BY OFONIME HONESTY
When Barr. Aniefiok Dennis Akpan indicated interest in the race of becoming the representative of Etinan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, opinions were divided. While many celebrated his aspiration based on their understanding of him as a gentleman equipped with educational sophistication, political experience, sound mind and track record of synergizing with his people, others who could not be availed of the privilege of knowing him well simply pitched their political tent elsewhere. Well, to be frank, the beauty of democracy lies in the ability of the voting public to independently choose their political representatives.
And it did not take long for him to announce himself with a bang at the Assembly. Despite being a first termer, Barr. Dennis emerged as Deputy House Leader of the House. His colleagues had firsthand knowledge of his competence and know-how before taking that important decision.
Till that depressing verdict of the Appeal Court which annulled his election and ordered a rerun in Etinan State Constituency, Barr. Dennis had a smooth sail at the state legislature.
He became (and is still) an opinion leader, sponsored (and is still sponsoring) many bills, moved (and is still moving) motions, empowered (and is still empowering) his constituents.
He became (and is still) an opinion leader, sponsored (and is still sponsoring) many bills, moved (and is still moving) motions, empowered (and is still empowering) his constituents.
Upon returning via the rerun election, he emerged as the Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petition – a position which he is utilizing his training as a Lawyer to achieve great results.
Attempting to chronicle his antecedents so far as a lawmaker is an arduous task but this piece will capture the highlights of his ongoing sojourn at the AKHA.
It is on record that the debut bill sponsored by Barr. Dennis was captioned, “A bill to make a provision for Local Government Administration in Akwa Ibom State.”
The Bill if passed into Law will correct the deficiencies embedded the administration of the third tier of government. It is an irrefutable fact that LGAs in Akwa Ibom, nay Nigeria, has been crippled by circumstances which the Bill seeks to rectify. It behooves on the Assembly to give the Bill the attention it deserves by ensuring its swift passage.
To further reinforce his reputation as a representative who cares for the welfare of the citizenry, he sponsored the “Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2016.” Few weeks ago, the Bill passed second reading.
Offering insight into the Bill, Barr. Dennis disclosed that it is aimed at ensuring 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.”
Not done, he added 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.”
Still on Bill sponsorship, Barr. Dennis also has the ‘Bill for a law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Consumer Protection Agency’ to his credit.
The Bill which passed first reading recently seeks to provide for the protection of the interest of consumers, settlement of Consumer disputes and for connected purposes.
Interestingly, the Bill seeks to safeguard citizens of the state against unnecessary exploitation and to among others ensure that they derive maximum satisfaction from products and services procured.
Same day, another Bill from this great son of Etinan was received by the House. It is captioned “A Bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Parks and Gardens Agency and for connected purposes.”
Courtesy of Barr. Dennis, the famous Etinan Institute now wears a new look. He brought the matter via a motion and prayed the House to call on relevant agencies to do the needful by rehabilitating the school. Pronto, the rehabilitation has been done.
Same day, another Bill from this great son of Etinan was received by the House. It is captioned “A Bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Parks and Gardens Agency and for connected purposes.”
Courtesy of Barr. Dennis, the famous Etinan Institute now wears a new look. He brought the matter via a motion and prayed the House to call on relevant agencies to do the needful by rehabilitating the school. Pronto, the rehabilitation has been done.
Recently, the issue of alleged wrongful sacking/ downgrading of workers in the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) came to the fore. When the Assembly got wind of the issue, the matter was referred to the Joint committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Right and Public Petition/ Education. Barr Dennis was nominated and confirmed as head of the joint committee.
The committee went into investigations to ascertain the true situation of things with regards to the issue.
Submitting the committee’s report on during plenary, he declared that the committee has discovered wrongdoings on the part of AKSU and made recommendations aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the victims.
Submitting the committee’s report on during plenary, he declared that the committee has discovered wrongdoings on the part of AKSU and made recommendations aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the victims.
Among the recommendations made, AKSU was ordered 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.
Barr. Dennis’ antecedents are not confined to the hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly. He is very much in the books of his constituents because of his accessible and humane disposition. All and sundry especially the youths sees him as a friend rather than a demi-god that must be feared. Dear readers, you need to see him back home with his constituents: they relocate to his residence, celebrating day and night with him.
His trademark generosity sets him apart from the rest. And no one can accurately list his acts of generosity. As a reserved person, he detests blowing his trumpet.
However, certain things cannot escape this brief piece. It is on record that he facilitated and commissioned water projects in the three wards of Etinan State Constituency as well as donated computer sets and other teaching aids to several secondary schools in Etinan LGA.
Several indigenes and non-indigenes are on his payroll. This, in addition to his growing reputation as activist leader makes him a pick of the bunch.
Several indigenes and non-indigenes are on his payroll. This, in addition to his growing reputation as activist leader makes him a pick of the bunch.
Etinan people are definitely okay with this man of the people. They are proud to have a vibrant voice in the state parliament. Etinan popularly known as the brain basket of Akwa Ibom State will surely enjoy the dividends of Dennis’ representation for longish years.
As recorded in the Bible precisely in Mathew Chapter 3 verse 16, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. (17: And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”
Dear readers, Etinan are certainly re-echoing that voice from heaven. They are saying that Hon. (Barr.) Aniefiok Dennis Akpan is the representative in whom they are well pleased.
I beg to pause!
I beg to pause!
(Ofonime Honesty hails from Ikot Udoabia in Etinan LGA. He is a journalist and general affairs analyst. 08025286082 honestyofonime@yahoo.com)
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