Three Years of Purposeful Lawmaking: Assessing the Performance of the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly

 

As the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly marks its third legislative year today, June 9, 2026, it stands at a crucial point in its constitutional journey. With just one year left before the expiration of its mandate, the legislature has the opportunity not only to reflect on its achievements but also to consolidate its legacy as a people-oriented institution.

Led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, the House has largely maintained political stability, harmonious executive-legislative relations, and an active legislative agenda. In a period characterized by significant political realignments and economic challenges nationwide, the Assembly has continued to perform its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and representation with notable consistency.

One of the strongest indicators of the Assembly's performance has been its legislative output.

By the commencement of its third legislative year, the House disclosed that it had received 44 bills during its first legislative session, passing 13 into law, while the second session recorded 26 bills, with 12 successfully enacted. This represents a substantial body of legislative work within two years. 

Several of these laws have focused on strengthening governance institutions, improving public administration, and creating frameworks for sustainable development.

Among the most significant legislative milestones was the passage of the Legislative Financial Autonomy Bill in 2023. The law reinforced constitutional provisions guaranteeing the financial independence of the legislature, thereby strengthening democratic governance, transparency, and institutional accountability.

The Assembly has also demonstrated responsiveness to emerging governance needs through the consideration of executive bills touching on tourism development, emergency medical services, skills acquisition, public defence, senior citizens' welfare, water regulation, broadcasting administration, and hospital management. 

These legislative interventions align closely with the developmental aspirations of the state and the ARISE Agenda of the administration.

Another area where the House has demonstrated significant relevance is in budget legislation. Since 2023, the Assembly has processed and approved major fiscal proposals, including supplementary appropriations and annual budgets designed to drive development across critical sectors.

The House passed the ₦150 billion supplementary budget in 2023, increasing the state's fiscal capacity to address emerging developmental priorities. 

In 2025 and early 2026, lawmakers undertook the review and eventual passage of the state's historic 2026 budget, valued at over ₦1.39 trillion and later assented to by Governor Umo Eno. The budget was designed to support infrastructure expansion, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, security, and economic diversification. 

Beyond merely approving budgets, the Assembly has consistently engaged ministries, departments, and agencies through committee work to ensure compliance with appropriated expenditures.

A defining feature of the current Assembly has been its relatively cordial relationship with the Executive arm of government.

Unlike many state legislatures that have witnessed persistent conflicts with governors, the Akwa Ibom Assembly has largely maintained constructive engagement with the Executive while retaining its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

This synergy has facilitated the smooth processing of development-focused legislation and budget proposals, helping government programmes move forward without unnecessary delays. Governor Umo Eno himself has publicly acknowledged the cooperation between both arms as a factor contributing to the state's developmental progress. 

However, political observers have often noted that effective legislative-executive relations must continue to balance cooperation with independent scrutiny to preserve public confidence in democratic institutions.

Beyond legislative activities, members of the House have remained active within their constituencies through motions, petitions, constituency engagements, and advocacy for community development.

Several lawmakers have sponsored motions addressing road infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, environmental concerns, youth empowerment, and security challenges within their constituencies.

The House has also continued to process public petitions, giving citizens direct access to legislative intervention on issues affecting their communities. This aspect of representation remains one of the most visible links between the Assembly and ordinary citizens.

Committee oversight remains one of the legislature's most critical responsibilities. Over the past three years, various committees have undertaken inspections, project monitoring exercises, and engagements with government agencies to evaluate implementation of public policies and projects.

While these efforts have contributed to improved accountability, there remains room for deeper public reporting of oversight outcomes, particularly regarding project implementation, procurement processes, and service delivery performance across ministries and agencies. Greater transparency in oversight findings would further strengthen public trust in the legislature.

Despite its achievements, the Assembly faces certain challenges. Many citizens still desire stronger legislative independence, more rigorous scrutiny of government spending, and greater visibility of lawmakers' constituency engagements. There are also expectations for increased citizen participation in legislative processes through public hearings, stakeholder consultations, and digital access to legislative proceedings.

In an era where citizens increasingly demand accountability, openness, and measurable impact, legislative institutions must continually evolve to remain relevant.

As the Assembly enters its final legislative year, several priorities should shape its agenda through the following; Completion of Pending Bills where the House should prioritize the passage of strategic bills capable of leaving lasting institutional and developmental impacts on the state.

Stronger Oversight should be deployed where Lawmakers should intensify project monitoring and ensure value for money in public expenditure, especially as the current administration enters a critical phase of project delivery.

3. Increased Public Engagement

Town hall meetings, constituency feedback sessions, and expanded public hearings can bridge the gap between lawmakers and citizens.

Lawmakers should institute Legislative Legacy Projects where the Assembly should focus on landmark reforms that strengthen governance institutions beyond the tenure of current office holders.

Finally, there should be Documentation of Achievements where a comprehensive legislative scorecard detailing laws passed, motions adopted, petitions handled, and oversight activities would provide citizens with a clear assessment of the Assembly's performance.

Three years into its tenure, the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly can reasonably point to substantial achievements in lawmaking, fiscal legislation, institutional reforms, and support for development-oriented governance. The House has maintained stability, processed significant legislation, strengthened legislative institutions, and fostered productive relations with the Executive. 

Yet, the final measure of its legacy will depend on what it accomplishes in the remaining year. If it can deepen oversight, enhance citizen participation, and deliver transformative legislation, the Assembly will not merely complete its tenure—it will leave behind a stronger legislative institution and a more accountable governance framework for future generations of Akwa Ibom people.

Asuquo Edem, a member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Press Corps writes from Uyo