Prince Akpabio moves Motion for restoration of Amalgamation House in Ikot Abasi.
Prince Akpabio moves Motion for restoration of Amalgamation House in Ikot Abasi.
Prince Akpabio moves Motion for restoration of Amalgamation House in Ikot Abasi.
The Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, KSJI, has moved a motion on the need for the restoration of Amalgamation House in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
In a motion brought pursuant to Order III (Three) Rule 1 (One) of the Standing Orders of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the University of Uyo trained lawyer noted that the Amalgamation House at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area is the very building where Lord Lugard signed the document on January 1, 1914, which officially merged the Northern and Southern Protectorate into today’s Nigeria.
According to Prince Akpabio, the building later served as the place where the ceasefire ending the Nigerian civil war was signed in January 1970 and there is need for the nation and state to note that the Amalgamation House at Ikot Abasi holds great historical value to Nigeria as well as huge tourism potential for Akwa Ibom State.
The lawmaker noted with dismay that despite its historical and tourism value, the Amalgamation House has greatly fallen into a very poor state of disrepair as it can safely be described as abandoned, with crumbling walls and bushy environment.
“In 2024, a Punch Newspaper report of September 20, 2024, had declared that the State Government through the Ministry of Tourism had signified its intention to restore the Amalgamation House”.
“More than a year has passed since the promise to restore the Amalgamation House was made by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, while the condition of the Amalgamation House continues to deteriorate”, he submitted.
According to the Essien Udim lawmaker, restoring the Amalgamation House will boost tourism in line with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno PhD.
He therefore urged the House to among others, mandate the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to immediately undertake the restoration of the Amalgamation House at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area and mandate the House Committee on Tourism to ensure proper oversight and implementation.
The motion was supported by all lawmakers at plenary in view of the fact that the amalgamation house holds a special place in the state and nation’s history.
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