After a keenly contested election, Udeme Otong representing Abak State Constituency has emerged the Speaker of the 8th Akwa Ibom House of Assembly.
Mr Otong, a two-term lawmaker, emerged after securing 20 votes to defeat his only contender, Ukpong Akpabio, who scored six votes.
Mr Akpabio (PDP) who is representing Essien Udim State Constituency and is a cousin to Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President hopeful is a first-term legislator.
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Both are from Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the state.
Also, Kufreabasi Edidem (PDP), representing Itu State Constituency, emerged as the Deputy Speaker in the election preceding Friday’s inauguration of the house in Uyo.
The speaker was earlier nominated and seconded for the position of speaker by Effiong Johnson (PDP, Mbo State Constituency), and Uwem Imo-Ita (PDP, Mkpat Enin State Constituency), a first-timer in the house.
The election was supervised by the Clerk of the house, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok.
In an inaugural speech, Mr Otong thanked his colleagues for their support which, he said, saw him emerge as the speaker.
He said the members place a big responsibility on his shoulders and solicited their support and cooperation to succeed.
The speaker, therefore, urged them and people of the state to cooperate with the new administration to move the state forward.
