The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has passed a resolution to tackle the influx of mentally unstable persons into the state.
The resolution made at the sitting of the house on Wednesday, urged the relevant government agencies to stop mentally ill persons from straying into the state.
The resolution followed a motion on Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Dr Itorobong Etim, the Member representing Uruan Constituency, and supported by Mr Udobia Udoh, representing Esit Eket/Ibeno Constituency.
Etim decried the growing influx of mentally challenged persons into the state, describing it “public nuisance and source of psychological discomfort”.
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The lawmaker said that there was need for a humane and structured approach toward reintegrating mentally challenged people into the society.
“The relevant ministries, departments and agencies are urged to take responsibility immediately.
“There is need to constitute a special committee which should be positioned at strategic entry points to checkmate this trend,” he said.
Contributing to the motion, Mr Moses Essien, the Member representing Ibiono Ibom, described resolution as ‘timely and necessary’
Mr Ukpong Akpabio, representing Essien Udim said that the resolution should empower the Ministry of Health to identify and rehabilitate Akwa Ibom indigenes found wandering due to mental health.
“They should be identified and admitted into appropriate psychiatric facilities for proper care and reintegration,” he said.
The Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, directed the Assembly’s Clerk, Mrs Nsikakabasi Orok, to communicate the resolution to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.
NAN
