By Our Reporter
There is growing tension within the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as reports emerge of an underground plot by lawmakers to impeach the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, over alleged financial misconduct involving ghost workers.
According to inside sources working closely with top-ranking members of the Assembly, including the Deputy Speaker, the Chief Whip, and several committee chairmen, discontent has been brewing over irregularities linked to the Speaker’s office.
Aide to one of the senior lawmakers, who spoke to NewsieEvents on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that each lawmaker is allocated funds to pay personal aides, separate from the civil servants officially employed by the state. These aides are directly appointed and paid by the lawmakers themselves.
However, it was allegedly discovered that the Speaker’s office has been receiving funds to pay over 250 aides a number far exceeding the typical allocation. Yet, the source claim the Speaker employs far fewer aides, reportedly fewer than 10 in number, raising concerns about where the remaining funds are going.
Even more alarming, it is alleged that salaries meant for these non-existent aides are being funneled into personal accounts linked to the Speaker’s children, suggesting a deliberate and fraudulent misappropriation of public funds.
Outraged by these revelations, several lawmakers are reportedly rallying support to initiate impeachment proceedings, determined to hold the Speaker accountable for the alleged misconduct.
As the situation develops, political observers and constituents are watching closely to see how the Assembly will address the growing crisis
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