Rt Hon Udeme Otong of the People’s Democratic Party and member representing Abak state constituency has emerged as the Speaker of the 8th Akwa Ibom House of Assembly.
Rt Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, of the same party and member representing the Itu state constituency, emerged as the Deputy Speaker.
Otong, a two-term lawmaker, emerged after he secured 20 votes to defeat his only contender, Mr Ukpong Akpabio, a member representing Essien Udim state constituency, who scored 6 votes, at the inauguration of the 8th assembly on Uyo Friday.
Otong was earlier nominated and seconded for the position of a speaker by Mr Effiong Johnson – PDP Mbo state constituency, and Mr Uwem Imo-Ita – PDP member representing Mkpat Enin state constituency, a first-timer in the House of Assembly.
The new speaker, in his inaugural speech, thanked his colleagues for their support which saw him emerge as the speaker.
He said the members had placed a big responsibility on his shoulders and solicited their support and cooperation to succeed.
The new Speaker, however, called on the lawmakers and people of the state to cooperate with him to move the state forward.
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