Ahead of the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, there has been series of political intrigues such as lobbying and horse-trading, especially amongst the new and returning lawmakers from Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, where the slot is zoned.
LEADERSHIP gathered that before and after the May 29 inauguration of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno as governor, the contest for the Assembly’s top job has pitched legislators from the two geo-political divides of Abak-5, comprising Abak, Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo, Ika and Oruk Anam, against their colleagues from the Ikot Ekpene-3 axis – Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara and Essien Udim.
Ikot Ekpene senatorial district has eight state constituencies including Etim Ekpo/Ika, represented by a returning lawmaker, Hon Mfon Idung; Abak, also represented by a returning member, Hon Udeme Otong, and Hon Asuquo Nanna Udo, another returnee from Ikono, but of the minority Young Progressives Party .
Other first stint legislators include Prince Ukpong Akpabio, cousin to former governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio , Essien Udim; Sampson Idiong, younger brother to the wife of the immediate past governor, Martha Udom Emmanuel , Oruk Anam; Emem Udom, former protocol aide to former Governor Emmanuel , Ukanafun and Israel Idaisin, former local government chairman .
The serious contenders are the two returnees: Mr Idung of Etim Ekpo/Ika; Dr Otong, of Abak and Mr Idiong, a first-time lawmaker from Oruk Anam, all of the Abak -5, who are reported to have drawn the battle line against Prince Akpabio, a former commissioner for trade and investment, the only contender from Ikot Ekpene-3, and a first-time legislator.