Akwa Ibom Assembly reinstates suspended LG chairman, Aniekpon Ekpo

By Christiana Ekpa

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has reinstated Aniekpon Ekpo, the suspended Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council.

This came during the plenary following the adoption of the report of the ad-hoc committee led by Aniefiok Dennis that investigated the matter.

Ekpo was suspended in January 2022 over alleged official misconduct after several petitions signed by 10 councillors from Mkpa Enin Legislative Council.

The Speaker of the house, Aniekan Bassey while considering the committee’s report adopted all its recommendations including the reinstatement of the suspended chairman.

The committee in its recommendation asked the council chairman to take deliberate steps in ensuring that all the pending issues relating to the assets of the local government are resolved satisfactorily adding that he should separate his personal dealings from the administration of the council.

The committee also recommended that in an attempt to improve the IGR of the local government, the council should comply with relevant tax rules and laws to avoid imposing oppressive taxes and levies on the people.

Part of the recommendations read: “That the suspension of Hon. Aniekpon Ekpo, as the Executive Chairman Mkpat Enin Local Government Area be lifted by this Honourable House.”

The House also received and considered some executive bills through first reading including “A Bill for a Law to amend the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation Law, 2012, and for other matters connected therewith,” and “A Bill for a Law to provide for the raising of loans through issuance of bonds, notes and for other matters connected therewith.”