The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a Bill aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly transfer of executive power between outgoing and incoming governors.

Titled: “A Bill to Provide for a Peaceful and Orderly Transfer of Executive Power from One Democratically Elected Governor to Another and for Other Matters Connected Therewith,” the legislation was sponsored by Hon. Moses Essien, representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency.

Presenting the Bill during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Uyo, Essien said it seeks to address transitional challenges often experienced at the end of a governor’s tenure. “This Bill, when passed into law, will establish a legal framework for the process of transferring power and guide the state government through procedural mechanisms to ensure peace and order,” he said.

The proposed law is divided into four parts with 15 sections, detailing procedures to be followed for seamless transitions. A key provision in Part 2, Section 2 mandates the incumbent governor to constitute a Governorship Transition Committee within seven days of the declaration of election results. This committee is to be chaired by the Secretary to the State Government and include the Chief of Staff, Attorney-General, Commissioner for Finance, Head of Service, and other relevant officers.

Essien, who also chairs the House Committees on Health, Nutrition, and Food Security, noted that the Bill also compels outgoing governors to complete ongoing major projects initiated by their predecessors.

The Bill was seconded by Hon. Lawrence Udoide (Ini Constituency) and received widespread support, including from the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob (Nsit Ubium), who described it as “apt and simple.”

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, subsequently referred the Bill to the Committee on Inter-Governmental and Political Matters for a public hearing and further scrutiny. The committee is expected to report back to the House within one month.