Stakeholders call for repositioning of Environment Sector
In order for Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to regulate and have a wide range of powers over wrong-doing in the environment, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has Organized a public hearing on a bill for a law to Establishment the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency.
The bill has however passed through the 1st and the 2nd reading on the floor of the House before the public hearing.
The Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt . Hon. Aniekan Bassey, who was represented by the Eket State lawmaker and Deputy Cheif whip of the house, Rt.Hon. David Lawrence maintained that the Assembly will not relent in its efforts of performing the core responsibility of lawmaking, oversight and representation, noting that , “the bill is essentially concerned about how best to protect our Environment through proper and efffective management of waste by a duely authorized and established Agency of government”.
Chairman, House committee on Environment, Rt. Hon Asuquo Archibong who was represented by the deputy Chairman, Rt Hon Mark Eset said the bill will further boost the corporate image and status of Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
Other Stakeholders who made meaningful contributions, suggestions and adjustments to the bill include the Commissioner for Environment, Sir Charles Udoh, the Chairman Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Prince Ikim, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oku Essien Udom (SAN) represented by Mrs Ime Ekpo Esq.
Others are Chairman of the Assembly Service Commission and former Legal Adviser to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Godwill Umoh, Dr. Uwemedimo Okon of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Mrs Comfort Etuk, Chairman Environmental Society of Nigeria, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalist( NUJ) Comrade Amos Etuk who was represented by Comrade Edet Okpo, Franklin Isong of the Civil Liberty Organization (CLO) Mr. Mfon Gabriel of Policy Alert, Prof, James Asuquo, Dr. Ime Ukp, other NGO’s and Envirnonmentalists in the state.
The Chairman Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency ( AKSEPWMA) Prince Ikim Who Spoke With the Chife Executive Director of Enobet Environmental Watch Initiative Idara Enobong expressed satisfaction with the bill stating that the bill will further strengthen the functions of the Agency.
Mrs Comfort Etuk of the Environmental Society of Nigeria said the bill will boost the Economy as waste is also wealth.
Franklin Isong of the Civic Liberty Organization (CLO) on his part said the bill will spell out the duties of the Ministry of Environment and that of the Agency.
The Stakeholders are however looking forward to a sustainable environment as the year 2021 just begun.
