By Akakan Umoh
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on Akwa Ibom Government to fully implement the Anti-Open Grazing Act to regulate grazing of cattle on farmlands across the state.
Making the call during the thank-you media parley organised by CHRAN in Uyo on Monday, the Director of the centre, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, said this would stem clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
Isong, however, lauded the enactment of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law by Mr. Udom Emmanuel administration, detesting the partial enforcement of the law in some parts of the state.
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Franked by Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo, Secretary and other executive members of the Center, he urged the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Internal Security as well as Waterways/Ibom Community Watch to join in full implementation of the Law across the State as a step to checking grazing of cattle on farmlands.
The CHRAN noted with commendation the peaceful resolution of the impasse sequel to the amendment to the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap. 155, Laws of Akwa Ibom State.
Specifically, the Center lauded the harmonious relationship among the traditional rulers in the State under the administration of Pastor Umo Eno.
The Center is pleased with the handling of the affairs and welfare of traditional rulers in the State by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The Center urged that the tempo be sustained.
On the lighting of Udo Udoma Avenue, which houses the Christmas Village, Tropicana Shopping Mall, Banks and other Businesses, CHRAN noted the swift response of the administration, which has led to the lighting of the very important business district along Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo and urged that it be extended to other major streets in the State Capital and across the State.
Speaking on Uyo Village Road Project, the Center commended Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for the award of contract for the dualisation of Uyo Village Road, which has been in a deplorable condition, among other ongoing road construction projects across the State.
The CHRAN observed that work has started on the projects by the contractors.
Commenting on potholes in the state, CHRAN appreciated the ongoing Operation Zero Pothole exercise carried out to remedy failed portions of roads across the State by the Ministry of Works and Fire Service.
But, the CHRAN drew the attention of the Ministry to deplorable Ikpa Road by University of Uyo, Udoette Road, Itu Road, Nelson Mandela Road and its environ.
It urged the Ministry to blend such major roads in Uyo as Mbak Atai Road by Ifa Atai big junction along the Udom Emmanuel Boulevard, Uyo; Chief Edem Ebong Street by Ibiaku Ishiet U-Turn (leading to Pan African Comprehensive High School and Senator Bassey Albert Recreational Center) along the Udom Emmanuel Boulevard, Uyo; Akpa Ubeh Street by Sampson Udo Idiong Ring Road II Dual CarriageWay, Uyo; and approaches along Ring Road III (Nwaniba – Mbiabong – Aka Nung Udoe roundabout) and other newly constructed roads across the State, particularly the Ikot Oku Ikono-Ekom Iman- Etinan Road.
The Center urged that the Ikot Oku Ikono-Ekom Iman- Etinan Road be completed and streetlights installed.
On the closure of Calabar-Itu Highway, the Center observed that the long closure of Calabar-Itu Highway by Itam flyover due to the ongoing Tabernacle Road construction and flood control project has posed serious economic challenges to residents and motorists, plying that axis of the road. The Center called for expeditious attention by the contractors and the supervising Ministry.
The CHRAN used the occasion to draw the attention of the State administration to the poor state of infrastructure at the Divisional Library, Udotung Ubo Street, Uyo due to abandonment by successive administrations in the State.
Recall that Straightnews had reported the deplorable state of the Divisional Library at Udotung Ubo Street, which now harbours the Akwa Ibom State Library Board, Uyo, built and stocked about half a century ago by the then military administration in the defunct South Eastern State.
The Center did not spare effort in prying into the Ibom E-Library at Babangida Avenue, Uyo, which is no longer functioning as a library, urging the government to take urgent action to revitalise the Ibom E-Library and other public libraries in the state.
Overall, the Center rated the Governor Umo Eno and his team high in the sectoral review within the 18 months in office.
