Akwa Ibom South stakeholders reject single-term option, endorse Ekong Sampson for second term
Stakeholders of Akwa Ibom South (Eket Senatorial District) have formally rejected the single-term or replacement option for the district’s senatorial seat, insisting on competence, experience and continuity, as they unanimously endorsed Senator Ekong Sampson for a second term in office.
The resolution was reached during a briefing and interactive session with political leaders, elders and community stakeholders across party lines, held at Villa Marina, Eket, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.
The stakeholders said the era of rotating senators after one term should end, arguing that sustained development could only be achieved through continuity in representation.
A motion adopting Sampson for a second term was moved by former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, and seconded by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Dr. Owoidighe Ekpotai, before being unanimously ratified by voice vote.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Elders Forum and former lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien, said the decision was based on performance rather than sentiment.
“This district must move away from single-term experiments and focus on quality representation. Senator Ekong Sampson has distinguished himself as one of the most active and articulate lawmakers in the Senate.” Essien said
Essien added that stakeholders were satisfied with Sampson’s record barely two years into his tenure.
“As critical stakeholders, we are satisfied with his representation, which is the primary reason he was sent to the National Assembly,” he said.
Speaking while moving the endorsement motion, Ekuwem said continuity was necessary for the district to maximise federal opportunities.
“We believe competence, experience and continuity are critical if Akwa Ibom South is to attract sustainable development and real dividends of democracy,” he said.
In his address, Senator Sampson thanked the stakeholders for what he described as a vote of confidence, saying the endorsement would further motivate him to deliver.
In his words “I am deeply grateful for this unanimous decision and the confidence reposed in me, I remain committed to people-focused legislation and constituency-driven interventions across the 12 local government areas.”
Sampson outlined his legislative contributions, including bills on the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi; Federal Medical Centres; the South-South Development Commission; and advocacy for the Federal University of Maritime Studies, Oron, and the revival of ALSCON.
He also highlighted constituency projects in education, healthcare, water, electrification and empowerment, and announced plans for a second phase of empowerment involving vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, outboard engines and business grants.
Representing the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, former Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Ikpoto Okon Osung, said the senator enjoyed strong goodwill from the state government.
“Senator Ekong Sampson has built enormous goodwill with Governor Umo Eno, and he must remain steadfast in effective representation of his constituents,” Osung said.
The meeting was attended by serving and former political office holders, party leaders and key stakeholders from across the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.