The Akwa Ibom Senate Caucus (ASC) composed of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North - West); Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) and Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), will collaborate to ensure inputs on tax reform bills before it becomes law.
Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West, Dr Ekong Sampson has assured that the Nigerian Senate will subject the proposed tax reform bill to comprehensive public scrutiny, ensuring that Akwa Ibom's interests are safeguarded.
Speaking during an Award and Dinner Night marking the State's Correspondents Chapel's annual week held Saturday night at Warbridge Hotel and Suites, Uyo, the state capital, Senator Sampson emphasised the importance of public inputs, as a guarantee for fairness in legislative processes.
"In lawmaking, we consider all components, including public opinion. There are areas in the tax reform bill that hold profound significance for Akwa Ibom State. Why should oil companies operate on our shores but pay taxes to other states?
"We will spare no effort to ensure that Akwa Ibom's interests are protected," he assured, and disclosed that the three senators representing the state are united in their resolve to champion Akwa Ibom's cause during deliberations on the Bill.
The event featured a lecture themed "Ethical Issues: AI and Digital Journalism in the 21st Century", by Dr. Uduak Akpan, of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic. It also served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions on the evolving media landscape, and the unveiling of the 'Critique' magazine, on salient issues on politics and the society.
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Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham, Chairman, Topfaith Group of Institutions, urged journalists to skillfully integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Original Intelligence for a more impactful reportage and stressed the need for ethical considerations as the media adapts to the emerging technological innovations.
Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, Comrade Bassey Anthony, explained that the annual Chapel Week serves a platform to articulate on crucial opportunity to train members who report Akwa Ibom's activities to the rest of the world.
He noted that the unveiling of the magazine showcased the dedication and hard work of members of the chapel.
In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong appreciated the Correspondents' Chapel for their professionalism and contributions to governance. He assured attendees of Governor Umo Eno's recognition of their efforts, acknowledging the significant work that went into producing the compendium.
