Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno assented to the Bulk Purchase Agency and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency Bills earlier passed by the State House of Assembly, into law.
In a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary Mr Ekerete Udoh and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, Udoh explained that the governor disclosed his assent to the bill during enlarged State Executive Council meeting at the EXCO Chambers and commended leadership of the State House of Assembly for working expeditiously to pass the two bills.
“The Bulk Purchase Bill, as the Governor has been saying, is a response by Government to the high cost of staple food items in the nation arising from some economic challenges currently being felt by Nigerians across social strata.
Udoh said Umo Eno signed the bill as an intervention exercise being the only way to mitigate the suffering of the people.
He explained that the best vehicle for such intervention was to set up an agency that will do a direct intervention in the market and get staple food items to the people at a reduced price adding that it was what the Bulk Purchase Agency seeks to address in the state
“Let me again, emphasize that this is an intervention exercise and not a permanent solution. The permanent solution is to return to the farm.
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“That is why we will soon, set up an Agric Committee that will support our people with seedlings so they can return to the farm.
“This committee will work tirelessly to ultimately make our staple food items available at drastically reduced price range.”
Udoh further disclosed the second bill seeks to create the State’s Assets Register, different and separate from Akwa Ibom State Road and Other Infrastructure Maintenance Agency, (AKROIMA) which was essentially for roads maintenance across the states.
“We have to develop a strong maintenance culture. We can’t allow our assets to deteriorate.
“This bill also seeks to create an occupational safety department, in line with what obtains elsewhere.” he said.
