Access to Justice, Tourism, Water Management Bills Receive Stakeholders' Backing at Akwa Ibom Assembly Public Hearing

 

By Asuquo Edem 

The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Essien Udom (SAN), has described the proposed establishment of the Office of the Public Defender as a progressive reform that will guarantee access to justice for indigent and vulnerable persons in Akwa Ibom State, urging the State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Bill into law.

Speaking on Friday while presenting a memorandum at a joint public hearing organised by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the Attorney-General said the proposed legislation would strengthen the justice delivery system by ensuring that no citizen is denied legal representation because of poverty or other forms of vulnerability.

According to him, the administration of justice is founded on the principle that every individual, irrespective of social or economic status, deserves equal protection under the law. He noted that many citizens are unable to access legal services due to financial constraints, a challenge the proposed Office of the Public Defender seeks to address through a statutory framework for the provision of legal assistance.

The Attorney-General explained that the proposed Office would serve as a vital institution within the justice sector, providing legal representation and related services to indigent persons while protecting constitutional rights, promoting fairness in legal proceedings and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.

He further stated that the Office would complement existing legal aid mechanisms rather than duplicate them, thereby expanding the availability of legal services across the State.

Describing the Bill as compassionate, inclusive and forward-looking, Udom said its passage would further demonstrate the commitment of the Governor Umo Eno administration to building a justice system that works for every citizen, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

Earlier, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong who was represented by the member representing Nsit Ibom, Hon. Eric Akpan, declared the joint public hearing open, describing it as the culmination of a productive week of legislative engagements aimed at advancing the development of the State.

The Speaker commended stakeholders for their consistent participation throughout the series of public hearings, describing their commitment as a demonstration of patriotism and dedication to the progress of Akwa Ibom.

He explained that the hearing was convened to consider three Executive Bills, namely: the Bill for the Establishment and Regulation of Water User Associations in Akwa Ibom State; the Bill for the Establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Development Commission; and the Akwa Ibom State Office of the Public Defender (Establishment) Bill, 2026.

Otong said the proposed Water User Associations legislation would strengthen water resource management and quality control across the State, a development he noted had become increasingly important as Akwa Ibom continues to attract investors, tourists and visitors.

On the proposed Hotels and Tourism Development Commission, the Speaker described the Bill as strategic to strengthening regulation, administration and development of the tourism and hospitality industry, which remains a critical pillar of the State's economic growth agenda.

He added that the Public Defender Bill would significantly expand access to justice, protect vulnerable citizens, reduce cases of prolonged detention without trial, promote the rule of law and enhance public confidence in the legal system.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions, Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, described the Public Defender Bill as a major step towards institutionalising legal assistance for indigent citizens and ensuring that access to justice is not determined by financial capacity.

He said the proposed law aligns with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, particularly its focus on inclusive governance, social protection and human capital development, stressing that the Committee would carefully consider all memoranda and recommendations submitted during the hearing before presenting its report to the House.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Industries, Commerce and Tourism, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, said the proposed Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Development Commission would provide the institutional framework required to regulate, coordinate and promote tourism development in the State.

He observed that the global tourism industry contributes over $10 trillion annually to the world economy and expressed confidence that the proposed Commission would help unlock Akwa Ibom's enormous tourism potential through improved regulation, increased investment and stronger stakeholder collaboration.

Johnson noted that the Bill, which had already passed first and second readings, contains provisions relating to the establishment, powers and functions of the Commission, financial management, offences and miscellaneous matters.

Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana Udo, said the proposed Water User Associations Bill would establish community-based institutions to encourage stakeholder participation in water resource management.

According to him, the legislation would promote accountability, community ownership, sustainable maintenance of water infrastructure and equitable utilisation of water resources across the State.

He emphasised that the proposed legal framework would strengthen water governance while ensuring long-term sustainability of water services in both rural and urban communities.

Stakeholders cutting across the Nigerian Labour Congress, Civil Society groups who participated in the hearing commended the State Government and the House of Assembly for introducing people-oriented legislation and called for speedy consideration and passage of the Bills.