Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) on Thursday, January 16, 2025 stormed out of their Executive sitting in annoyance over what was later gathered to be connected with the list of Commissioners’ nominees from the governor, Mr. Umo Bassey Eno.
Our Correspondent who monitored developments at the Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo-complex housing the legislative chamber today, gathered that the legislators were angry that their interests at their respective constituencies were not accommodated in the Commissioners’ nominations.
It was learnt that upon arrival at the complex today, preparations and trappings signalling a legislative sitting day were everywhere, only for what appeared to be an ’emergency Executive session’ to be called by the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Udeme Otong.
Our correspondent gathered that after a long closed door session, the Honourable stormed out with long faces, with many ignoring the usual salutational pleasantries.
When approached by a team of journalists with intent to get clarification on the lawmakers’ actions on the Commissioners’ nominees list, a member who didn’t wish to quoted swiftly retorted “… Commissioners’ nominees screening is a serious political process that every political stakeholder, representing various interests must be carried along. Until that is done, I have nothing to say for now and please, don’t quote me”.
It would be recalled that His Excellecncy, the governor has been quoted repeatedly as saying that the selection of Commissioners is an exclusive preserve of his office.
A political stakeholder who confided in our correspondent on the matter said “…remember the Governor and the State Assembly members were nominated at the same time as candidates of the party with different loyalties and allegiances. So, don’t expect anything less until the political equation and realignments are restructured to form a common loyalty towards the governor”.
Meanwhile, our paper gathered that where proper political consultations are concluded amicably, the Commissioners’ nominees list would be read by the Clerk of the House next week Tuesday and the nominees invited for screening, immediately.
