Dare Babalola
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that it is set to pass a bill criminalising sexual relationships with married men in the state.
A recent Facebook post by Obiavel Albert Abigo alleged that a bill, reportedly sponsored by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, proposes a 10-year prison sentence for women and a ₦2m fine for men involved in sex with married men.
However, according to statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Otu, the information is false and an attempt to tarnish the good reputation of the assembly.
The Assembly urged the public to ignore the claim, stating they’re focused on law-making and won’t be deterred by attempts to undermine their integrity.
The statement reads in part, “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 sexual relationships with married men.
“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.
“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 House remains committed to its constitutional role of law-making and will not be swayed by mischievous attempts to undermine its integrity.”
