By Iniubong ANAKO
The second legislative year of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is fully underway. The first legislative year recorded several successes and shortcomings. In this second legislative year, legislators are expected to up the ante with regards to delivering qualitative representation to their constituents. The AKHA being a beehive of performers, mediocrity is sneered.
Etinan State Constituency suffered a setback when Rt. Hon. Barr. Aniefiok Dennis, who held sway as Deputy Leader of the House, was booted out by the Appeal Court. Having won the re-run, Barr. Dennis is back to continue with delivering sterling services, that is why I am labeling him as Rt. Hon because he was elected twice by his constituents.
Talking about Barr. Dennis, it is an irrefutable fact that on all counts of administration, oversight, plenary participation, accessibility, effectiveness and integrity, he has given a good account of himself. This fact makes it unavoidable to applaud the constituents of Etinan who made the rightful decision of voting en-masse for him on two occasions.
With due respect to his predecessors, Etinan State Constituency had the misfortune of being represented by individuals who lacked the synergy with the constituents. Presently, the story is different. Aniefiok Dennis did not waste time in positively touching lives of his constituents.
Barr. Dennis is very much an opinion leader in the Assembly. He instantly became a vibrant voice by sponsoring a bill to make a provision for Local Government Administration in Akwa Ibom State and Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Also, being fully aware of the fact that representation also concerns putting smiles on the faces of the masses, Dennis facilitated the execution of tangible projects in the constituency.
He facilitated and commissioned water projects in the three wards of Etinan State Constituency. He also donated three (3) sets of computers to boost administrative, academic and Information Technology requirements at Saint Theresa’s Secondary School Edem Ekpat.
A journey to the archives also reveal that he offered financial support to ten (10) law students of Etinan origin who were proceeding to the 2015/2016 session Bar II Courses of the Nigerian Law School (NLS).
Also, Barr. Dennis did not waste time in letting relevant authorities know that Etinan Institute was in deplorable state. Bringing the matter to plenary, the lawmaker called for an immediate renovation of the institution. Today, the school wears a new look.
Also, being fully aware of the fact that representation also concerns putting smiles on the faces of the masses, Dennis facilitated the execution of tangible projects in the constituency.
He facilitated and commissioned water projects in the three wards of Etinan State Constituency. He also donated three (3) sets of computers to boost administrative, academic and Information Technology requirements at Saint Theresa’s Secondary School Edem Ekpat.
A journey to the archives also reveal that he offered financial support to ten (10) law students of Etinan origin who were proceeding to the 2015/2016 session Bar II Courses of the Nigerian Law School (NLS).
Also, Barr. Dennis did not waste time in letting relevant authorities know that Etinan Institute was in deplorable state. Bringing the matter to plenary, the lawmaker called for an immediate renovation of the institution. Today, the school wears a new look.
Since the inception of the second legislative year, Barr. Aniefiok Dennis has not relented. He sponsored a Bill captioned “Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2016” which passed second reading recently.
“Leading the debate, Barr. Dennis informed the House that there are ambitious and formidable provisions in the bill to ensure speedy dispensation of justice, efficient management of criminal justice institutions, protect the society of crime, and protect the rights and interests of suspects, defendants and victims or complainants accordingly.
“He reasoned that various sections of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2016 if passed into law will protect members of the society from unlawful arrest and detention of citizens by security agencies.”
The bill generated huge praises from the Akwa Ibom populace.
“Leading the debate, Barr. Dennis informed the House that there are ambitious and formidable provisions in the bill to ensure speedy dispensation of justice, efficient management of criminal justice institutions, protect the society of crime, and protect the rights and interests of suspects, defendants and victims or complainants accordingly.
“He reasoned that various sections of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2016 if passed into law will protect members of the society from unlawful arrest and detention of citizens by security agencies.”
The bill generated huge praises from the Akwa Ibom populace.
Few days ago, as Chairman of the joint committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Right and Public Petition, he submitted a report on the alleged wrongful sacking/ downgrading of workers in Akwa Ibom State University.
His committee kicked against the institution’s decision and recommended that they (affected staff) be reabsorbed.
Amongst the recommendations made, it was agreed that the petitioners that are already due for promotion, scholarship, sponsorship or any other entitlements, including arrears of salaries, should have their entitlement given to them after due process have been followed, and urged their employers to expedite action in that direction.
His committee kicked against the institution’s decision and recommended that they (affected staff) be reabsorbed.
Amongst the recommendations made, it was agreed that the petitioners that are already due for promotion, scholarship, sponsorship or any other entitlements, including arrears of salaries, should have their entitlement given to them after due process have been followed, and urged their employers to expedite action in that direction.
To say that Barr. Dennis has injected dynamism and parliamentary prowess into the running of his committee is understatement. He has developed desirable legislative frameworks that brought about unrivalled success. And his all-round performance in the House ranks amongst the very best.
Etinan constituents have been hugely blessed by this great son, truly I see him as the last hope of the common man. And as the series of positive effects and dividends reaped from the legislative sojourn of Barr. Dennis continues unfolding, we can only hope for more.
Etinan constituents have been hugely blessed by this great son, truly I see him as the last hope of the common man. And as the series of positive effects and dividends reaped from the legislative sojourn of Barr. Dennis continues unfolding, we can only hope for more.
May God bless this great icon of our time with immense wisdom and willingness to things aright.
(Iniubong Anako is a Political and public affairs analyst).
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