… Legal analyst, Ekemini Udim kicks
By Douglas Akpan
The last may not have been heard about the reported face-off between the Executive Arm of Akwa Ibom State government and the State House of Assembly over what has been described by pundits as avoidable clash which occured yesterday.
According to media reports, members of the state legislature were barred from accessing the State’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs located within the Government House premises, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, temporary venue for legislative sittings.
The choice of the Ministry as their temporary chamber followed ongoing renovation works at the State Assembly Complex, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo undertaken by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Confirming the barricade of the Government House premises against their entrance, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon Jerry Otu, blamed the incident on the overzealous conduct of security personnel.
Hon. Otu’s reaction which was part of a statement endorsed yesterday by the Press Unit of the Speaker of the State Assembly read thus in full:
“The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, has directed the Chairman of the House Committee on House Services, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, to ensure that the Assembly Chamber at the Assembly Complex along Udo Udoma Avenue is put in proper condition for the resumption of plenary on or before Tuesday, next week.
“The directive, issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, followed an altercation between lawmakers and security operatives at the Government House gate, which disrupted legislative activities and prevented members from accessing their temporary sitting venue at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs chamber.
“Addressing journalists shortly after the incident, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Otu, disclosed that the Speaker had mandated the House Services Committee to expedite work on the Assembly Chamber to facilitate the immediate return of lawmakers to the Assembly Complex for plenary sessions.
“Hon. Otu expressed concern over what he described as the overzealous conduct of security personnel stationed at the Government House gate, alleging that they denied lawmakers access to the temporary chamber located within the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs where plenary was scheduled to hold.
“He noted that the development necessitated the decision to hasten preparations for the resumption of legislative business at the Assembly Complex on Udo Udoma Avenue.
Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly including the Speaker were prevented from entering the venue for the day’s plenary by the security operatives, necessitating the decision by the lawmakers to suspend further legislative activities at the location.
Meanwhile, the next plenary session of the House has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026”.
But, in a swift reaction, Leader of the House, Rt. Hon Otobong Bob urged the general public to discard the account as contained in the official statement, describing the incident as a mere issue arising from administrative or security procedures.
The statement by Bob which he personally signed read:
“The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly wishes to dismiss reports suggesting the existence of a rift in its relationship with the Executive Arm of Government. The Assembly notes with concern the circulation of misleading accounts regarding recent events connected to access to the temporary Chamber within the precincts of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which is being used for legislative sittings while the Assembly Complex undergoes renovation by the State Government. These reports have created an inaccurate impression of disagreement between both arms of government and do not reflect the true situation.
“The Assembly wishes to clarify that there has been no rift in relations between the Legislature and the Executive. Both arms of government continue to work collaboratively and remain united in their commitment to serving the people of Akwa Ibom State. Any issues arising from administrative or security procedures have been addressed through established channels of communication and should not be interpreted as evidence of institutional discord.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Assembly remains fully committed to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the Executive Arm of Government in the interest of the people of Akwa Ibom State. Recent developments do not constitute any institutional conflict or hostility but rather a misunderstanding by security personnel. The House is currently conducting legislative business at the Chambers of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs while renovation works continue at the Assembly Complex. This temporary arrangement ensures the uninterrupted discharge of the Assembly’s constitutional responsibilities.
“The Assembly understands that the events which attracted public attention arose from the implementation of security procedures governing access to the Government House precincts. While the situation may have caused temporary inconveniences, it should not be misconstrued as an attempt to obstruct legislative activities or undermine the independence of the House.
“The Assembly therefore dismisses any suggestion of a dispute between the Executive and the Legislature. Both institutions remain committed to dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation in advancing good governance in Akwa Ibom State. Members of the public are urged to disregard speculative reports and continue to support the efforts of all arms of government in promoting the development and progress of the State”.
Condemning the incident, a famous legal practitioner in the state and commentator on legal and contemporary issues, Barr Ekemini Udim, described it as avoidable and unfortunate.
In a chat with newsmen, Barr Udim maintained that the incident was poorly managed, noting that it would have been handled differently considering the calibre of actors involved.
