By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
A-two term member of Abak State Constituency, Rt Hon. Udeme James Otong has emerged the 8th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as the House was inaugurated on Friday.
Otong pulled 2O votes against six scored by his contender, Hon Prince Ukpong Akpabio of Essien Udim State Constituency who is a green horn.
At the inauguration, member representing Itu State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem was elected the Deputy Speaker unopposed.
The Clerk of House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the new Speaker and Deputy, while the Speaker after which administered same to other members.
In his acceptance speech, the new speaker, Rt Hon Otong who was the House Committee Chairman on Health during the 7th Assembly said that the House under his watch would be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Standing Orders of the House in all its activities.
Otong who also said that the 8th Assembly tagged “THE PRAGMATIC ASSEMBLY” would not be a clog in the wheel of progress of the state but rather a partner in progress for a more peaceful and prosperous Akwa Ibom State, called for support from the people of the state.
“I am here before you to pledge that this Assembly under my leadership shall work in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We shall also work with the Standing Orders of this Assembly and employ due process in our activities in order to serve the overall interest of the good people of our dear State to ensure growth and development.
“The 8th Assembly shall not be a clog on the wheel of progress, rather it shall be partners in progress. To achieve these, we need the prayers, goodwill and support of our people at home and in the diaspora.
“I know as a fact that we are from different constituencies. Nevertheless, I shall work with Honourable Members to ensure that we protect the interest of all constituencies.
“Permit me to add that under my watch, Akwa Ibom Shall be one big constituency where each and every Member shall work for the ultimate good of the State. We shall redefine the concept of effective representation through legislations and resolutions that will guarantee social and economic freedom for the people of Akwa Ibom so as to make our dear State a model for national development,” The Speaker said.
For members of the House, he charged them to be ready to discharge their responsibilities which centres primarily on; Lawmaking, Oversights, and Effective Representation to justify the mandate given to them by constituents.
“Distinguished Colleagues, as we begin our individual and collective assignments, permit me to refresh your minds on the immortal words of Woodrow Wilson who once said;
“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater visions, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you would impoverish yourself if you forget this errand.”
Our Correspondent observed the 26-member State House of Assembly which has 22 males and four females is dominated by the ruling peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Young Progressives Party (YPP) having only two seats of Ibiono Ibom and Ikono.
