Akwa Ibom State Assembly Suspends LG Chairman Over Alleged Assault

The chairman of Abak Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State was on Thursday suspended by the state House of Assembly over an alleged assault on one man identified as Godwin Abraham.

The video of the alleged assault by the Local Government Chairman has been trending online.

The motion was moved by Mr Uduak Ududoh, the member of the house representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo state constituency.

In his statement “the video has gone viral and it is embarrassing to the Governor, the House of Assembly and all right-thinking people of Akwa Ibom state and therefore, the alleged actor in the video suspected to be the chairman of Abak LGA has questions to answer since the incident happened in the local government council secretariat.”

The act was condemned by all 25 members present at the plenary and described as an abuse of office.

The house called for the suspension of the Chairman and commencement of thorough investigation into the matter.

The Leader of the House, Mr Udo Kierian, moved the motion to pass the resolution to suspend Mr Imoh Williams, Chairman, Abak LGA indefinitely while Mrs Benita Ukpe, Vice Chairman, to act as the Acting Chairman pending the outcome of the investigation on the matter.

The motion also referred the matter to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs chaired by Mr Mark Esset – PDP representing Nsit Atai state constituency and to report back to the House within one month.

The motion also urged the Police to handle the criminal aspect of the matter and expedite action and bring all culprits involved to book, the motion was seconded by the Deputy Leader, Mr Aniefiok Akpan and member representing Etinan state constituency.

The Speaker, Mr Aniekan Bassey, directed the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mrs Mandu Umoren to forward the resolution of the House to all the authorities concerned for necessary actions.

Governor Udom Emmanuel while reacting on the assault said, “I roundly condemn the assault that took place at Abak Local Government Council, currently circulating on the social media. Such actions are unacceptable in a civilized society and do not represent our core values in the state. I have advised the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to commence full investigation into the matter.”