Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has clarified that while he does not encourage betting as a pastor, he believes in law and order and supports proper regulation of the sector where it exists.
The Governor made the statement following the signing of 14 Executive Bills into law, one of which provides for the establishment of the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency.
According to a statement issued by the Government House Media Unit, Uyo, the legislation is aimed at regulating operators, protecting residents from fraudulent activities, and ensuring compliance with the law.
“As a pastor, I believe in law and order. I do not encourage betting, but where it exists, it must be properly regulated,” Governor Eno said.
He described the assent to the 14 bills as a major step towards strengthening governance, institutionalising reforms, and expanding the gains of the ARISE Agenda.
The new laws include the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS), the Senior Citizens Centre, Hotels and Tourism Development Commission, Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems Agency, Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, Fiscal Responsibility Board, Internal Revenue Service, Office of the Public Defender, Water Users Association, and the University of Education, Afaha Nsit, among others.
Governor Eno emphasised that the laws will provide long-needed legal backing for strategic institutions, close existing policy gaps, and ensure continuity of programmes designed to improve the welfare of the people.
He further disclosed plans to redeploy medical doctors currently serving in administrative roles back into clinical practice, noting that prolonged absence from medical practice could adversely affect service delivery and patient safety.