Discussion
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Honourable Moses Ucheche representing Obanliku constituency at the Cross River State House of Assembly was in attendance to give a feedback of his stewardship in the parliament so far, and to get the input from the voters on what they wish to improve
Over 100 participants attended the town hall meeting, amongst whom were the elected representative himself, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Speaker and members of Obanliku legislative council, traditional chiefs and village heads, civil servants, religious leaders, security agencies as well as students.
Although the planning for the town meeting started much longer, 3 weeks before the town hall meeting, youths in the constituency went on rampage, attacking a police station, for alleged involvement and cover-up of an incident in the constituency. Honourable Moses Ucheche appreciated the timely efforts of KAS and NOSAD, the implementing NGO, in convening this town hall meeting now.
The President of Obanliku chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Muko Brown Uko, requested Honourable Ucheche to provide them, if possible, copies of terms of contracts of awarded contracts in Obanliku, so they can perform community monitoring and evaluation of such contracts. Another participant is more concerned about the welfare of the staff of Obudu Ranch, where the staffs were being owned up to 6 months salaries. The Honourable explained that the State House of Assembly has been looking into the issue and promised that very soon the issue will be resolved amicably.
In a similar vein, a participant raised the issue of health, on how some unscrupulous elements in the sector have been collecting from innocent mothers, whereas the federal government had declared free medical care for expectant and nursing mothers and children from 0-5years. Honourable Ucheche promised to engage the oversight power of the parliament to investigate if this was actually true, and bring the culprits to justice.
A clan head, His Highness Sunday Kamie, requested for training in leadership, and peace and conflict management for traditional rulers in the constituency, so that they will be able to perform their duties better. The elected representative therefore promised to organize such trainings for them before leaving office in 2015.
Everybody at the town hall meeting agreed to organize themselves for future engagements by forming themselves into Constituency Governance Committees, with which they will carry the town hall meetings to ward levels in the constituency.