We, the indigenes and friends of Akwa Ibom State resident in Liverpool, united by common heritage, culture, and values, and committed to promoting unity, mutual support, and the socio-cultural development of our people, do hereby enact and adopt this Constitution as the guiding document of the Akwa Ibom State Community in Liverpool.
The name of the organisation shall be Akwa Ibom Community North West England.
The aims and objectives of the Community shall be to:
3.1 Eligibility
Membership is open to all persons of Akwa Ibom State origin residing in North West of England and surrounding areas.
Membership may also be extended to spouses, friends, and well-wishers who support the aims of the Community.
3.2 Categories
Full Members – Indigenes of Akwa Ibom State.
Associate Members – Non-indigenes who support the aims of the Community. Honorary Members – Persons recognised for outstanding contributions to the Community.
3.3 Rights and Obligations
Members shall pay dues, levies, and contributions as approved by the General Assembly. Members shall respect and uphold the Constitution and decisions of the Community. Members have the right to vote, be voted for, and participate in Community activities (subject to membership category).
3.4 Termination of Membership
Membership may be terminated by resignation, persistent non-payment of dues, misconduct, or actions deemed detrimental to the Community.
4.1 The General Assembly
The highest decision-making body comprising all registered members.
4.2 The Executive Committee
The administrative arm responsible for day-to-day operations, consisting of:
President
Vice President
General Secretary
Assistant General Secretary
Financial Secretary/Treasurer
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Social & Welfare Officer
Youth/Students’ Coordinator
Any other officer deemed necessary by the General Assembly.
5.1 President
Presides over meetings and represents the Community externally. Provides leadership and ensures adherence to the Constitution.
5.2 Vice President
Assists the President and acts in their absence.
5.3 General Secretary
Keeps accurate records of meetings, correspondence, and official documents. Prepares meeting agendas and circulates notices.
5.4 Assistant General Secretary
Supports the Secretary and acts in their absence.
5.5 Financial Secretary
Collects all dues, levies, and funds on behalf of the Community.
Issues receipts and maintains payment records.
Safeguards Community funds and maintains financial records.
Makes disbursements as approved by the Executive Committee.
5.6 Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Manages publicity, community outreach, and media communication.
5.7 Social & Welfare Officer
Coordinates social events and welfare support for members.
5.8 Youth/Students’ Coordinator
Mobilises and engages young members in Community activities.
Executive officers shall be elected by the General Assembly through an open, fair, and democratic process.
Voting shall be by secret ballot unless otherwise decided by the General Assembly. Officers shall serve a term of two (2) years and may be re-elected for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
General Meetings shall be held quarterly.
Executive Committee Meetings shall be held at least once every months or as needed.
Emergency Meetings may be called by the President or at the request of one-third of members.
Quorum – One-third of registered members shall form a quorum for decision-making.
Funds of the Community shall come from membership registration fees, monthly dues, levies, donations, and fundraising activities.
All funds shall be kept in a recognised bank account in the name of the Community.
At least two signatories (President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary) shall authorise withdrawals.
The Financial Secretary and Treasurer shall present quarterly and annual financial reports.
Any member whose conduct is deemed detrimental to the image or objectives of the Community shall be subject to disciplinary measures.
Disciplinary actions may include a warning, suspension, or expulsion, subject to approval by the executive committee.
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of members present at a General Assembly meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment was given at least 14 days in advance.
The Community may only be dissolved by a resolution passed by two-thirds of members at a special meeting convened for that purpose.
Upon dissolution, all assets shall be donated to a charitable cause in Akwa Ibom State or Liverpool, as decided by the members.
