffic Law to Reduce Avoidable Incidences of Road Traffic Accidents in Uyo Capital and other Roads in Akwa Ibom State was sponsored by Hon. Prince Sampson Idiong, Member Representing Oruk Anam State Constituency and referred to the House Committee on Works and Transport.
In another development, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong and Member representing Abak State Constituency during the plenary read the list of Commissioners and Special Adviser nominees sent in by the Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for confirmation.
The House was adjourned to Tuesday, 25 July, 2023.
Media Unit,
Office of the Speaker,
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
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