Akwa Ibom assembly refutes claims of bill criminalising sexual affairs with married men

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to pass a law criminalising sexual relationships with married men.

The claim, shared on Facebook by one Obiavel Albert Abigo, alleged that a bill sponsored by the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, would impose a 10-year prison sentence on women found guilty of such relationships, while men would face a two million naira fine.

Responding to the claims on Tuesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Otu, described the report as false and aimed at tarnishing the Assembly’s reputation.

He urged the public to disregard the information.

“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,” Otu said.

He added, “We condemn this malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the Deputy Governor and the Assembly, and urge the public to ignore this fake news.

The House remains committed to its constitutional role of law-making and will not be swayed by mischievous attempts to undermine its integrity.”