By: Edifon Abasi-Obot
Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson has described the scheduled “Grand Reception” ceremony by the Ibibio Nation, in honour of His Excellency, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as very significant, symbolic and timely.
He said the event, scheduled to hold on Monday, July 10, 2017 at Asan Ibibio in Uyo, is a clear demonstration of the goodwill Governor Udom Emmanuel enjoys amongst his immediate nationality; that the Ibibios remain united and appreciate Udom Emmanuel as their own. He said the event also goes further, beyond ethnic matrix, to make a strong statement about the Pan-Akwa Ibom outlook.
Barrister Ekong Sampson gave the analogy while interacting with Pressmen in Uyo. He described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a unifying factor in Akwa Ibom State, adding that the event is coming at a time that the Governor has clearly shown that he shares a very broad outlook that cements the bond of unity across the State.
The Special Adviser said “Udom Emmanuel represents the finest of ideals, not just for Ibibio Nation, but for Akwa Ibom State as a whole”, adding that the Governor has clearly demonstrated commitment to protecting the future of the Akwa Ibom people. He described him as “a Governor who is there for everybody, a Governor who committed to diversifying the economy and making Akwa Ibom State look beyond oil.” Most commendable however, he said, has been his commitment to unifying the Ibibio people and strengthening the fabric of unity in the State as a whole.
“Across our delicate ethnic matrix, Akwa Ibom State is one large family bonded by rich historical circumstances,” Ekong Sampson noted, expressing confidence that the occasion, being an acknowledgement that Governor Udom Emmanuel has worked very hard to reposition our basic trajectories and garner the respect of various parts of Nigeria, and beyond, for Akwa Ibom State, will provide a platform to strengthen the fabric of unity in the State.
Barrister Sampson further enunciated that the event provides opportunity for a soul searching, by which one looks back with nostalgia to the days when the Ibibio nation took the centre stage in Nigeria, sponsoring the famous “Merchants of Light” outside the shores of the country, who upon their return, blazed the trail in various fields in the country.
“I recall the historic vision and amity that led to the sponsorship of the famous “Merchants of Light”’ which earned Ibibio national respect,” he narrated.
In his tribute, he reflected upon the patriotism and great strides of great Ibibio sons like Sir Udo Udoma, Clement Isong, Bassey Udoadiaha Attah, Asuquo Udoidiong and many others, who in their various fields of endeavour had made Nigeria proud.
“That was the Ibibio virtue”! Ekong Sampson exclaimed.
In his submission, he declared, “I think the good times are here again when Ibibio Nation comes together to celebrate her own. The event is very significant, very symbolic and as a proud Ibibio son, I feel great.”
