Aniekan Bassey, the member representing Uruan state constituency, has emerged as the new Speaker of the 7th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
Bassey, a two-term lawmaker, emerged through a consensus arrangement after a stiff contest with three other contestants including Aniekan Uko (Ibesikpo Asutan), Mark Esset (Nsit Atai) and first timer, Anietie Eka(Uyo).
Rt. Hon Felicia Bassey of Okobo state constituency was re-elected as deputy.
The motion for the nomination of the new Speaker was moved by the member representing Onna State Constituency and seconded by Mark Esset representing Nsit-Atai Constituency.
Bassey replaces Onofiok Luke, who was elected into the House of Representatives, to represent Etinan federal constituency.
It was gathered that the emergence of the new leadership of the 7th assembly was characterised by intense scheming and power-play among some political blocs within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the re-elected lawmakers.
Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP hierarchy were said to have been favourably disposed to the new Speaker.
