Akwa Ibom LG Legislative Impeached Their Leader Over Breach Of Office, Emerges New Leader

Akwa Ibom LG legislative impeached their leader over breach of office, emerges new leader. Few months after their inauguration, Mkpat Enin Legislative council impeached their leader. As Oku Michael Emerges new Leader.

Councillors in the 8th Mkpat Enin local government legislative Council has Impeached Honourable Nyakno Sampson Ekpo as its leader following what they described as gross misconduct, neglect of duty and gross inefficiency amongst other offences detrimental to the functionality of the 8th legislative Council.

Consequently, the councillor representing Ikpa Ikono ward 3, Honourable Prince Oku Michael has been elected as the new Leader of the 8th Mkpat Enin local government legislative Council.

The motion for the impeachment which was read in a plenary by the Majority Leader and Councillor representing Ukpum Minya ward 2, Honourable Felix Johnson, citing Order 39 of the Legislative Council, noted that the embattled leader has used the position for personal enrichment or political vendettas, obstruction of legislative processes including preventing councillors from performing their duties; failure to convene statutory meetings or deliberate avoidance of legislative responsibilities, amounting to gross misconduct.

In what they described as neglect of duty and gross inefficiency, the eleven councillors out of the 15 councillors who signed the impeachment notice explained that the embattled leader was found guilty of failure to preside over council sessions or perform statutory functions and not allowing the deputy leader to preside thereby not calling for plenary sessions for over three months; abandonment of Office or prolonged dereliction of duty without just cause; repeated inability to provide effective leadership, leading to Legislative stagnation.

The impeachment notice reads:

TO:
Hon. Ekpo Sampson Nyakno
Councilor
Representing Ikpa Ikono ward 1
Mkpat Enin LGA
Akwa Ibom State.

SUBJECT: FORMAL RESOLUTION ON YOUR IMPEACHMENT AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

Hon. Ekpo Sampson Nyakno,

In steadfast adherence to the provisions of laws and constitutional right of this council, and in the unequivocal exercise of the sovereign legislative authority vested in this Council, we hereby convey to you the formal resolution of your impeachment and immediate removal from the office of Leader of the 8th Legislative Council, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

This resolution follows a meticulously conducted legislative process wherein a motion of impeachment was duly sponsored, deliberated, and subjected to rigorous scrutiny on the floor of this esteemed Council.

The said motion, supported by impeachable evidence and fortified by procedural propriety, was predicated upon the following grievous infractions:

1. Gross Misconduct
Using the position for personal enrichment or political vendettas. Obstruction of legislative processes, including preventing councilors from performing their duties. Failure to convene statutory meetings or deliberate avoidance of legislative responsibilities.

2. Neglect of Duty and Gross Inefficiency:
Failure to preside over council sessions or perform statutory functions and not allowing the deputy to preside thereby not calling for plenary sessions for over three

(3) Months.
Abandonment of office or prolonged dereliction of duty without just cause.
Repeated inability to provide effective leadership, leading to legislative stagnation.

3. Conduct Unbecoming of a Public Official-
Public misconduct that brings the Council into disrepute (e.g., disorderly behavior, and inciting statement with intention to cause division considering our heterogeneous clans settlement).

Frequent quarrels, nagging and sanctions , Use of hate speech, inflammatory remarks, or incitement to violence among members.

Unlawful reduction of members incentives and unjust sharing modules operandi of rights of members .

The above stated misconduct violent the principle of democracy, legislative norms, equity, unity, justice and fairness.

WHEREAS, after exhaustive debate and in strict conformity with legislative due process, a decisive majority (whose signature can be seen below) vote was cast in favor of your impeachment on this day Tuesday 6th March, 2025;

WHEREAS, the allegations against you, having been thoroughly examined and found compelling beyond reasonable doubt, constitute a gross betrayal of public trust and a fundamental breach of the principles of accountability and stewardship expected of a public official;

This Honorable House – NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:

1.Effective immediately, you cease to hold office as Leader of this 8th Legislative Council, Mkpat Enin LGA, and all associated rights, privileges, and responsibilities are hereby rescinded.

2. You are directed to surrender all instruments of office, official documents, and government assets in your possession to the Clerk of the Legislative Council forthwith.

3. You shall vacate the office of the Leader without hesitation, ensuring an orderly and uninterrupted transition of leadership.

Akwa Ibom

4. This resolution, having the full weight of law and the imprimatur of this Council, is final, binding, and not subject to reversal as it is the unanimous decision of this Honorable council in compliance with the constitutional and statutory powers of this sovereign house.

For the avoidance of doubt, this impeachment stands as an indelible testament to the Council’s unwavering commitment to the sanctity of democratic governance, institutional integrity, and the will of the people.

Copies of this resolution have been transmitted to the Local Government Chairman, the State House of Assembly, and other relevant agencies for enforcement and record purposes.

You are required to acknowledge receipt of this correspondence immediately.

Yours in Legislative Servic

CC:
– Clerk of the Legislative Council
– Local Government Chairman
– State House of Assembly (if applicable)
– Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs Commission