Akwa Ibom Speaker suspends spokesperson over unauthorized statement

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, has suspended his Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ebong. The suspension stems from a controversial statement issued on June 2 that announced the assembly's planned return to its chambers, which are currently under renovation.

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The publication was issued without the knowledge or authorisation of the Speaker. The action by Mr Ebong is a serious breach of official protocol and constitutes insubordination and an abuse of office

The speaker's office deemed the statement unauthorized and misleading. In a suspension notice dated June 3, Speaker Otong stated that the publication was released solely on Mr. Ebong's directive, without his approval. The speaker's office described the action as a "serious breach of official protocol and constitutes insubordination and an abuse of office."

This development follows a recent security standoff that disrupted plenary proceedings. Lawmakers had been convening at the Government House in Uyo due to the ongoing renovation of the main assembly complex. The standoff involved clashes between lawmakers and security operatives at the Government House gate on June 2, leading to the suspension of the assembly's sitting.

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I never said House of Assembly members would sit at the old chambers that is under renovation. That would be strange because work is ongoing there

Conflicting accounts have surfaced regarding the announcement of the assembly's return. A statement attributed to Mr. Ebong, and purportedly briefed to journalists by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Jerry Otu, indicated that the assembly complex would be ready for legislative business the following week. However, Mr. Otu denied making such a statement, asserting that it would be illogical for members to sit in a chamber still undergoing renovation. He suggested that the information might have been conveyed to media aides rather than accredited journalists.

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These are representatives from various constituencies. If anything happens, they will blame the governor for exposing members. So, that information was not proper.