The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed the amended version of the Independent Electoral Commission Law Cap 69.
Presenting the report before Plenary, the Chairman House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mfon Idung, informed the House that the Public Hearing which was well attended by Stakeholders, cutting across various Ministries, Agencies, political parties, civil society organisations made very meaningful inputs which assisted his Committee to arrive at the recommendations.
Idung, who represents Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency stated that amendments of the Independent Electoral Commission Law will update the electoral laws in the State in line with modern and acceptable electoral reforms and guidelines.
He was optimistic that the amended bill when passed would help in no small measure to improve the efficiency and integrity of the Commission; promote transparency and accountability in electoral process thereby guaranteeing the independence of the electoral umpire in addition to instilling confidence in the electoral process in the State.
The House thereafter considered the amended Clauses 2,4,5,6,7 and 9 at the Committee of the Whole where the amendments were adopted. The Speaker of the Assembly, Udeme Otong, who presided over the plenary directed the Clerk, NsikakAbasi Orok to forward the bill to State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for assent into law.
Meanwhile, A bill for a law to Establish Akwa Ibom State Employment Trust Fund and other Matters connected thereto has scaled through first reading.
The House later adjourned to Tuesday, 30th April 2024 by 10 a.m.