By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Mr Udeme Otong – PDP member representing Abak state constituency has emerged the Speaker of 8th Akwa Ibom House of Assembly.
Also elected was Mr Kufreabasi Edidem – PDP and member representing Itu state constituency as Deputy Speaker.
Otong, a two-term lawmaker emerged after he secured 20 votes to defeat his only contender, Mr Ukpong Akpabio – PDP member representing Essien Udim state constituency, who scored 6 votes, at the inauguration of the 8th Assembly in Uyo on Friday.
Otong was earlier nominated and seconded for the position of the 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 confidence in his ability to pilot the affairs of the Assembly.
He said the members had placed a big responsibility on his shoulders and solicited for their support and cooperation to succeed.
Otong called on the lawmakers and people of the state to support and cooperate with the new Assembly to move the state forward.