Assembly orders suspension of loan scheme for poultry farmers in A/Ibom

The Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly has ordered the suspension of a loan scheme for poultry farmers saying the disbursement of the credit facility did not follow due process.

Known as anchor poultry borrowers programme meant to empower the youths, more than 3,000 beneficiaries were allegedly selected for the loan scheme when it was stopped by the assembly.

Presenting a motion under urgent public importance before the plenary, Nse Ntuen, a member representing Essien Udim State constituency said there were some ‘’irregularities in the selection of the beneficiaries of the scheme.’’

The house in a resolution, directed that “the disbursement and implementation of the Anchor Borrowers Scheme of government be suspended until after the conclusion of investigation and action taken at plenary.”

A seven member ad-hoc committee headed by  Idongesit Ituen was mandated by the house to conduct a hearing into the matter while Nse Ntuen is deputy.  Other members include Udo Kierian Akpan,Usoro Akpanusoh, Samuel Ufuo and Hon. Mfon Ekong . The committee’s investigation will  find out the disbursement and implementation of the programme.

The terms of reference to the committee also  include  investigating  the source of the publication of over 3800 names of acclaimed beneficiaries;  ascertain whether due process was followed in the selection process; and whether the list of beneficiaries represents the composition of the state in proportionate manner. The committee which has two weeks to submit its report and to determine the source of funding, as well recommend sanctions for any public officer found to have erred in the process.

According to  Nse Ntuen, it is surprising to see newspaper publications to the effect that over 3000 indigenes of the state have been selected to benefit from the Poultry Anchor Borrowers Programme and expressed regrets that due process was not followed in the selection of beneficiaries. He said the action could not have had the authorization of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Also faulting the recruitment process, deputy Speaker, Felicia Bassey, House Leader,  Udo Kierian,  chief whip,  Emmanuel Ekpenyong,  Mfon Ekong,  Mark Esset,  Idong Ituen,  Otobong Akpan,  Otobong Ndem, Aniekan Uko,  Aniefiok Dennis and . Effiong Bassey, Friday Iwok, said there was need for the House to invite the government officials responsible for the observed irregularities in the selection for questioning. The House Leader, Akpan particularly took time to point out the multiple repetition of names in the list of 3800, describing it as wrong and questionable.

Ruling on the matter the Speaker,  Luke explained that the legislature was empowered by the constitution to carry out investigation on any matter brought before it in line with section 121 of the Nigerian constitution. He said investigation into the matter would better be conducted through the committees.