By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has debunked a report circulating on social media which alleged that the Assembly was set to pass a bill criminalising sexual relationships with married men.
The claim circulated on various social media platforms on Monday.
The claim read thus: “Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly will on Tuesday 13th January 2026 pass into law that sleeping with married men is prohibited.
“The bill sponsored by the Deputy governor Her Excellency senator Akon Inyang will on Tuesday pass into law by AKS House of Assembly.
“The bill stated that any young girl, lady or woman catch sleeping with married man will go for 10 years imprisonment without any fine, while the man in questions will pay a fine of 2 million naira.
“Reacting to the claim in a statement, the House described the report as fabricated and misleading, stressing that no such bill has been received, discussed, or sponsored by the Assembly.
The statement
The press statement was signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Anson Otu, on behalf of the Assembly.
According to the Assembly, the false report was attributed to a Facebook post by one Obiavel Albert Abigo, who claimed that the bill was sponsored by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
“The attention of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has been drawn to a fabricated report circulating on social media, alleging that the House is set to pass a bill criminalizing sexual relationships with married men.
“The report, attributed to a Facebook post by Obiavel Albert Abigo, claims the bill is sponsored by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and imposes a 10-year prison sentence on women found guilty of engaging in sexual relationship with married men, while men would face a N2 million fine,” the statement read in part.
The House categorically denied the claim, insisting that it has no foundation in fact.
It further clarified that neither the Assembly nor the Deputy Governor had anything to do with the alleged bill.
“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 read.
The Assembly condemned what it described as a malicious attempt to damage the reputation of the Deputy Governor and the legislature.
“We condemn this malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the Deputy Governor and the Assembly, and urge the public to disregard this fake news and any associated commentaries,” it said.
Reaffirming its mandate, the House stressed that it would not be distracted by misinformation.
“The House remains committed to its constitutional role of law-making, and will not be swayed by mischievous attempts to undermine its integrity,” the statement concluded.
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