It is now more glaring that Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Rt Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson will be sworn-in tomorrow, June 13, 2023 as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the people of Akwa Ibom South.
Barr. Ekong Sampson had gracefully risen from the basement of his political career through the ladders, and now to a higher cadre and he is still rising. He was the Head of Council in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area for two terms. He is also a former two-term State Assembly Lawmaker. In the immediate past administration, he had served in the State Executive Council for five years, ending as Commissioner in the Ministry of Environment and Petroleum Resources, a ministry which had acquainted him with the workings of oil politics which a major challenge in Akwa Ibom South, where is going to represent in the Nigeria’s Red Chambers.
Recall, Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin had defeated his contenders in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly general elections, polling not less than 93, 000 votes to beat his closest challenger who polled about 33, 000 votes in an election described by pundits as one of the freest and fairest.
He was later issued with the Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to crown his pyrrhic victory.
Recall, also, two of his contenders who have filed suits against his declaration as the winner of the election have recently voluntarily withdrawn.
And two weeks ago, he was a participant in an induction programme organised for all elected and reelected National Assembly members-elect. These events show that the only thing holding Dr Sampson from becoming an Akwa Ibom South Senator is date, which is already tomorrow.
His swearing in tomorrow will mark the beginning of his ‘Second Coming’ into the nation’s Red Chambers. The journey began in the Senate in 2000, when he served as Chief Legislative Aide to Senator Udoma Udo Udoma. No wonder he said during his campaigns that he would be returning to a familiar ground where he began.
A lot of people, during the pre-elections and post-elections seasons, had foreshadowed that Dr Sampson’s victory signposts the ushering in of the epoch of bridge building, effective representation, umpteenth developments and empowerments in the Akwa Ibom South.
In some other tribes where Sampson belong, like the journalism and book reading, Ekong Sampson is envisaged to push his crusade for a safer, saner and better society to the floor of the Senate and use legislation to create ambience for improved intellectuality and sanity in the society.
Ekong Sampson is a book lover, who has written about seven published books. He is also a poet and journalist. So, there is high expectation that education-friendly policies and projects would have their pride of place in his representation.
“The more books we read, the safer, saner and better we are as a people.”
The above quote has become a mantra for Ekong Sampson as he continues his crusade for safer and saner society. Dr Sampson lives his life in books. No wonder people, some time, address him as “Mr Book”.
He is a patron of Uyo Book Club. His passion for the movement to revive reading culture in the contemporary society is highly rated.
He is also known for peace, friendliness and humility. His bridge building mien and sincerity of purpose can be vehemently attested. No wonder he still keeps the circle of friends who were with him from the beginning of his political career, even as he continues to make new friends daily to expand the circle.
During his campaigns, Ekong Sampson has introduced another slogan that this time around, it’s going to be ‘e work, e chop’ and monkey dey work, monkey dey chop.’
He has said that he is a master of empowerment, and that he will pay keen attention in empowering his constituents.
Most importantly, his legislative experience, competence, antecedent and sagacity give the assurances that Akwa Ibom South is on its path to greatness. He is described to be tested and reliable. No doubt, Ekong Sampson as a Senator will utilise his bridge building position greatly to provide inclusive, sound and impactful representation for the people of Akwa Ibom South.
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