…says it will entrench dignity and oneness among Akwa Ibomites
By Emmanuel Sampson
The Chairman House committee on Information in the 7th Assembly, Rt.Hon.(Barr). Aniefiok Dennis Akpan has commended Governor Udom Emmanuel on his moved to give Akwa Ibom state a new face with official symbols.
Barr. Dennis made the commendation today, Monday 21st September, 2020 at old chapel hall, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly at the Public Hearing on “A bill for a law to established and regulate ,Akwa Ibom state Official Symbols, And for Other Matters Connected Therewith” sent in by the governor for consideration.

The Etinan born politician in his welcome Address said the bill when passed into law, will entrench pride, hope, royalty, dignity, glory, reverence, inspiration and oneness in the stat.
He said “the bill will not only create sentiment but psychological and emotional attachment to our dear state, it will patently bring out our history and values which will result in the general consciousness of our heritage.
We are optimistic that questions will be asked, we shall consider the legality or otherwise of this bill, are we invading the legislative competence or jurisdiction of the National Assembly? Can our flags and symbols co-habit with that of our nation? You are hereby given the opportunity to carefully, deliberately, engagingly and dispassionately dissect this bill.

I commend the Executive for this piece of visionary legislation (in the making), those persons involved in the artistic design and interpretation to the features in the bill, to the limit of my knowledge did a remarkable job, they understandably,earn our commendation. The House as always, deemed it expedient to subject the bill to debate and public scrutiny,the reason we are all here.”
Declaring the public hearing opened, Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Aniekan Bassey said the legislature will do her best to passes the bill into law for full implementation.
According to him, “It goes without saying that in Akwa Ibom State, we’ve always had symbols, flags, colours etc. but they were not legally in existence and known to law, this understandably, gave birth to this bill.
is noteworthy, that this bill when passed into law will give us a great sense of pride, it will further unite us, give us hope and clear distinction from other states. Therefore, if you are here with us today representing the various stakeholders or interest groups, it means you are of very great importance to us and the identity of our dear state. Your contributions during today’s public hearing will afford us the opportunity of amending, rewriting, altering, rejecting or passing this bill into law.”
In his key note presentation, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry Of Information and Strategy, Barr. Ini Ememobong, thanked the governor for coming up with the Bill, said identification is very important as it will prevent conflict and great good relationship amongst people.
The information boss further maintained that the symbols will create a senses of belonging in both private and public institutions across the country.
The well attended occasion had in attendance, all members of the committee, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. Aniema Etuk, State Chairman, Civil Liberty Organization, Mr. Franklyn Isong, Godwin Sunday a representative from National Museum, who also gave their input, amongst others.