The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media report claiming that the legislature is considering a bill to criminalise sexual relationships with married men.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Assembly stated that the report, which allegedly originated from a Facebook post by one Obiavel Albert Abigo, was entirely fabricated.
The statement was signed by Hon. Jerry Anson Otu, Chairman of the House Committee on Information.
The post claimed that the bill was sponsored by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and would impose a 10-year prison sentence on women involved in such relationships, while men would face a N2 million fine.
Reacting to the claim, the House said: “The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly wishes to categorically state that this report is entirely false and has no basis in fact.
”The Assembly has not received or considered any such bill, and the Deputy Governor has not sponsored it.”
Lawmakers condemned what they described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of the state’s leadership.
“We condemn this malicious attempt to damage the image of the Deputy Governor and the Assembly, and urge the public to disregard this fake news and any associated commentaries,” the statement added.
The Assembly also reaffirmed its commitment to due process and constitutional responsibilities, emphasising that it will not be swayed by attempts to undermine its integrity.
