𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙊𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙊𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙩 𝙉𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙎 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥

 

The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has expressed optimism that the outcome for the training workshop organized by the Nigeria Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies would improve ethical compliance and uphold legislative integrity for sustainable development.

The Speaker stated this while delivering his opening remarks at a 3-day capacity building workshop for state legislators in Abuja on Thursday, 1st May, 2025.

The workshop which aimed at deepening understanding of legislative practices, also geared at fostering transparency and good governance among the three arms of government.

According to him, the workshop would offer a strategic opportunity to bridge the existing gaps and build the capacity of lawmakers to fulfill mandates more effectively.

His words: "as the saying goes, "the morning tells the day." From what I have seen so far, this workshop is well-thought out and well-organized. I have no doubt that it will meet it's objectives of strengthening legislative work at the state level".

The Speaker applauded the State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for always being at the Frontline of advocating for capacity building and acquisition training and workshops.

While commending NILDS for organizing the programme, he acknowledged that the place of knowledge in human existence should not be given less attention, and described knowledge "as a light upon our paths".

"Even in secular terms, we often say, knowledge is power. Indeed, knowledge is not just power, it is the light upon our paths. It is in this light that I consider it a great privilege for myself, my distinguished colleagues, and key staff of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to participate in this capacity building workshop organized by NILDS", he said.

In his welcoming address, the Director General of the NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman highlighted the importance of the workshop as it would play a major role in sharpening the skills of the lawmakers.

 He said understanding the Ethics, Privileges, Procedures and Standing Orders of the House would help in protecting the sanctity of the legislative institution for which the thematic topics carefully selected to address the gaps would generate discussions and debate.

He therefore, thanked the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, members and the management staff of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for their commitment and dedication to the programme.

Also speaking, Senator (Dr.) Ita Solomon Enang advocated for the Principles of Separation of Powers and mutual relationship between the three arms of government, saying by following the Principles of Separation of Powers, it would fully grant the legislature the constitutional powers to carry out their responsibilities effectively without any interference or influence from other arms of government.

Others who made presentation during the event include; Dr. Shiuaibu Danwaka, Director Legal NILDS, Senior Research Fellow NILDS, Dr. Usman Ibrahim, Prof. Ephraim Essien, Dr. John Olanrewaju amongst others.

Juliana Okokon 

Publications and Information Department 

AKHA.