The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has refuted claims that it is preparing to enact legislation that would make sexual affairs with married men a criminal offense within the state.
The rumors originated from a Facebook post by Obiavel Albert Abigo, which alleged that a bill—supposedly backed by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi—proposed a decade-long jail term for women and a 2 million naira fine for men involved in such relationships.
In a statement released Tuesday, Hon. Jerry Otu, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, dismissed the report as a fabrication designed to damage the legislature’s standing. He called on citizens to ignore the claims, asserting that the House is focused on its legal duties and won’t be distracted by efforts to damage its credibility.
The official statement clarified:
“The attention of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has been drawn to a fabricated report circulating on social media, alleging that the House is set to pass a bill criminalising sexual relationships with married men.
“The 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.
“We condemn this malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the Deputy Governor and the Assembly, and urge the public to disregard this fake news and any associated commentaries.
“The House remains committed to its constitutional role of law-making and will not be swayed by mischievous attempts to undermine its integrity.”
