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A/Ibom Assembly Passes N150b Supplementary Budget, 5 Other Bills Into Law
Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly has passed N150billion Naira supplementary Budget and five other Bills into law
According to Governor Umo Eno, the supplementary Budget will be channel towards the completion of vital infrastructural projects in the state.
The bill tagged; HAB 317, earlier transmitted to the House by Governor Umo Eno, a couple of weeks ago, has a component comprising N50.310 billion for recurrent expenditures and the capital outlay of N99.689 billion, which our Correspondent gathered, was read for the third time and passed by the 26 – member House, following adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, earlier submitted by the Chairman, Hon. Itorobong Etim, representing Uruan State Constituency.
However, the N150 billion augmentation to the 2023 original budget size by the immediate past administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, checks revealed, now raised the total budget size for the fiscal year to a total of N850 billion, as against the earlier budget size of N700 billion, with a revised capital expenditure of N455 billion and recurrent expenditure of N394.314 billion respectively.
The House had dissolved into a Committee of the Whole and Committee of Supply to reports on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill and five other Committees’ reports on other bills also passed alongside the Supplementary Budget during the plenary.
Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, moved a motion for the passage of the bill, which was seconded by the member for Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Eric Akpan.
Also at the plenary, a bill for a law to amend the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap. 155 Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2023 (HAB 316) was read the third time and passed into law by the House. This followed the submission of reports by the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung (Etim Ekpo/Ika).
Idung, had explained that the proposed amendment to the Traditional Rulers’ Law of the State “seeks, among others, to dignify and sustain the integrity of the traditional institution in Akwa Ibom State, while also placing heads of the traditional institution in equal rank with other reputable chiefs in the country, including the Northern Emirs, Obas of the West, Obi of Southeast and the Obong of Calabar.”
Also, a Bill for a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund Law 2023 (HAB 300) and the Ibom Community Watch, and for connected purposes 2023, was read the third time and passed, following the adoption and consideration of reports submitted to this effect by Chairman, House Committee on Security, Youths and Sports, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo.
Other bills including; a bill for a law to make Special Provisions for Statutory Boards and Commissions in Akwa Ibom State and for other matters connected therewith (HAB 310) and a Bill for a Law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics and Akwa Ibom State Statistical System and for other matters connected therewith (HAB 312) were also read the third time and passed by the lawmakers.
The two bills received legislative backing following the submission and adoption of reports of the House Committee on Inter-governmental, Political and Special Matters, chaired by Hon. Emem Udom (Ukanafun), and that of the Committee on Economic Planning and Development, Hon. Nsidibe Akata (Eket), respectively.
However, the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, who chaired the session, mandated the Clerk, NiskakAbasi Orok, to ensure the transmission of the concluded bills to Governor Eno, for Executive assent.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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