FROM TODAY'S PLENARY

... A'Ibom Assembly passed a resolution on a call to rekindle the upsurge on COVID-19 protocol compliance on the deadly COVID-19 Delta Variant.

... a resolution to address the incessant proliferation of unaccredited Health Training Institutions in the State.

Williams Akpabio - Information Unit (AKHA) Uyo.

Akwa Ibom States House of Assembly in it's plenary today Tuesday has passed a resolution on a call to rekindle the upsurge on COVID-19 protocol compliance on the deadly COVID-19Delta Variant.

This motion sponsored by Hon. (Elder) Udeme J. Otong, member representing Abak State Constituency was brought under Order III, Rule 1 of the Standing Order of Akwa Ibom States House of Assembly (Sixth Edition).

the motion indicated that the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the COVID-19 Delta Variant is ripping around the world at a scorching pace,  driving a new spike in cases and death resulting in third wave. it further exposes that COVID-19 Delta is spreading rapidly; especially infecting unprotected and vulnerable population and steadily putting pressure back on Health system.

Moreso, the motion also stated that African countries and Nigeria is not exempted from this deadly disease, because approximately 99 out of 100 Nigerians are not fully vaccinated, vaccines still insufficient/unavailable, limited testing facilities and the regular rise in daily reports.

The lawmakers having being aware that the country and the state government are advancing effort to ensure swift response and vaccination of every indigene of the state, noted that the citizens have role to play in order to curb the spread by adhering to regulation and protocols/prevention measures set up to checkmate the blowout of this deadly Variant; but they were worried that most Public places (Worship Centres, Banks, Schools, Market and Eateries) do not sustain to the need to make provision for compulsory hand washing and sanitizing or observe other COVID-19 protocol on the ground that the disease has vanished.

furthermore, the Assemblymen were also aware that the centre for disease control and prevention had fashioned out basic guidelines that people should comply with regards to COVID-19, but not limited to social distancing, the use of hand sanitizers, wearing of face mask, avoidance of crowds and poorly ventilated spaces as well as closing of nose and mouth when sneezing/coughing but were further worried that the Delta Variant is very deadly and if deliberate effort is not made to awaken the consciousness and awareness of the present pandemic and immediately enforce compliance of COVID-19 protocols, the effect of the third wave may be devastating.

The Assembly therefore resolved that Akwa Ibom States government should through Ministry of Health create awareness through COVID-19 management agency and other related agencies on the presence of the new COVID-19 Delta Variant to the public.

Similarly, that monitoring team and other regulation bodies should commence routine enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines and protocols adopted to prevent community spreading of the dreaded COVID-19 deadly Variant.

In the same spirit, the state Assembly also resolved that Akwa Ibom State government should directed ministry of health to address the incessant proliferation of unaccredited health training institutions in Akwa Ibom State.

According to the motion as moved by Hon. (Elder) Udeme J. Otong, member representing Abak State Constituency, the Health Training Institutions (HTI) are specialized institutions consciously established to provide Human Capacity Development (HCD) in the health and related disciplines which encompasses medical laboratory science, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, anatomy, physiology, environment health, physical health, social health, emotional health, intellectual health, community health, and even spiritual health design to promote, maintain, improve or restore health.

the motion acknowledged that apart from these HTI's leadership principles which are to be transferred from lecturers and other staff to train in these instructions. the assembly worried about the practice seen in these proliferated unaccredited HTI's as being faulty and as such call for for serious concern, 

To such, the assembly today resolved that Akwa Ibom State government should direct the Ministry of Health  to set up Monitoring and Assessment committee, to regularly visit all those affected with the view to access their standard and stability for operation in the state in order to stem the tide of quackery and unwanted poor quality health delivery in the state.

The Assembly thereby resolved that Health related professional bodies in the state such as Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRCN), Laboratory science of Nigeria, Veterinary Medical Association of Nigeria etc to revive or set up Monitoring/task team to seal off illegal training Centres/care home.

Meanwhile, the Honourable Speaker of the 7th Assembly Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey directed the Clerk of the House Mrs. Mandu Umoren to communicate the House resolutions to all agencies concern.

In a further deliberation, Akwa Ibom State Mortgage and foreclosure Bill, 2018  sponsored by Hon. Dr.Charity Ido, member representing Ukanafun State Constituency passed second reading and was referred Joint Committee on Appropriation and Public Account for further legislative actions and to report back to the house in one month.

However, the House adjourned her sitting to reconvene on Thursday 29th July, 2021.