Diary Of A Legislator

Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke.

Aside the Bills the member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency Rt.Hon.Onofiok Luke has sponsored,which some has been passed by the House,he has co- sponsored,contr
ibuted to a number of Bills,some passed,committed to the committee stage,passed through second reading, for other legislative actions.
One of such Bills the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly showed great support for, which was passed by the house in July this,is the Bill to regulate Maritime Sector Operations in the State. The Bill sponsored by Rt.Hon.Usoro Akpanusoh,Member Representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State constituency, was passed by the legislature following a submission of report by the Chairman Joint Committee on Petroleum, Economic planning and Development, works and Transport Hon.Asuquo Archibong.
According to Rt.Hon.Onofiok Luke, while talking about the benefits of the Maritime Sector Regulation bill,expressed hope that the law passed by the House will prevent tax evasion in the maritime sector and would as well introduce transparency and accountability in the process of revenue collection.
“This is to further demonstrate our commitment to boosting the revenue of our state through ensuring that we make laws which would protect the financial rights of Akwa Ibom State as we deepen our relationship with business partners and open our doors to new business opportunities. “It is part of our legislative agenda to boost the IGR of our state”. Onofiok Luke
Passing the bill, the lawmakers observed that it had become imperative for the state to intervene in the state’s maritime sector to address safety, security and environmental concerns.
They also agreed that the bill will generate economic benefits as it was capable of generating employment opportunities for indigenes of the state, and as well boost the state’s revenue base.
The law also stipulated that “every company engaged in or intending to do maritime-related business with any oil company operating within the state territorial waters shall, provide evidence of substantial engagement of indigenes of Akwa Ibom State by the company and be registered with the Ministry (related to transportation and Petroleum matters)”.
Clause 2 of the Bill stated that “Every person whose vessel is used for oil/gas prospecting, exploration and production, drilling, storage, accommodation, lifting of crude oil, refining, personnel movement, and other marine activities within the state territorial waters must be registered with the Ministry before commencing their operations”.
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House Assembly, Rt Hon Onofiok Luke saluted the sponsor of the Bill for his courage and foresight.
He thanked the Chairman and members of the Joint committee and members of the House for their dedication and commitment to duty in ensuring the smooth passage of the bill.
Vintage 6th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.