Akwa Ibom Assembly speaks on alleged bill criminalising affairs with married men

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has refuted claims circulating online that it is considering legislation to criminalise sexual relationships with married men, describing the report as untrue and misleading.

In a statement released on Monday, the Assembly dismissed the allegation as a fabrication with no factual basis. The statement was signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Jerry Anson Otu, on behalf of the legislature.

According to Naija News, the viral claim originated from a Facebook post credited to one Obiavel Albert Abigo, which alleged that a bill sponsored by the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, was before the House. The post further claimed that the proposed legislation sought to impose a 10-year jail term on women accused of having affairs with married men, while the men involved would be fined ₦2 million.

Reacting, the Assembly clarified that no such bill has ever been introduced, discussed or considered at any level of its legislative process.

“The Akwa Ibom State House of 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,” the statement said.

The lawmakers condemned what they described as a deliberate and malicious attempt to damage the reputation of the Deputy Governor and discredit the Assembly, urging the public to ignore the false report and accompanying narratives.

The House reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its constitutional duties responsibly and vowed not to be distracted by efforts aimed at undermining its credibility.