Hon. Aruku’s Scorecard In C'River Assembly
Barely 6 months upon assumption of office as the Member Representing Ogoja State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Thomas Aruku, despite being a first timer and resuming almost 7 months behind his colleagues in Parliament, left no one in doubt by demonstrating that he came prepared for the job, trying his best not to disappoint the good people of Ogoja and Cross River, based on his performances in the following areas:
REPORT ON WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION BILL, 2024
Shortly after his Inauguration, Hon Thomas Uko Aruku was appointed as Chairman House Committee on Water Supply and Sanitation. He was immediately tasked with the responsibility of reviewing the Bill on the Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Bill, 2024.
Bearing in mind that one of the primary functions of Governance is for the welfare of the people, Hon. Thomas Aruku in line with "The People's First Mantra" reviewed and presented on behalf of his Committee, the report for the establishment of quality and affordable Water Supply for the people of Cross River State. This Bill was recently adopted by the State Executive Council (SEC) and a resolution was passed on it in the recent SEC meeting held on Friday, 7th June, 2024.
CO-SPONSORED BILLS
1. A Law to amend the Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency Law No. 2 of 2015 and for matters related therewith.
2. A Law to amend the Cross River State Forestry Commission Law No.3 of 2010 and for matters related therewith
3. A law to provide for the right of access to basic Water, Sanitation, Hygiene services, the Institutional and Regulatory Framework for the Cross River State water and sanitation Sector, the roles of government and the private sector and for other matters connected therewith.
MOTIONS MOVED
1. Motion calling on the Cross River State Government to urgently intervene and Rescue the people of Ojirim, Nkim, Ndok, Akpakpanga and Ogberia Communities Over the devastating rainfall and windstorm that ravaged Ogoja Urban II and Mbube East Ward I, in Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State
2. Motion calling on the Cross River State to as a matter of urgency restraint and revoke the sale of government estates and quarters situated in Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State
MOTIONS CO-SPONSORED
1. Motion Calling on the Cross River State Government to re-establish and restore the legitimate boundaries between Ijibor Community, BEKWARRA Local Government Area and Brig. Godwin Ally Cantonment, 130 battalion of Nigeria Army, Ogoja Local Government Area
2. Motion calling on the Cross River State House of Assembly to investigate and determine the true position of Transcorp Hotel and other Government Assets/Properties
3. Motion calling on the Cross River State Government Through the Forestry Commission to urgently stop the degrading of Forests Reserves by indigenes of Landlord Communities in Akamkpa Local Government Area
4. Motion calling on the Cross River State Government to direct the Commercial Motorcycles Monitoring Agency to implement the provisions of Law No. 7 of 2005.
SOME CONTRIBUTIONS ON BILLS/MOTIONS AT PLENARIES
1. PAYMENT OF GRATUITIES TO RETIREES IN CROSS RIVER STATE.
Hon. Thomas Aruku contributions at the plenary also include supporting the motion for payment of gratuities to retirees in Cross River State being that he places so much priority on the welfare and well-being of his people.
2. REACTIVATION OF BORDER COMMUNITIES' SECURITY POSTS.
Hon. Aruku in the wealth of his experience and wisdom, at plenary called for the reactivation of Border Communities' Security Posts in order to curb and possibly eradicate the incessant kidnappings and killing of innocent Cross Riverians and Nigerians at large.
OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS
The member representing the good people of Ogoja State Constituency, Hon. Thomas Aruku has been working tirelessly with his colleagues at plenary to deliver quality services in the 10th Assembly with practical on-the-spot-assessment to project sites and areas of interest as at when necessary.
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN /MEMBERSHIP
✓Chairman Water Supply and Sanitation; ✓Member Works and Infrastructure
✓Member Finance and Appropriation; ✓Member Agriculture; ✓Member Local Government
✓Member Oil and Gas
CONSTITUENCY WELFARE
Within 50 days of resumption in office and in line with his campaign promise made to the youth president, Hon. Thomas Aruku completed and donated youth Office and cash support to the ISHIBORR YOUTH ASSOCIATION. In addition, within his short time as member representing Ogoja State Constituency, he has effortlessly offset medical bills for several members of his constituents, supported others for house rent, paid school fees and educational grants for many students as well as other welfare packages, to mention but few. All of these he has been doing quietly to avoid media sentiments, maintain confidence and preserve integrity.
His office and residential doors are always opened and accessible to all his constituents irrespective of social status and political class.
In conclusion, Hon. Engr. Thomas Aruku has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to his constituents, despite being a first-time legislator. His achievements in bills, motions, co-sponsorship, oversight functions, committee membership, and constituency welfare have shown that he is truly a representative of the people. The appointment of legislative aids for the five political units in Ogoja state Constituency further highlights his dedication to ensuring that his constituents' needs are met and their voices are heard.
