AKHA Speaker: Steering a United Legislature for Akwa Ibom State Growth

AKHA Speaker: Steering a United Legislature for Akwa Ibom State Growth

By: Abasiama Umoh

In our emerging legislative development, only but a few people have engaged legislative competence in stimulating political development.

Amongst those whose competence interact with maturity to engender progress in the legislative arm of governance is the current Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, whose name is fast becoming a synosure of all eyes as it regards legislative business.

Elder Otong, an astute leader whose calm authority and visionary coordination have repositioned the Assembly as a fulcrum for policy direction, public engagement and developmental legislation in the state is the man of the moment whose silent achievement resonates in planar quarters.

The role of the Speaker transcends mere gavel pounding and presiding over plenary sessions. It encompasses building consensus, promoting institutional integrity and ensuring that the legislature remains a vibrant platform for democratic expression and policy formulation.

In Akwa Ibom State, the Speaker has remarkably steered the House away from rancour and partisanship towards unity of purpose and legislative productivity as can be seen in the everyday engagement at the House and in Plenaries.

Under the current leadership, the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has exhibited a robust legislative agenda focused on good governance, infrastructural expansion, social welfare and economic diversification. The Speaker’s inclusive approach has ensured that every Member, regardless of party affiliation or Constituency, has a stake in the legislative process. This has not only fostered harmony but has also created a culture of mutual respect and collaboration within the Assembly.

Key legislative interventions under the Speaker’s leadership include the timely passage of the annual budget, laws aimed at bolstering internal revenue generation, environmental protection, youth empowerment and rural development. The House has also intensified its oversight functions, ensuring that executive actions align with legislative intentions and that public funds are expended judiciously.

Remarkably also, the Speaker has championed a deliberate effort to engage citizens in the legislative process. Through citizens engagement and feedback mechanisms as made visible by public hearings, the people of Akwa Ibom have found their voices amplified in the corridors of power. This participatory approach does not only enhances accountability but strengthens the legitimacy of the legislature as a people-driven institution.

Beyond the legislative chamber, the Speaker serves as a stabilizing figure in the political architecture of the state. His diplomacy, bridge building across party divide and steadfast loyalty to the ideals of democracy have cemented his reputation as a leader committed to the overall growth of Akwa Ibom State.

As Akwa Ibom navigates the demands of modern governance and the pressures of socio-economic development, the importance of a cohesive and forward looking legislature cannot be overstated. The Speaker’s role, therefore, remains crucial, not just as a presiding officer, but as a statesman steering the Assembly towards legislative excellence and impactful governance.

The current leadership of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has proven that with vision, competence and unity, the legislature can be a powerful engine for development. And therefore, Elder Otong continues to demonstrate that effective legislative leadership and it’s overall alignment with the Arise Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, is not about power, but about purpose, serving the people and shaping a greater Akwa Ibom State, basically in an enlightened State interest.

At plenary on Tuesday, the Speaker deployed tact and humour in handling dissenting voices over House Leadership as it regards Members defection into the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which development suggests that the House Leader as a matter of legislative standing orders, should emanate from the majority.

Ruling on the development, the Speaker allowed democracy its duty and enthroned common sense with its attendant responsibility, amid calm and demeanor, pending the general consensus from the House, ultimately becoming a masterclass wisdom that has been adjudged topnotch by political observers, critics and keen onlookers.

Although there are pockets of criticisms by pundits, cynics and a few onlookers as to why the Speaker had to move or defect so ‘babyishly’ following the Governor to the APC.

In discussing the above concern by cynics, this writer will start by stating the obvious. I have personally observed that in the intricate tapestry of Nigerian politics, party loyalty and alignment often define the stability and functionality of governance at all levels. The relationship between the executive and the legislature is especially crucial for smooth state administration.

Therefore, in this context, the political decision of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, to join the Governor in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) carries with it deep implications that must not be overlooked, which are the defining moments and center focus of this piece.

On the flip side, what if the Speaker had refused to defect? What would have been the political, legislative and governance consequences in the state is a matter of expedient conveyance of deep reflections, like l said, which this piece also seeks to engender clarity.

For me, the first and most immediate impact would have been a palpable tension between the executive and legislative arms of government, considering the fact that, in Nigerian politics, party alignment often dictates political loyalty. So, if the Governor had defected to the APC while the Speaker remained in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), it would likely have created a situation where the legislature is seen as a rival rather than a partner.

And, such divergence and discordance will affect the passage of bills, budget approvals, and other executive and legislative collaborations. Because, with differing political interests, the Governor might face delays or even rejections of proposals from a Speaker and legislative body not aligned with his new political platform.

On the other hand, for those who would want to argue against the position of this piece. The Speaker’s decision not to defect could have resonated as a powerful message of principle and party loyalty. Because, in a political climate where defections are often driven by personal ambition and opportunism, standing firm with one’s original party could enhance the Speaker’s public image as a man of great conviction.

As well, such a stance might attract support from national leaders of the PDP, civil society groups and constituents who value political integrity. It could also have positioned the Speaker for future leadership roles within the party or even at the national level, depending on how the political winds shift, but the big question, though rhetorical, that demands urgent answer is. Where is PDP at the center? Is there any longer a party called the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, going by the deepening crisis within the Party, a situation in which pundits foreshadow imminent extinction of the Party to give way for assumed coalition. This will remain for a long time, questions which answers need to be critically discerned.

Going further, if the Speaker had remained in PDP, the legislature could act as a robust check on the executive arm. While this could be healthy for democracy, it could also paralyze the government if both sides refuse to compromise. The House may block or delay executive bills, refuse to confirm key appointments, or initiate probes into executive actions.

This kind of political stalemate can negatively affect governance, disrupt state development projects, and erode public confidence in leadership. The risk of instability and infighting would hang heavily over the political space in Akwa Ibom State and the people would not want to risk such grandstanding against the development of the state, infrastructural renaissance, human empowerment and effective healthcare delivery as is being experienced in the state at the moment.

In the end, politics is about timing and strategy. The Speaker’s decision to align with the Governor most likely has ensured legislative stability, preserved peace and maintained a united front at a time when fragmentation could have threatened development and governance in the state. Therefore, the Speaker deserves applause for his foresight and ‘statesmanly’ decision, in the overall interest of development and the delivery of critical dividends of democracy for Akwa Ibom people.

The Speaker rallies development, peace and inclusivity at every stamp of the gavel, typical of his response and mien in addressing Members’ defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, “Let me state here that this House remains a symbol of democracy and it is our collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of the legislative institution. Regardless of party lines, we must remain focused on our duty to make laws and decisions that advance the interest of Akwa Ibom people”.

“It is my hope that with this realignment, your commitment to the development of your constituencies will be strengthened and that you will continue to work in harmony with your colleagues across party divides for the peace, progress and prosperity of Akwa Ibom State”.

“May I also remind all Honourable Members that this House is first and foremost the people’s House. Political affiliations must never take precedence over the needs of our people. We owe them responsible governance, unyielding service and unwavering loyalty to the constitutional mandate bestowed upon us”.

“Let us, therefore, move forward, stronger, united and more determined to serve the people because this is a People House” the Speaker quipped.