Otong, a two-term lawmaker emerged after he secured 20 votes to defeat his only contender, Mr Ukpong Akpabio of the same party representing Essien Udim state constituency, who scored 6 votes, at the inauguration of the 8th assembly on Uyo Friday.
Two members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Effiong Johnson and Mr. Uwem Imo-Ita, both from the People’s Democratic Party, nominated and seconded Otong as the speaker of the house. Imo-Ita is a first-time member of the assembly.
The newly-elected speaker expressed his gratitude to God, his colleagues, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst Umo Eno for their support in his election. He pledged that the 8th Assembly would work collaboratively with the state government to promote development and progress.