The aggrieved constituents of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong (Abak), have expressed dissatisfaction with his performance in the last seven years, noting his below par achievements warranted the current recall process.
Vowing to scuttle his alleged third term bid, the electorates from the Abak State Constituency, in their petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), cited some relevant
sections of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to back up their action.
Amongst the allegations levelled against Elder Otong, included underperformance, breach of trust and statements they claim undermine democratic principles.
The petition, LEADERSHIP gathered, was addressed to the National chairman of INEC, and routed through the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Uyo, the State capital
The petition was entitled: “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Rt. Hon. Udeme James Otong, Member Representing Abak State Constituency and Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Constitutional Grounds, Disregard for Democratic Tenets, Underperformance and Breach of Trust.”
Among the petitioners included the key leaders – Michael Asuquo Uko (Abak Urban Ward 1); Grace Archibong Etim (Abak Urban, Ward 2), Eno Christopher Idiong (Abak Urban Ward 3), and other several signatories protesting the Speaker’s poor report card, said they were exercising their constitutional right as registered voters to demand accountability.
”The recall move was prompted mainly by persistent underperformance and failure by the Speaker to effectively represent the collective interests, welfare and development aspirations of the people of Abak State Constituency.
”Since assuming office in June 2019, Otong had not demonstrated the level of legislative commitment, visibility and constituency engagement expected of a representative entrusted with the mandate of the people,” they recalled.
The angry electorates also raised concerns over certain public statements allegedly credited to the Speaker, which they described as embarrassing and undemocratic.
Among the allegations cited in the petition were remarks reportedly made by the Speaker that he already had 26 House of Assembly tickets in his pocket ahead of party nominations and primaries, and that he would personally determine how the tickets would be shared among other aspirants.
The petitioners further alleged that Otong had stated that the 2027 general elections would be concluded before 12 noon on election day, a remark they argued undermines the credibility and independence of INEC as the body responsible for conducting elections.
They also accused the Speaker of claiming that he single-handedly negotiated the 26 Assembly tickets with the state governor, an assertion they said could create the impression that candidates for the 2027 elections had already been predetermined ahead of party procedures and INEC guidelines.
The petitioners said such pronouncements were unbecoming of the Speaker, who as the chief lawmaker of the state is expected to uphold democratic principles, due process and the rule of law.
They added that they had lost confidence in his ability to represent them faithfully.
“Representation is founded on trust and accountability, and where that trust has been fundamentally breached, constitutional remedies must be pursued,” the petition stated.
They, therefore, called on INEC to begin the constitutional and procedural steps required for the recall of Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong and to declare the Abak State Constituency seat vacant if the recall process is successful.
The constituents also urged the electoral body to clarify the propriety of the statements allegedly credited to the Speaker regarding the conduct and timing of the 2027 general elections.
Under Nigerian law, the recall of an elected lawmaker requires the verification of signatures of registered voters in the constituency by INEC, followed by a referendum to determine whether the lawmaker should remain in office or be removed.
Responding, Elder Emmanuel Ebong, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Speaker, described the action of the Abak constituents as a mere fuss, devoid of any substance.
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