The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has firmly denied reports circulating on social media claiming it plans to pass a bill that would criminalise ual relationships with married men in the state.
The clarification followed a viral Facebook post by one Obiavel Albert Abigo, which alleged that the proposed bill was sponsored by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi. According to the claim, the bill sought to impose a 10-year jail term on women found guilty of engaging in ual relationships with married men, while men involved would allegedly face a fine of two million naira.
Reacting to the report, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Otu, described the story as completely false, fabricated, and misleading. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Otu said the publication was a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image and credibility of both the Deputy Governor and the State House of Assembly.
He stressed that the Assembly has neither received nor deliberated on any bill of such nature and that Senator Eyakenyi has not sponsored any legislation related to the claims. According to him, the lawmakers remain focused on their constitutional responsibility of law-making and governance, guided by due process and public interest.
“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 ual relationships with married men,” the statement read in part.
“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.”
Hon. Otu further urged members of the public to disregard the false report and any related commentary, warning against the spread of fake news capable of misleading citizens and undermining democratic institutions.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparency, responsible law-making, and protecting its institutional integrity from what he described as mischievous and unfounded s.
I dont buy the Assemblys explanation. This bill raises important issues. Lets not dismiss it so easily.
I cant believe they are even considering criminalizing affairs with married men. Wheres the focus on real issues?
I find it hard to believe they would even consider such a bill. Whats next, criminalizing friendships? Ridiculous!
I find it hard to believe the Assemblys denial. Seems fishy, dont you think? There might be more to this story.
Why are they wasting time on a bill like this? There are more important issues to address in Akwa Ibom.
I cant believe theyre even considering criminalizing affairs with married men. Its a personal matter, not a legal issue!
Why is the Assembly even wasting time on this bill? There are more pressing issues to address!