The political leader of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Michael Afangideh, has endorsed the aspiration of Hon Akaninyene Eyo, a former member of the House of Representatives to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Afangideh bared his mind, weekend, when Hon Eyo, in company of his supporters consulted him at his Ikot Ekpene residence.
The Centenarian said Hon Eyo is a long standing politician, who has worked with him, even as a small boy, and has grown to become a very formidable politician.
“Let me shock all of you. I know Akan more than all of you here. We used to play politics together with him and the late Dr Ime Umanah. Akan knows politics. I’ve been keeping taps on his works and I can tell you he has done well.
“Akan is on ground; very dynamic, coordinated, resourceful and intelligent. He is very respectful and humble. He will be a good senator for our district,” Afangideh stressed.
The political Godfather called on well-meaning indigenes of the district to support the aspiration of Hon Eyo for effective and purposeful representation.
He asked Hon Eyo to kneel down and then prayed and blessed him.
A prominent indigene of Essien Udim Local Government Area and immediat- past chairman of the area, Elder Raphael Isobara said Hon Eyo was the best gift for the Senate in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District come 2023.
Isobara described Hon Eyo as an intelligent and detribalised personality, who believes in doing good for a vast majority of the people.
Isobara recalled that it was Hon Eyo that gave Mkpatak and the adjoining communities electricity even when he was representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
He called on delegates from the Senatorial District to shun sentiments and an aspirant that would represent the district better.
A one-time vice chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Sir Luke Udom said Hon Eyo’s ambition to the Senate of the Federal Republic was like the soothing balm that the people of Akwa Ibom North West had been yearning for, saying Hon Eyo in the Senate would connotes “putting a square peg in a square hole.”
Udom said the people of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency had a good time in terms of projects distribution, political participation and empowerment when Hon Eyo was in the House of Representatives, saying with his aspiration, a better opportunity has opened for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
The aspirant, Hon Eyo thanked Afangideh for the warm reception he has accorded him and his campaign trail.
Eyo said he was at Afangideh’s residence to inform him of his aspiration to the Senate and to also receive his fatherly blessings.
The former member of the House of Representatives said he was in the race to give the Senatorial District effective representation in legislation, oversight responsibilities and empowerment of the people.
“Chief, you know I have the requisite cognitive experience, contacts and connection to give the District and the state, at large, effective representation.
“You are fully aware that Senate is not a place for on-the-job training. As a ranking officer, I understand the workings of the National Assembly.
“Even as a member of the House of Representatives for Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency between 1999 and 2003, It is on record that it was through me that the people of Ikot Ukpong Eren in Oruk Anam Local Government Area and part of Mkpatak, Adiasim and Ekpenyong Atai in Essien Udim Local Government Area got electricity in their communities. So, I’ll be going to a very familiar terrain if given the mandate.”
The former secretary, Akwa Ibom Parliamentary Caucus, Member-elect , Etim Ekpo/Ika state constituency, member, 12 wise men committee of the House of Reps, (2002 to 2003), said he did a lot for his constituents when he was in the House of Representatives and needed a bigger platform to replicate the feat in the district.
