AKHA Intensifies Effort Towards Preventing COVID-19
The recent outbreak of the deadly coronavirus disease otherwise called (COVID-19) has made the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly resolved to further intensify efforts at preventing the disease from gaining entry into the state.
The resolution followed a motion, entitled: ‘A Motion On Further Intensification of Akwa Ibom State Infectious Disease Prevention Measures As Nigeria Records First Confirmed Case of Coronavirus (COVID-19),moved by the member representing Etinan State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Aniefiok Dennis and 10 other members.
Hon. Dennis who took pains to explain the harm that the virus would bring to the state if the call was ignored, said that proactive measures was needed to stop the spread of such Infectious disease.
The lawmaker said that the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics showed that more than 92,217 people had been infected and over 3,000 deaths recorded.
He also drew the attention of the House to the rapid spread of the disease to five continents and well over (56) countries including, Nigeria.
Having acknowledged the developmental strides of the current administration which has opened up road networks, airspace as well as the ongoing seaport which has attracted investors within and outside the state, the assemblyman was worried that the travel traffic into the state was on the increase. He prayed the House to intensify measures at preventing the disease.
The Speaker, Rt.Hon. Aniekan Bassey, having considered the prayers and supports from other members resolved that: 1(a)
The State Ministry of Health should strengthen, and if need be, increase its infectious disease control and prevention committee in order to boost their function.
(b) To immediately deploy personnel, special protective equipment and other necessary facilities including hand sanitizers and infra-red thermometers to our hospitals, airport, public offices, schools and other entry routes into the State.
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(c) The isolation centre at Ikot Ekpene be made to be fully functional by Akwa Ibom State Government.
2. The State Ministry of Information, Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) should aggressively embark on extensive and intensive awareness, sensitization and enlightenment campaigns across every nook and cranny of the State on the coronavirus epidemic.
The Clerk of the House was mandated to communicate the resolutions to appropriate quarters.
Earlier, the House received a Motion on ‘Abandonment of Ikot Osukpong-Urua Inyang-Ikot Uko Road in Ika Local Government Area’ moved by the member representing Etim Ekpo/Ika state constituency, Hon. Mfon Idung ,it was referred to the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for fact finding and impact assessment.
Also, ‘A Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Consumer Protection Agency, Provide for the Protection of the Interest of Consumers, Settlement of Consumer Disputes and for Other Connected Purposes’ passed first reading.
The bill sponsored by the Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Hon. Ese Umoh (Esq) and (13) others passed through First Reading, and was committed to the house committee on Rules Business Ethics and Privileges for reschedule.
A bill seeking to establish ‘The Akwa Ibom State Private Healthcare Providers Management Agency’ sponsored by the Member representing Abak State Constituency, Hon. Udeme Otong and 12 others was read the second time and was referred to committee on health for In-depth study and to report back within one month.
