The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, has suspended his Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ebong, over an unauthorized announcement concerning the resumption of plenary sessions by the Assembly.
The Speaker’s Office said the publication was released without the knowledge or approval of the Speaker, describing the action as a serious breach of official protocol.
The immediate suspension of Ebong from his duties as Press Secretary, pending further directives, was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Speaker’s Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Idio.
According to the statement, the Speaker’s attention was drawn to a publication titled “AKHA to Resume Plenary at Udo Udoma Complex Next Week,” which was issued on June 2, 2026, by the Press Unit of the Speaker’s Office at the directive of the suspended aide.
“The publication was issued without the knowledge or authorization of the Speaker. The action by Mr. Ebong is a serious breach of official protocol and constitutes insubordination and an abuse of office,” the statement said.
The Assembly leadership also cautioned members of the public, stakeholders, and media organisations against relying on any communication issued by the suspended aide on behalf of the Speaker’s Office, the Press Unit, or the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly during the period of his suspension.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Speaker’s Office to professionalism, accountability, and strict adherence to established procedures in the discharge of official responsibilities.