For the smooth running of the eight Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the House has been reconstituted following the appointment of its House Officers.
During the election of Speaker of the house on June 9, Straightnews online gathered that Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor, backed Prince Ukpong Akpabio representing Essien Udim State Constituency, but Governor Pastor Umo Eno pitched tent with Udeme Otong representing Abak State Constituency. Otong, the ranking member, polled 20 votes to win as speaker and Akpabio, the first time member in the house, lost after garnering six votes.
Also read: Otong floors Akpabio to emerge Akwa Ibom House of Assembly’s speaker
During Tuesday’s plenary, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, the Speaker, announced that names of the house officers were sent in by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which has majority of members in the house.
Straightnews also learnt that the party in connivance with the sitting governor mulled the list to give a breather to the ex-governor who felt hurt after his nominee, Dr. Nathaniel Adiakpan from Onna lost the position of Secretary to the State Government to Enobong Uwah from Uyo who was ably supported by Governor Eno.
Hon. Sunday Johnny representing Onna State Constituency, a first-time member, emerged as the house leader. Johnny from the loin of ex-governor Udom, in obedience to his ‘master’ voted for Ukpong Akpabio’s speakership ambition, cousin to Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, though he lost.
Otobong Bob representing Nsit Ubium, a ranking member, serves as the Deputy Leader; Effiong Johnson representing Mbo, a ranking member, is the Chief Whip; while Sampson Idiong representing Oruk Anam, a first-timer, who emerged as the Deputy Chief Whip, is a brother-in-law to Udom.
The Speaker also set up Selection Committee to select members to make up the numerous House Committees of the House.
Incidentally, the Speaker is the Chairman of the Committee with the member representing Nsit Atai, Aniefiok Attah as the Secretary. Other members are the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem (Itu); Rt. Hon. Asuquo Udo (Ikono), Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung (Ika/Etim Ekpo), Hon. Uwem Imoh-Ita (Mkpat Enin), Hon. Emem Udom (Ukanafun) and Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan).
Others are Hon. Selina Ukpatu (Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo), Hon. Jerry Otu (Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara), Hon. Bassey Pius (Okobo) and Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson (Mbo).
The Speaker urged the Committee to report to the House within 24 hours.
The House was adjourned to Thursday, June 22.
AKHA Members and their Constituencies
Member representing Ika/Etim Ekpo, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung
Member representing Ikono, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana
Member representing Eket, Dr. Nsidibe Akata
Member representing Etinan, Engr. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot
Member representing Nsit Ibom, Rt. Hon. Eric Akpan
Member representing Ibesikpo Asutan, Engr. Ubong Attah
Member representing Essien Udim, Prince Ukpong Akpabio
Member representing Uyo, Comrade Uwemedimo Asuquo
Member representing Urueffong Oruko, Rt. Hon. Precious Selong
Member representing Mkpat Enin, Hon. Ita Uwem Peters
Member representing Nsit Atai, Prince Aniefiok Attah
Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno, Hon. Udobia Friday
Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara, Barr Patrick Umoh
Member representing Ini, Mr Lawrence Udoide
Member representing Oron/Udung Uko, Rt Hon. Mrs. Kenim Onofiok
