Four members of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have lost their seats and portfolios in the House following their defection from the 100 per cent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-constituted House, to opposition political parties.

News Express reports that their seats were declared vacant yesterday by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon, during a plenary.

The affected lawmakers are those from Uruan, Mbo, Ini and Urueoffong Oruko state constituencies, among them the Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip. They have been directed to “immediately hand over all the government property in their possessions to the House authority.”

The Speaker announced the appointment of Hon. Emmanuel Akpan, from Essien Udim State Constituency as the new Chief Whip, while Hon. Efefiong Antigha from Okobo State Constituency was appointed as the new Deputy Chief Whip.

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly yesterday passed the 2015 Budget proposal of N484 billion into law.

•Photo shows Akwa Ibom Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon.