Mechanic Village Crisis: Uyo Local Government Inaugurates Nine-man Panel Of Enquiry

…members set the ball rolling, visit mechanic village for on-the-spot assessment

By The Evangelist edition
October 5, 2022.

Following the recent crisis at the Uyo Mechanic Village in Afaha Offot community which led to the shutting down of the facility on Friday, September 30, 2022, the Chairman, Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo has constituted a nine-man Administrative Panel of Enquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote cause(s) of the crisis.

Dr. Udo, at the inauguration in his office on Tuesday, October 04, 2022, noted that the Council is working in line with the provision of the Akwa Ibom State Local Government Administration Law 2017 (as amended), Section 48(1), and charged members of the panel to conclude its assignment and submit its report within one week.

According to him, members by the terms of reference of the panel are expected to investigate and ascertain the remote and immediate cause(s) of the crisis, identify the suspects, sponsors, and culprits and their roles in the crisis, invite any person(s) who in the opinion of the panel would offer useful information to aid the panel to succeed in the assignment, recommend appropriate actions to reprimand the culprits to act as a deterrent against further occurrence as well as recommend measures that would bring about lasting peace in the Mechanic Village and its environs.

Responding, the Chairman of the panel, Barr. Victor Akpan commended the Uyo Council Boss for the proactive step that was taken to make sure that the crisis does not escalate, which has saved lives and property within the area and the State.

He also thanked the Chairman for finding the members of the panel worthy of carrying out the task and promised that they will put in their best to ensure the resolution of the crisis and reopening of the Mechanic Village for businesses.

Other members of the panel are the Legal Officer, Uyo LGC, Edem Nsa Esq who serves as the Secretary, Mr. Idorenyin Umoh, Lady Udeme Lyon, Elder Patrick Albert, representative of the Traditional Institution, Eteidun̄ Idongesit Alfred—Village Head of Atan Offot, OC-DSS, Uyo LGA, DPO-C Division, NPF, Uyo and the Chairman, NATA-AKS.

In a swift response to service, the members of the panel undertook an on-the-spot assessment tour of the facility and promised to submit the report with necessary recommendations within the shortest possible time.