• Democracy under threat in Nigeria – Speaker Luke
Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom people, and Nigerians on the country’s successful attainment of 17 years of unbroken democratic rule, as well as one year anniversary of the current administration in the state.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, in his goodwill message to the president congratulated him again on his emergence and smooth transition of power. He called on leaders in the country to ignore their political party divides and work with the president towards the success of the nation amidst its many challenges. He said the current economic crisis in the country is regardless of religion, tribe, and political party.
He also noted that in recent times, democracy in the country has come under threat owing to rights abuses by the authorities.
Luke said: “In this period of our 17 years of democracy, what are those things we must reflect on? Democracy thrives where fundamental human rights, as enshrined in our constitution are protected. But we want to say without equivocation that these fundamental human rights are threatened in today’s democracy. A situation where citizens are arrested and detained without being charged to court; situations where court orders are not obeyed, are serious threats to this democracy. We want to urge the government at every level to ensure that the rights of every citizen, whether high or lowly placed, must be protected. The law says that whosoever is arrested or alleged to have committed a crime of done any wrong should be charged to court within a specific period. Also, part of the things we need to reflect on is freedom of expression. Censorship is a threat to our democracy and we want government at every level to ensure that neither the press nor individuals are censored.”
In a resolution passed Tuesday during plenary, the House also commended the Governor Udom for embarking on life-touching programmes and projects across the length and breadth of the state under 365 days.
The position of the House was sequel to an information brought before the assembly by the House leader, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan, who drew the attention of the Speaker to the up-coming 17th anniversary in commemoration of the return of Nigeria to democracy rule and one year of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration which is holding, May, 29, 2016.
In their contributions, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Felicia Bassey, Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Nse Essien, Deputy Leader, Aniekan Bassey, Essien Udim lawmaker, Nse Ntuen, Hon Samuel Ufo, Mbo, Hon. Effiong Bassey, Oron/Udunguko, Hon. Aniekan Uko, Ibesikpo Asutan, Hon. Usoro Akpan Usoh, Esit Eket/Ibeno state constituency, and Hon. Idongesit Ituen of Itu, while congratulating Nigerians for a successful 17 years of democracy rule, noted with satisfaction the remarkable achievements of the Udom Emmanuel-led administration within one year in office.
Rt. Hon Kierian said "Mr. Speaker I believe that it is important we thank the government of Akwa Ibom State for for the achievements it has recorded. Despite the paucity of funds, Akwa Ibom State has been able to record such giant strides".
Mbo member, Hon. Ufo, observed thus "These achievements despite the dwindling resources in the country and state is made possible because the governor puts God first". The Oron/Udunguko representative, Hon. Bassey was full of appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for the prompt intervention in the road situation in his constituency, saying the people of the area were delighted to have good roads network in less than a year upon the assumption of office by the governor.
Earlier, Speaker Luke had said that although the state governor has done so much in just one year amidst dwindling economy, there was still room to do more for the people.
“We use this opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the governor in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people as evident in the number of projects commissioned in the last one year. While commending the governor, we pray God to give him the grace to do more as there is still more work to be done.”
He acknowledged the challenges being faced by the people of the state and assured that the state legislature promises the sincerity of purpose in dealing with the people. He thanked the people of the state for their unwavering faith in democracy and in the governor. He hailed the governor’s efforts in serving the people saying this is especially so against the backdrop of the distractions which he has faced in forms of court cases during the last one year.
“We promise to do more in the best interest of Akwa Ibom people and to push to the next level of the Akwa Ibom project”, the speaker said.
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