By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.

Stakeholders from Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District have unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Senator Ekong Sampson, endorsing him for a second term in the National Assembly in recognition of what they described as effective, competent, and impactful representation.

The recent endorsement took place during an end-of-year briefing and interactive session between the senator and political, community, and opinion leaders across party lines. The meeting was held at Villa Marina, Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

At the gathering, stakeholders also resolved to discontinue what they termed the “single tenure or replacement option” for the senatorial seat, insisting that competence, experience, and continuity were necessary for sustained development and improved democratic dividends in the district.

After a detailed presentation by Senator Sampson on his legislative and constituency activities, a motion endorsing him for a second term was moved by the immediate past Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, and seconded by a former member of the House of Representatives and Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owoidighe Ekpotai. The motion was unanimously adopted by voice vote.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Elders Forum and former federal lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien described Senator Sampson as one of the most active and articulate lawmakers in the 10th Senate, noting his strong performance in lawmaking, oversight, and representation.

Chief Essien, who also served as Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, urged stakeholders to prioritise quality governance, development impact, empowerment, and job creation over what he referred to as “stomach infrastructure.”

“Representation is the core reason he was sent to the National Assembly. In just two years, we are satisfied with his performance,” Essien said.

Several speakers, including Arc. Otu Ita Toyo, Sir Adasi Obolum, Hon. Bassey Dan Abia, Prof. Peter Esuh, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Barr. Ekpong Edemumoh, Dr. Idorenyin Umoh, and Chief William Mkpa commended the senator’s legislative visibility and constituency outreach. They expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom South would witness increased infrastructural development, human empowerment, and capacity building before the end of his tenure.

In his response, Senator Sampson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, thanked stakeholders for the endorsement and their support.

He highlighted several bills and motions he has sponsored or co-sponsored, including the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi; the Federal Medical Centres Amendment Bill; a bill for a Federal Medical Centre in Eket; and the South-South Development Commission Bill, which has been passed into law.

He also cited his advocacy for the take-off of the Federal University of Maritime Studies, Oron, and the reactivation of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, alongside interventions in infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, maritime and coastal economy, and environmental protection.

According to the senator, his constituency projects span all 12 local government areas in the district and include the disbursement of ₦100 million in education grants to students and teachers, empowerment programmes, facilitation of employment opportunities in federal agencies, and the donation of vehicles, motorcycles, and business grants to constituents, party structures, and persons with disabilities.

Other listed interventions include erosion control projects, electrification schemes, solar-powered boreholes, ICT centres in secondary schools, construction of school blocks and hostels, and upgrades to medical facilities in Eket, Ikot Abasi, and Oron.

Senator Sampson also announced plans for the second phase of his empowerment initiative, which will include the distribution of vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, outboard engines, and business grants.

He used the occasion to call for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, beyond 2027.

Representing the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, former Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Ikpoto Okon Osung, affirmed the strong working relationship between Senator Sampson and the state government, urging him to remain steadfast in serving his constituents.

The meeting was attended by serving and former political office holders, party leaders, and stakeholders, including the APC Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Chairman, Mr. Cyril Enemi.