Akwa Ibom Lawmakers Complains Even After Imprest Increment of ₦3.5m
The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has increased the monthly imprest of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly members from 2.5 million naira to 3.5 million naira.
The increase was recently disclosed to journalists in Uyo, the state capital, by the Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Arm, Rt Hon. Kufre Abasi Edidem.
The Honourable Member explained that while the increment is commendable, it is becoming less impactful due to the country’s inflation rate and the high cost of living. He noted that the increase represents a 40 percent rise in the monthly imprest allocation for each lawmaker.
“The additional one million naira by the governor is a welcome development, but the rising costs of goods and services make it increasingly difficult for lawmakers to meet the financial expectations of their constituents.”
His statement during the occasion marking the 2026 celebration of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, held at the Patience Umo Eno Hall with the theme; “Journalism: Promoting Responsible Leadership, Accountability and Electoral Credibility.” underscores the challenges facing public office holders in balancing their statutory responsibilities with the increasing financial expectations of constituents amid prevailing economic pressures.
The Deputy Speaker, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, also said legislators had resorted to funding their constituents’ demands with their life savings and abridged their monthly allocations as members of different constituencies in Akwa Ibom State.
The pen event had in attendance members of the fourth estate, politicians, public office holders and other stakeholders to commemorate the contributions of members of the Federated Chapel and deliberate on governance, public service and the media’s role in promoting accountability.
