Edet Edet.
The week preceding June 9, 2023, in Akwa Ibom State was charged with anticipation and tension, not from chaos or opposition political rivalry, but from an intense intra-party struggle for a pivotal position. The atmosphere was thick with speculation and strategic maneuvering over who would emerge as the Speaker of the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly from among the 26 elected representatives of various constituencies.
Many had already formed their opinions on who would wield the Gavel, guiding the legislative sessions with authority over the Ayes and Nays. The selection criteria were stringent, calling for a leader with a blend of streetwise savvy and people-centric leadership qualities.
The desired Speaker needed to be a voice for all—the impoverished, the affluent, and the local communities—eschewing the “rubber stamp” label that had tainted some previous assemblies. The search was for an independent leader of multifaceted integrity, whose demeanor and standards could withstand the fiercest scrutiny.
As names circulated and debates raged, the focus ultimately narrowed to Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, a two-term member representing Abak State Constituency. His credentials were impressive: an HND in psychiatric nursing, a BSc in Sociology and Anthropology, and a career in nursing characterized by a deep commitment to purity and fidelity to his professional oath. This same dedication he brought into politics, aligning his nurse’s pledge with his legislative responsibilities to prioritize the people’s welfare above personal gain.
From the moment Udeme Otong ascended to the esteemed role of Speaker, he exhibited a rare combination of moral integrity, simplicity, and legislative acumen. Soft-spoken yet astute, Otong’s leadership has been marked by a thoughtful and principled approach to legislative duties.
Navigating the assembly’s affairs with just two opposition legislators from the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Otong, supported by the majority from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has fostered a familial comradeship that has strengthened his leadership. This unity has enabled a cooperative model of governance, aptly termed “Cooperation of Power,” where the executive and legislative branches work in harmonious concert rather than in traditional checks and balances.
In his role, Otong has demonstrated remarkable mediation skills, scrutinizing numerous bills and motions with a critical eye. His judicious culling of legislative proposals and strategic consensus-building has resulted in the passage of significant laws, duly assented to by the Governor, shaping the trajectory of the state’s governance. Under his leadership, several people-oriented bills have been scrutinized and passed into law, including the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund Bill and the Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Statistics Agency Bill, as well as special provisions for statutory boards. Additionally, the Bulk Purchase Agency Bill and the Assets Management and Maintenance Agency Bill were also enacted.
Throughout this one year of mounting the saddle, Speaker Udeme Otong has provided robust oversight, ensuring that the executive’s initiatives are effectively implemented. This synergistic relationship has been instrumental in the state’s developmental strides in the first year under his stewardship.
In retrospect, the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Hon. Udeme Otong, has exemplified a new legislative paradigm, building bridges across party lines. His tenure has been characterized by a blend of ethical governance, collaborative power-sharing, and a steadfast commitment to the people’s welfare, setting a high bar for future assemblies.
As Akwa Ibom continues to progress, the legacy of Speaker Otong will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for effective and compassionate legislative leadership.
Do you have news for us? Or feedback? Reach us at info@theplenary.com.ng