VILLAGE HEADS’ WELFARE: ONNA LAWMAKER CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

A member representing ONNA State Constituency, Hon. Sunday Johnny, has called on the Akwa Ibom State Governor to look into the monthly allowance of the village heads in Akwa Ibom.

Hon. Johnny made this call during plenary on Tuesday 3rd September 2024 on a motion titled: THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE WELFARE PACKAGE OF OUR VILLAGE HEADS

He noted that communities in Akwa Ibom are experiencing relative peace and security because of the diligent efforts of the village heads, who oversee daily activities and maintain law and order in their villages.

The lawmaker noted that the village heads play a significant role in calling for meetings, communicating with security agents, and addressing grassroots concerns, and noted that most of them are not engaging in any other business apart from dedicating themselves fully to their responsibilities.

The House Leader, who is also the Chairman, Committee on Labour and Productivity uses informed the Speaker and his colleagues of the traditional title that was conferred on him from the Family Heads in ONNA on the 13th of February 2023, as the ‘UBOK UDOM MBONG EKPUK ONNA’, and as such, he has the mandate to speak on their behalf as one of them.

He lamented on the current monthly stipend of N35,000.00 is woefully and crossly inadequate, considering the immense responsibilities and harsh economic realities they face.

The ONNA Lawmaker in his motion therefore prays that the Honourable House resolves to urge a passionate Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, to review and improve the monthly allowance of the village heads, to enable them to effectively discharge their duties and maintain the peace and security of our communities.

Supporting the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, Member representing Itu State Constituency said that the motion is very aptly and timely and should be given the necessary support.

Also speaking supporting the motion, Member representing Ibiono Ibom, Nsit Ibom, and Mbo States Constituency, Hon. Moses Essien, Hon. Eric Akpan, and Rt. Hon Effiong Johnson respectively said that the motion requires a serious and urgent attention from the State Government.

To respond the prayer from the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong directed the Clerk to communicate to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, the resolution of the Honorable House.