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 said its attention had 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 report, allegedly originating from a Facebook post by one Obiavel Albert Abigo, claimed that the proposed bill was sponsored by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and would impose a 10-year prison sentence on women found guilty of engaging in sexual relationships with married men, while men would face a ₦2 million fine.
Reacting to the claim, the House stated unequivocally: “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.”
The lawmakers condemned what they described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage the reputation of the state’s leadership. “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 statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process and constitutional responsibility, the House added: “The House remains committed to its constitutional role of law-making, and will not be swayed by mischievous attempts to undermine its integrity.”
The statement was signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Anson Otu.
Boluwatife Enome
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