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A’Ibom Assembly Adjourns Plenary For One Month Over COVID-19
As part of its effort in the fight against novel COVID-19, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has adjourned plenary for one month in line with the state government’s “stay safe, stay at home” campaign.
Speaking at the Thursday plenary, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, said the adjournment was necessary to enable the legislators join the Executive in the fight against the deadly virus.
According to o the Speaker, “The House will be closed to the public for the time being. However, lawmakers can have an emergency sitting, if need be.”
Bassey also urged the people to observe the World Health Organization’s (WHO) preventive measures against the virus, including social distancing, regular hand-wash with running water and use of hand sanitizers.
He advised those residing in the state to avoid touching their eyes, noses and mouths and also seek immediate medical care, if they experience fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.
At Plenary also, the House received a Motion on the aftermath of the July 2016 gas pipeline explosion in Obotim Nsit and neighbouring communities in Nsit Ibom, from the Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Ifiok Udo.
Hon. Udo in his motion informed the House that a gas pipeline belonging to Seven Energy had exploded in Obotim Nsit, Nsit Ibom LGA, causing mayhem and other devastating consequences to his constituents.
He, therefore, prayed the House to, among other steps, urge the authorities concerned, particularly the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, to revisit the issue with a view to coming out with a comprehensive report on the level of damage suffered by the affected communities.
The Motion was referred to the joint Committees on Environment and Petroleum Matters.
The House also ratified the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Audited Accounts of the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State from 1st January 2010 to 31st December, 2013 and thereafter, adjourned plenary to Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 10am.
