A group of constituents from Abak State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State has initiated a recall process against the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, citing dissatisfaction with his performance over the past seven years.
In a petition submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the aggrieved voters accused the speaker of underperformance, breach of trust, and making statements they claim undermine democratic principles.
The petition, addressed to the INEC national chairman and routed through the resident electoral commissioner in Uyo, invokes provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to justify the recall move.
Titled: “Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Rt. Hon. Udeme James Otong…,” the document was endorsed by several community leaders, including Michael Asuquo Uko, Grace Archibong Etim, and Eno Christopher Idiong, alongside numerous other signatories.
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The petitioners argued that since assuming office in June 2019, the speaker has failed to demonstrate adequate legislative commitment, visibility, and engagement with constituents.
They stated that his performance has not met the expectations of the electorate, prompting their decision to seek constitutional redress.
In addition to concerns about performance, the constituents raised objections to certain remarks allegedly made by Otong.
These include claims that he already controls 26 House of Assembly tickets ahead of party primaries and would determine how they are distributed.
He was also quoted as suggesting that the 2027 general elections would be concluded before noon on election day.
The petitioners contend that such statements could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and the independence of INEC.
They further alleged that the speaker claimed to have personally negotiated the allocation of assembly tickets with the state governor, an assertion they believe suggests predetermined outcomes ahead of due process.
Describing these comments as inappropriate and undemocratic, the constituents said they have lost confidence in Otong’s leadership and ability to represent their interests effectively.
They have called on INEC to commence the constitutional procedures for recall, including the verification of signatures from registered voters and the conduct of a referendum.
They also urged the commission to address the implications of the speaker’s alleged remarks regarding the 2027 elections.
Under the law, a recall process requires INEC to verify signatures submitted by constituents, followed by a referendum to determine whether the lawmaker should remain in office.
Reacting to the development, the speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ebong, dismissed the petition as baseless, describing it as a distraction lacking substance.
