A-Ibom South Senator, Ekong Sampson Pledges Quality Representation, Lauds Constituents

• Deputy Gov Eyakenyi, Sen Udoma, Nsima Ekere, others grace reception

The Lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial district in the 10th National Assembly (NASS), Dr Ekong Sampson, has expressed commitment to bridge-building and people-centered representation for his constituents and the State in general.

Accordingly, he pledged to be a Senator for all Akwa Ibom people with the assurance that at all times, his legislative agenda would focus on working for the overall development and benefits of the State and Nigeria.

Speaking at a reception held jointly in his honour and the Member, representing Oron Federal Constituency, Hon. Martins Esin in Abuja, Senator Sampson promised to ensure the fulfillment of electoral promises made during the political campaigns

He paid special tribute to the immediate past Governor of the State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel for displaying ‘a deep sense of sacrifice’, that made it easier and provided the pathway to his election as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN).

While responding to the encomiums showered on him by the dignitaries, Senator Sampson lauded his erstwhile opponents in the Senatorial contest, who have all rallied around him to ensure optimal legislative performance at the Red Chamber, promising not to betray the confidence reposed on him by the electorate.

The first-time Senator thanked his family, Campaign Organization, school, and professional colleagues for standing by him all through the Senatorial contest and wished every one of them journey mercies home.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma praised Senator Sampson as one of the very best he has ever worked with, acknowledging his ‘deep intellect and political savvy’.

Attributing a greater part of his success story in the National Assembly as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation to Dr. Sampson, who was his Chief Legislative Aide in the early 2000s, Senator Udoma eulogized his menteé, noting that he has by dint of hard work reached the zenith of the nation’s legislature.

However, Senator Udoma, who is the current Pro-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, cautioned the legislator against allowing ‘Abuja politics’ to disconnect him from his constituents, while also tasking him with keeping faith as the grassroots politician that he has always been.

Also speaking for the Akwa Ibom State Government at the reception, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi said the State was proud of the current crop of national legislators, charging them to continually work to protect the interest of Akwa Ibom State.

She applauded Senator Ekong Sampson as ‘a worthy successor’, who will perform excellently in the Senate.

For the former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Senator Sampson is a man of unique qualities, describing him as not only ” a Scholar”, but also “a hugely knowledgeable person with a unique personality”.

On his part, former Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere saluted the lawmaker, who holds the traditional title of “Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin” on his inauguration and expressed optimism that having started on a ‘very good note’, he will do well and succeed in the Senate.

Speakers at the event also included a former House of Reps Member, Rt Hon. Esio Oquong Udoh; former Gubernatorial candidate and cousin of Senator Sampson, Engr. Frank Okon; and Chairman of the Ekong Sampson Public and Policy Analysis Committee, Prof. Etie Ben Akpan.

Also on the list were immediate past Pro-Chancellor of AKSU, Prof. Okon Eminue; President-General of Oro Union, Ikpoto Okon Osung, and Director General of Sampson campaign Organisation, Sir Michael Essang, among others, hailed Sampson on his inauguration and wished him a successful tenure in the Red Chambers.

It was indeed a gathering of dignitaries and eminent personalities of Akwa Ibom extraction and among them Rt Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey, former Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly and members of the House; Executive Chairman, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Anieokpon Ekpo; other Council Chairmen, political chieftains, stalwarts, women and youth groups, and socio-political organizations as well as well-wishers.

A two-term lawmaker, who once represented Mkpat Enin State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Senator Sampson also served as the immediate past Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources as well as Special Adviser, Political, Legislative, and Water Resources to former Governor Udom Emmanuel