Skip to main content

Climate Change Council Bill Passes Second Reading in Akwa Ibom Assembly

 



The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the Akwa Ibom State Council on Climate Change.

The bill, titled Akwa Ibom State Council on Climate Change Law, 2024 (HAB-362), is sponsored by the Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong, with the support of 14 other lawmakers. It scaled second reading during plenary on Tuesday.

Leading the debate, Prince Idiong said the bill aims to domesticate the National Climate Change Act within the state, providing a structured framework for coordinating climate action efforts and related initiatives. He stressed the urgency for Akwa Ibom to align with global climate strategies to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change.

According to him, “It is time for Akwa Ibom to proactively adopt climate-friendly policies and institutional frameworks that support environmental protection and sustainability.”

In support of the bill, the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Barr. Otobong Bob, Deputy Leader Dr. Nsidibe Akata (Eket), Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom), and Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey (Okobo), all described the proposal as timely and essential. They warned of the growing risks posed by climate change to ecosystems and livelihoods, stressing the need for legislation that would help safeguard the environment.

The lawmakers emphasized that Akwa Ibom must position itself to respond effectively to climate challenges and meet national and international obligations on environmental sustainability.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, committed the bill to the House Committee on Environment for further legislative work. He directed the committee to conduct a public hearing and return with a report within one month.

Meanwhile, another bill seeking to establish the Akwa Ibom State Institute for Legislative Studies and Advancement (ILSA), sponsored by Hon. Pastor Ubong Attah (Ibesikpo Asutan), passed first reading during the same plenary. The Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, read the bill aloud, after which it was referred to the Committee on Rules, Business and Ethics for rescheduling.

The House adjourned plenary to resume on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: A’Ibom Governor Removes Two Aides Amid Restructuring, Alleged PDP Links

  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has relieved two aides of their duties with immediate effect, the state government announced on Monday. The affected officials are: Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant to the Governor on Neighbourhood Watch Their disengagement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, who described the action as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to realign the machinery of government with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda. The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to their removal. However, it was gathered from multiple political sources that the decision may be linked to the aides’ alleged association with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The claim has not been officially confirmed, and the government has not commented on the speculation. Political analysts no...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tragedy at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital: Akwa Ibom Governor Orders Probe Into Maternal Death

By Asuquo Edem  UYO – A tragic incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has sparked public outrage after a young mother and her newborn reportedly died following a caesarean section, prompting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to order an immediate high-powered investigation. A disturbing video of the grieving family began circulating on social media over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation and raising fresh concerns over maternal mortality in the state. Moved by the incident, Governor Eno expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to convene a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts. The panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend preventive measures. In a dramatic move, Dr. John led a midnight team of officials from the Ministry of Health to the hospital for an on-the-spot preliminary investigation, gathering firsthand testimonies f...
1 comment
Read more

AKIRS secures N1.2b judgement against Ardent Energy Services LTD ....warns against tax evasion

  The Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) has secured a landmark judgement against Ardent Energy Services Ltd, an oil servicing company operating in Akwa Ibom State. In a judgement delivered on July 3, 2025 at the Revenue Court of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo, by the Presiding Revenue Judge, Maureen-Idongesit M. Udoka, the court ordered the defendant to pay to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the sum of N1.2bilion, including penalty and interest on the principal sum.  The judgement was in consequence to Suit No. Rue/77C/2022, filed by AKIRS. With this judgement, which is a major milestone in AKIRS tax compliance drive, the agency warns taxpayers to willingly comply to their civic obligations of always paying their taxes as and when due as there was no hiding place for defaulters.
Post a Comment
Read more