Concern of Hon Mrs. Selinah Ukpatu, representing Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo State Constituency.
Today, I stood before Mr. Speaker and my esteemed colleagues at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to address a pressing issue that demands immediate attention - the devastating flooding in Eastern Obolo, my beloved constituency.
The recent floods have wrecked havoc in Iko town, Okoroete town, Emeroke, Agasa, Ikonta, Obianga, Legos, and neighboring areas within Eastern Obolo Local Government Area. Countless families have been forced to flee their homes, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.
The impact on the lives of my constituents has been profound. Homes have been destroyed, and livelihoods shattered. The most vulnerable members of our community, including malnourished children and elderly citizens, are suffering the most. Many have fallen sick and urgently need medical attention, some having to be transported to hospitals outside of the LGA.
I appealled to the honorable house to join me in urging the government and all relevant authorities to swiftly mobilize relief materials and resources to aid the affected communities.
The situation demands a compassionate and urgent response to provide assistance to those who are in dire need.
Let us come together as one and show our unwavering support for our fellow citizens in Eastern Obolo during this environmental and humanitarian crisis. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope and relief to those who have lost so much.
#EasternOboloFloodRelief #AkwaIbomAssembly #HumanitarianCrisis
More concerned of the house member:
Coastal Communities needs Stronger Security Measures Against Piracy:
In a heartfelt plea for their safety and livelihoods, Hon. Mrs. Selinah Ukpatu, representing Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo State Constituency, presented a crucial motion to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. The motion seeks to enforce robust security measures for fishermen and businesses in the state's coastal communities that have been facing grave challenges due to piracy and criminal activities.
The motion, in accordance with Order III Rule I of the Standing Orders of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, highlights the abundant water resources that serve as a lifeline for the coastal residents. However, these communities are grappling with recurring pirate attacks that result in abductions, looting of valuable goods, and the loss of essential equipment like outboard engines, which are crucial tools for their fishing and water-related businesses.
Heartbreakingly, innocent fishermen have lost their lives during these unprovoked attacks, causing immense pain and grief to their families. Over the past five months alone, at least 50 outboard engines have been lost, amounting to a staggering value of over one hundred and fifty million Naira.
These criminal activities have persisted for the past 15 years, causing significant revenue loss and economic hardship for the coastal communities. Moreover, the reputation of Akwa Ibom State and its maritime sub-sector has been tarnished, discouraging potential investments.
In her motion, Hon. Mrs. Selinah Ukpatu calls upon the state government to take urgent action by engaging key authorities, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police, and the Nigerian Army. A collaborative approach is sought to strengthen and expand existing patrol teams to provide comprehensive security coverage for all coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State.
The motion further proposes the establishment of a dedicated Maritime Security and Monitoring Task Force, composed of representatives from various agencies, coastal community leaders, Local Government Authorities, and the House Committee on Security, Youths, and Sports. This task force will foster intelligence gathering, information sharing, and cooperation to effectively combat piracy and criminality in the coastal areas.
The Honourable members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have a significant responsibility in assessing the effectiveness of current security measures and recommending more efficient approaches to safeguarding the coastal communities.
The motion has sparked hope for a safer and more prosperous future for the hardworking fishermen and businesses in the coastal regions. The bill which serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the vital role of government in ensuring the well-being and security of its citizens was unanimously passed by the house and it is to be transmitted to his excellency the governor for necessary action.
As we await the outcome of this important motion, let us stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Akwa Ibom State's coastal communities, hoping for a brighter and safer future for all.
At the end of the plenary, Hon.Mrs. Selinah Ukpatu joined her colleagues at the inaugural meetings of the house committees on environment and that of lands, housing and urban renewal.
Honorable Ukpatu is the deputy chairman of the house committee on lands and housing.
Media/ publicity Unit
20:07:2023
Published by Oboloheritage
Contact Oboloheritage@gmail.com
0 Comments