The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has refuted reports claiming it is preparing a bill to criminalise adultery, describing the circulating news as false.
The report, widely shared on social media and some online news outlets, alleged that the bill was sponsored by Deputy Governor Dr. Akon Eyakenyi and would impose a 10-year jail term on women convicted of adultery without an option of a fine, while men found guilty would pay N2 million.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, dismissed the claims, stating that such a bill has never been considered or passed in the Assembly. Reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Elder Emmanuel Ebong, Otong said, “Such misinformation is just a fabrication by desperate social media influencers trying to create content, but oblivious of the damage it would cause the society.”
He explained that any bill must go through formal stages, including plenary deliberations, first and second readings, and public hearings before being passed into law and sent to the governor for assent—a process that, he confirmed, has never taken place for the alleged adultery bill.
Similarly, the Press Secretary to Deputy Governor Eyakenyi, Mr. Ormen Bassey, denied any involvement by his principal in sponsoring the purported legislation.
The Assembly urged the public to exercise caution, verify information, and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims, particularly those originating from unregulated social media platforms.
