Otong, a two-term lawmaker emerged after he secured 20 votes to defeat his only contender, Mr Ukpong Akpabio of the same party representing Essien Udim state constituency, who scored 6 votes, at the inauguration of the 8th assembly on Uyo Friday.
Two members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Effiong Johnson and Mr. Uwem Imo-Ita, both from the People’s Democratic Party, nominated and seconded Otong as the speaker of the house. Imo-Ita is a first-time member of the assembly.
The newly-elected speaker expressed his gratitude to God, his colleagues, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst Umo Eno for their support in his election. He pledged that the 8th Assembly would work collaboratively with the state government to promote development and progress.
“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. 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” Otong stated.
