...seeks compensation for those who lost lives, properties
The member representing Ukanafun State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Evang. Elder Emem Udom, has made a strong case for victims of the 2017-2019 crises that engulfed Ukanafun, parts of Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo LGAs.
This is sequel to a motion presented during Tuesday's Plenary and co-sponsored by Prince Sampson Idiong representing Oruk Anam and Elder Mfon Idung representing Etim Ekpo.
He prayed the House to among other things Urge Governor Umo Eno to constitute a Reconciliation and Compensation Committee to interface with the victims, Mandate the State Emergency Management Agency to commence immediate release of relief materials to victims, and Mandate the House Committee on Security to ensure compliance.
Presenting the motion, Emem Udom had questioned the justice system that reward criminals who inflict injuries on fellow citizens and punish victims affected by such crisis.
According to Udom, "It is worrisome that years after the peace deal, those affected by the crisis have not had any form of meeting nor received any compensation from government or its agencies. Well documented record has it that more than 200 persons were reportedly killed, hundreds kidnapped, properties including vehicles, businesses and houses were burnt. The aged, clergy, students, civil servants, politicians, farmers and businessmen were not spared whenever the heavily armed hoodlums decide to go on rampage".
Commenting further, the Ukanafun born Lawmaker lamented,
"Disturbed that injustice to one is injustice to all, given that the victims who are still licking their wounds, are yet to be reintegrated back to Society as their homes, means if livelihood have all been destroyed.
Most disturbed that while the victims are living in anguish, the perpetrators have since moved on with their lives, have been forgiven, trained and empowered by government with little or no consequences for their crimes".
Udom while fielding questions from Journalists, underscored the need for Governor Umo Eno to intervene in the matter abd ensure that justice is done to the matter.
Reacting further, a co- sponsor of the motion and member representing Etim Ekpo State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, described as pathetic the aftermath of the crisis and the fact that the victims are yet to be compensated while the perpetrators are free and empowered. He called on government to take the motion seriously.
"The aftermath of the crises which affected parts of Etim Ekpo is really pathetic. If motions on the floor of this House is an academic exercise, let this particular motion be taken seriously. Incidentally, the hoodlums have started to regroup again. Government should act fast to nip it in the bud". Mfon said.
The motion was referred to the Committee on Security and Sports who were to collaborate with Ministry of Internal Security and report back within one month.
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