14/05/2025
AKHA RECEIVES PETITION AGAINST IKONO LG CHAIRMAN OVER ALLEGED FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has received a petition against Hon. Otobong Essien, Chairman of the Ikono Local Government Council, alleging serious misconduct in her official duties.
The petition was presented on the floor of the Assembly by Hon. Aniefiok Attah, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions during Tuesday's plenary. It was received through a motion by Hon. Kenim Onofiok, representing Oron/Udung Uko state constituency, and seconded by Hon. Selina Ukpatu of Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo state constituency.
The petition, signed by Hon. Saviour Ebong, Leader of the 8th Ikono Legislative Council, Deputy Leader Hon. Idorenyin Akpan, and ten other councillors, accused the Council Chairman of unlawfully withdrawing public funds from the local government council's account without the necessary authorisation from the Legislative Council.
The councillors described her actions as dishonorable, illegal, and a blatant abuse of power.
Additionally, the councillors alleged that the Chairman misappropriated council funds in violation of Section 66(1) of the Local Government Administration Law of the State, failed to attend legislative sessions, and employed security personnel to disrupt the official activities of the legislators.
They stated, "The overall conduct of the Chairman reflects her unwillingness and unpreparedness to govern as the Executive Chairman of Ikono Local Government Council in accordance with the law," emphasising that her careless attitude and misconduct must be addressed immediately.
In his ruling, Speaker Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, referred the petition to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and directed the Committee to engage with the Council Chairman, Head of Service, Leader of the Legislative Arm, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the issue.
Speaker Otong also directed the committee to report back to the House within three weeks.
Also at plenary, the House received and deliberated on a motion to refurbish Ibiono South Community Secondary School in Ibiaku Ikpedip, presented by Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom), and a motion advocating for the establishment of Computer Based Test (CBT) centers across all 31 local government areas of the State, introduced by Hon. Ubong Attah of Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency.
