LAWMAKERS VISIT NEW A'IBOM GOV LODGE IN LAGOS, ASSURE UDOM OF CONTINUED SUPPORT- by: Jerry EDOHO

The chairman of the 6th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly committee on finance and appropriations, Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh; alongside the speaker of the State Assembly Barr. Onofiok Luke over the weekend led members of the 6th Assembly to an on the spot fact finding to the ongoing new A'Ibom governor's lodge.  

Dr. Akpanusoh said the visit by members of the finance and appropriations committee as part of lawmakers legislative oversight functions will enable members to be ascertained  with the true picture surrounding the controversial project.

On ground to receive and conduct members of the finance and appropriations committee around the mind blowing edifice were the commissioner for housing and special duties, Mr. Akan Okon; Engr. George Michael, site Engineer; Paul  Daaboul accompanied by a team of safety professionals. The commissioner thanked the leadership and members of the 6th assembly  for considering the inspection of the new A'Ibom Lagos lodge paramount in their legislative itinerary.

According to the site engineer Mr. George Micheal; the project which Mr. Akan Okon assured of completion  in March 2018 houses a  magnificent (duplex guest chalet), and the main lodge with toilets, sitting / banquet,  two balconies, lobby, workers room, a standard swimming pool, security offices, two elevators, laundry, governor's office, two living rooms, bedrooms, security rooms in line with engineering standard and practice.

Mr. Akan Okon admitted that the sum of 840 million Naira was released  out of 1.2 billion Naira approved for the project in the 2017 budget estimate.

He posited that the  justification for considering the project salient in the heart of Ikoyi as choice area is basically on economic reasons.
He maintained that the lodge is within the confines of Lagos state town planning law vis-a-vis the state development plan.
   

It could be recalled  that the construction of a new A'Ibom Governor's lodge  project had earlier generated unesseccary controversies between the government and some section in the state.

The committee chairman, Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh, member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State constituency after a thorough assessment round the facility commended Governor Udom Emmanuel impeccable charisma for ensuring the project becomes a reality. He further appreciated the effort of the governor on his unwavering dedication and focus  spirit to ensure the development of the state by creating an enabling environment for the attainment of industrialization reality.

Dr. Usoro stated that information earlier spread about the project is not true.
 He restated that the rumour is a sponsored attack by enemies of the state  whose intent is to incite the electorates against the government of the state.

The speaker who was ably represented by the house leader, Sir Udoh Kieran;  thanked his colleagues in the 6th assembly and the leadership of finance and appropriations committee, housing and special duties commssioner for an excellent job done in the ongoing construction of the new A'Ibom governor's lodge in lagos State.

The speaker maintained that as stipulated in the constitution, members of the 6th Assembly must carry out check and balance of government expenditures. He explained that in comparing the sum of 1.2 billion Naira approved for the project in 2017 to the status of job done, it is an evidence to proof that Mr. Akan Okon's superintendency of the housing and special duties ministry under Governor Udom Emmanuel is rigorously working to re-brand wrong ideas and perceptions of people against Governor Udom administration's  desire to create an enabling environment for  investor to boost the economy of the state and to create job opportunities.

 "With what we have seen here, I make bold to applaud His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel on his resoluteness and foresight to industrialise the state to reshape the phase of development and to reduce unemployment rate; If all measures needed for sustainable development are in place, the growth and lives of our people will be upgraded to suit current economic trend" Luke said.

Barr. Luke while reiterating members support to the present administration added that the development of the state is prime concern in legislative duties for the benefits of all Akwa Ibomite.
The inspection team had the the Speaker, Barr. Onofiok Luke; who was ably represented by Sir Udo Kierian; House leader/member representing Oruk Anam constituency, Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh; chairman, finance and appropriations / Member representing Esit Eket /Ibeno State constituency, Barr. Ime Okon; member representing Ibiono Ibom constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ekpeyong; Chief Whip/member representing Ini, Sir. Nse Ntuen; member representing Essien Udim, Hon. Idongesit Ituen; Hon. Samuel Ufuoh; Mbo, Hon. Comrade Friday Iwok; chairman public account committee -Abak, Hon. Archibong Asuquo; Hon. Mfon Ekong; Nsit Ibom, Hon.Jonathan Akpan; Ukanafun, Barr. Aniefiok Dennis; Etinan State constituency, Mr. Akan Okon; commissioner for housing and special duties, clerk of the 6th assembly, Mrs. Unwana; among others.