By Igho Akeregha
As part of its commitment to the promotion of good governance, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Akwa Ibom state branch is undertaking a holistic diagnosis of the problems of, and prescription of solutions to three key sectors in Akwa Ibom State.
They are Agriculture, Health, and Education. This says this is part of the group’s follow-up action to the One-Day RoundTable it organized at Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, in September 2021.
The CLO disclosed it has set up a 27- member panel to undertake the project and report back in two months.
The report of the panel and its recommendations would be handed to the 2023 governorship aspirants of all the Political Parties in Akwa Ibom State for incorporation into their manifestos.
A statement signed by Otuekong Franklyn Isong State Chairman and Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo State Secretary of the CLO on Thursday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital disclosed the group recognizes that the three sectors Agriculture, Health and Education constitute the core of the economic development for the 21st Century.
“It is therefore important that the next administration beginning from 29th May 2023, be advised to stay focused on these three areas right from Day One of the administration”.
The CLO, a foremost human rights group further said it is making arrangements to organize a debate among the leading 2023 governorship candidates in the State with a date to be announced soon.
Members of the Panel are:
1. Prof. Trenchard Ibia – Chairman
2. Dr. Aniekeme Uwah – Co-Chairman
3. Mr. Etim Etim – Secretary
4. Barr. Christopher Ekpo – co Secretary
5. Prof. Christopher Ekong
6. Prof. Des Wilson
7. Prof. Ini Akpabio
8. Prof. Etok Ekanem
9. Prof. Uduak Okon
10. Rt. Hon. (Engr.) Akanimo Edet
11. Pastor Ita Udoh
12. Mr. Juwe Ikechukwu
13. Barr. Aniekan Akpan
14. Mrs. Regina Askia (Diaspora)
15. Comrade Nsemeke Udoakpan
16. Barr. Eyibio Okon
17. Barr. Godknows Njoku
18. Barr. Innocent Idemudia
19. Rev. David Essien
20. Rev. Fr. Cletus Etim
21. Comrade Eridiong Obong
22. Citizen Matthew Okono
23. Mr. Asteroid Bassey
24. Ms. Imaobong Akpan Akpan
25. Mr. Vincent Aluu
26. Dr. Ekem John
27. Mr. Utitofon Jeremiah
The terms of reference for the panel are: to undertake a diagnostic study of the three sectors mentioned above in Akwa Ibom State, make recommendations to the next administration on how best the government can revamp education in the State and make it relevant to the people in the 21st century.
Nasarawa lawmaker urges unity among members
Other recommendations are, to find ways to stimulate agricultural production and make food sufficiency a priority in the State, as well as ways to stimulate employment in agriculture and recommend ways that farmers in Akwa Ibom can key into the funding programs of the federal government such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme Program.
To visit and interact with the Management of key Hospitals in the State and obtain firsthand information on the problems of healthcare in Akwa Ibom, to talk to other healthcare providers and professionals in the health sector like the Health Management Organisation (the Health insurance companies) and obtain firsthand information on how to improve access to healthcare.
The committee will also undertake further research on how best to bring medical services in the most affordable way to Akwa Ibom people, develop a blueprint that will assist the next administration make improvements in these three key sectors of the State within the first one year of the administration.
