Open Forum, an advocacy group in Akwa Ibom State, has urged Governor Umo Eno and the House of Assembly to institutionalise Ibom People’s Assembly, IPA, as well as Akwa Ibom Council of State.
The Convener of Open Forum, Citizen Mathew Okono, who made the call in a statement in Uyo on Sunday, said the membership of the council could comprise the serving governor, former governors and erstwhile military administrators of Akwa Ibom State origin, as well as former chief judges and Speakers of the State House of Assembly.
While noting that the governor is at liberty to decide the composition of the council, Okono added that the serving deputy governor, Speaker and Chief Judge could serve as ex-officio members of the council.
He said the platform will harness the wealth of experience of the past leaders to provide non-partisan counsel on governance, peace, security and development of Akwa Ibom State.
Similarly, Okono said the Ibom People’s Assembly will serve as the apex socio-cultural and development platform to unify all Akwa Ibom sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.
“The Assembly will promote our shared values and identity, and speak with one voice on matters affecting our people, locally, nationally and internationally. This will be a revolutionary approach to address the current rancorous nature of pro-ethnic and tribal socio-cultural organisations dominating the state.
“I strongly recommend the adoption and implementation of these legacy initiatives and possibly unveiled as part of activities marking the 39th Anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State on September 23, 2026.
“While the existing sociocultural organisations across the state should still maintain their identities and carry out communal development activities in accordance with the law, the need to harmonise all segments of the state under a unified voice for our people has become imperative and indispensable,” Okono said.
Gov Eno asked to establish Akwa Ibom Council of State, people’s assembly