A resolution passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, granting State Governor Pastor Umo Eno the authority to establish Transition Committees for the State’s 31 Local Government Areas, has been challenged by the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN).
In a statement released in Uyo, the group, led by Director Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Secretary Barrister Christopher Ekpo, labeled the Local Government Transition Committees as illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
Governor Umo Eno had notified the Assembly through a letter that the upcoming year’s budget did not cater to local government elections. He sought approval to create interim administrations at the 31 local government areas once the elected council officials’ tenure expires on December 6, 2023. The Assembly promptly granted this request.
In a document presented by CHRAN, the group criticized the Akwa Ibom State Government for what it deemed a breach of Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution.
CHRAN stated, “The imposed Local Government Transition Committee setup by Governor Umo Eno on December 7, 2023, is in violation of Section 7 of the Constitution. This move is seen as unaligned with the current constitutional framework.”
The group highlighted the lack of effective governance and development at the local government level in Akwa Ibom State, despite increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee due to the recent fuel subsidy removal.
CHRAN had previously submitted a petition to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, urging intervention to enhance development at the grassroots level.
Expressing hope in the Assembly’s intervention, CHRAN emphasized the importance of restoring functionality to local government councils to facilitate the application of the amended Independent Electoral Commission Law for the timely conduct of Local Government Elections in Akwa Ibom State.
Responding to CHRAN’s stance, the Assembly Speaker, represented by the Deputy Speaker, affirmed that the House of Assembly acted within its constitutional authority.