Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has announced changes in its leadership with the appointment of a new deputy leader and deputy chief whip in the 26-member assembly.
According to the speaker, Onofiok Luke, Ime Okon who represents Ibiono Ibom State constituency now becomes the deputy leader replacing Aniekan Bassey of Uruan State constituency while David Lawrence of Eket State constituency is the new deputy chief whip while taking over from Nse Essien who represents Onna State constituency.
Luke who made the announcement at plenary said the development was based on the decision of majority of the members, he did not give details.
It was however gathered that the sudden changes in the leadership of the house may not be unconnected with reports making the rounds that some members were behind the plot to impeach the speaker.
It was further learnt that some of the members had opposed the property charge bill; a private member seeking to tax property owners in the state, a development which did not go down well with the leadership of the house.
According to findings, the leadership of the house was angered by the decision of the members to oppose the bill after some of them had thrown their weight behind it during plenary when the bill was read a first time only for them to turn around and criticise the leadership of the house for backing the bill.
None of the affected members could be reached for their comments as their phones were switched off.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
