FEDERAL LAWMAKER APPOINTS 50 AIDES

The Executive Assistant to the lawmaker, Imowo Mbede, who is said to be one of the aides  was quoted saying that, that was the lawmaker’s way of “empowering” his constituents, adding that, the appointment is to run for a year, after which a new set of persons would be appointed as a replacement.

‘It’s basically an empowerment thing. A good number of them are from all the wards in the two local government areas (Ikono and Ini), while others are from outside the federal constituency”, Mbede was quoted

The appointments range from Special Assistant on Special Duties, Community Relations, Community Development, and Logistics Duties, to Special Assistant on Women Matters, Protocol, and Local Legislative Matters, as well as four media aides.

Penpushing reports that, members of the House of Representatives are permitted to employ only five statutory aides, and with such 45, out of the 50 aides, may be getting their salary and allowance from the lawmaker’s pocket.

Meanwhile, the development has generated discussions among residents of the Statee, with many expressing dismay, and wondering why such a large number of aides was needed, just as one of his aides posited that,“Ukpong-Udo is in a hurry to do good to as many persons as he possibly can’.