The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has announced the appointment of Hon. Otobong Bob, representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, as the new Leader of the House.
The announcement was made by the Speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, during plenary on Wednesday.
Bob, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), takes over from Hon. Sunday Johnny, who represents Onna State Constituency under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Johnny’s removal follows the dramatic political realignment in the Assembly, which has seen 24 of the 26 members—including the Speaker—defect from the PDP to the APC, leaving the former majority party with only two lawmakers.
Alongside Bob’s elevation, the lawmaker representing Eket, Dr. Nsidibe Akata, has been announced as the new Deputy Leader. He replaces Bob, who previously held the role before his promotion.
The sweeping changes are seen as a consolidation of APC’s dominance in the State Assembly and a reflection of shifting political alliances within Akwa Ibom politics.