Ini Lawmaker Calls For Protection Of Critical assets, infrastructure provided by government

Member representing Ini State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon Lawrence Udoide has called on citizens across the state to always protect critical assets and infrastructure buildings provided by government against vandalisation.

Hon Lawrence Udoide while presenting his motion on Friday

The lawmakers made the call while interacting with House of Assembly Press Corp shortly after Friday's plenary in his office.

According to the legislator, a lot of funds would be saved for more intervention projects across the state if citizens help keep existing government property in good shape.

Udoide who is the Chairman, House Services Committee said he was sad that some important and critical public assets within various communities were damaged by the citizens who were supposed to take ownership and protection of those assets.

Udoide who had earlier presented a motion titled; "Urgent call on the state government to intervene and call stakeholders to protect critical assets and infrastructures in Akwa Ibom State", said the vandalisation has a negative effects in the development of the society.

"Vandalisation of critical assets and infrastructures is a major setback to progress and development of any nation state and has direct effect on the citizens who would spend huge sums of money to repair, refurbish, replace or rebuild them; 

Aware also that critical assets and infrastructures are vital to country’s economic, social and political development and in event of destruction either through natural disasters, sabotage, willful damage, compromise, vandalisation or theft, serious disruption in the smooth functioning of the society or well-being of the people will result.

Aware also that these assets, are so vital that the incapacity and or destruction of any may have a debilitating impact on security, economy , health , safety, education, food and agriculture, environment, transportation etc."

Some of the critical assets and infrastructure according to Udoide include;  

Roads and Public Highways, Bridges, Walkways and Pedestrian Bridges, Flyovers, Power Stations, generating plants, Transformers, Street Lights, Radio and Television Buildings and Installations, Post Office, Tele-communication buildings and installations, Masts, Power Lines, Government Buildings, Multistory building, Ibom Icon and Golf Course,  Four Points By Sheraton, Hotels, Government and Political Party Secretariat, Banks, Churches, Hospitals, Schools, Police Stations and Correctional Centres, Libraries, Recreational Centres, Museums and Monuments, Sculptures and Monumental Edifices, Town Halls, Ibom Hall, Conference Halls, INEC Offices, Akwa Ibom State House of  Assembly, Government House and Governor’s Lodge, Worship Centre, Water Company, Water pipelines and Installations, Ibom Tropicana Facility, Ibom Airport, Exxon Mobil buildings and facilities, oil pipelines, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Gas and Petroleum Stations, Drainage and Man Holes, Palace of Paramount Rulers, Markets, Ibom Power Plant, Street Lights, ALSCON Buildings and Facilities, Shipping Lines and Shipping Yard, Fairies and Boats, Company Buildings, Motor Parks, Stadiums, APIICO House"

In their resolution, the lawmakers resolved to engage the Commissioner for Internal Security with the aim of coming up with workable strategies and means of preventing these public facilities from further vandalisation in the State. 

The House also directed Local Government Councils to ensure the formation of community security groups in every community where critical assets are located.

 The Assembly also noted that the security committees, “when formed should be registered, trained and licensed by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) while the local government councils should remunerate the Community Security Groups.

Reacting, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, commended INI lawmaker for raising the motion, describing it as well detailed, and underscored the importance of safeguarding public assests from vandals. He refered the matter to the House Committee on Security, Youth and Sports for necessary action.