Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Mr. Imoh Williams indefinitely for authorising the assault of a member of the public.
The vice-chairman of Abak has by been mandated to take over the affairs of the council while investigations are on.
The decision of the Assembly was taken during an emergency plenary following a trending video on the social media in which one Godwin was manhandled by aides of the council chairman.
The victim, according to aides of the suspended council chairman, had insulted their boss for delaying the payment of ₦75, 000 debt.
The victim, who pleaded for leniency as captured in the trending video, was laid face down with a man’s leg pressing down his head.
He was later mercilessly flogged after some minutes of interrogations.
Piqued by the development and public outcries, Governor Udom Emmanuel ordered the Assembly to investigate the matter.
”I roundly condemn the assault that took place at Abak Local Government Council, currently circulating on the social media. “Such actions are unacceptable in a civilised society and do not represent our core values in the state.
“I have advised the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to commence full investigations into the matter,” the governor said.
At the sitting, the House through a motion moved by its Leader, Mr. Udo Kirian Akpan and duly seconded by Mr. Aniekan Uko suspended the erring chairman.
The House thereafter committed the case to the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the act and recommendations communicated within one month.
The House also called on the Nigeria Police to fast track investigation on the criminal aspects of the matter.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the plenary, the Chairman House Committee on Information and Member representing Etinan State Constituency, Barr Aniefiok Dennis, said the steps were taken to redeem the image of the state and ensure the protection of citizens.
He cautioned office holders to be mindful of their public conducts, as the 7th Assembly would not tolerate any act of rascality on the part of public officeholders.
Dennis however assured that due process will be followed and the Abak Council Chairman will be given the opportunity for a fair hearing before major decisions are taken on the matter.