Palliative Rice: Group Lauds Ekong Sampson, Calls for Accountability from other Federal Legislators

 

Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson PhD, sharing the palliative Rice to its constituents in Akwa Ibom state 

By Freshgist 

A pro-democracy group in Nigeria, Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has lauded the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District in the National Assembly, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, for distributing to his constituents the consignment of rice given to him by President Bola Tinubu for distribution as palliative to his constituents during the yuletide.

The commendation was contained in a press release issued by the civil society group and signed by its Director and Secretary, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Barr. Christopher Ekpo, respectively, on Monday,  29th January, 2024.

The statement, which was made available to newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, stated that Ekong Sampson's gesture to his constituents in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District came in the midst of refutations on the issue by some of his colleagues of Akwa Ibom extraction in the National Assembly.

The advocacy group vowed to track the Presidential Rice even as it monitored the distribution of the palliative by Senator Sampson.

The Center noted that the Ekong Sampson distribution exercise, which took place on Wednesday,  24th January, 2024, at the Senator Ekong Sampson Constituency Office, 105 Atabong Road, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, was peaceful and successful. 

The Center stated that the rice, packed in bags, were distributed to constituents within the 12 local government areas that made up the Eket senatorial district.

The group noted that apart from the palliative rice, the Senator also empowered 700 indigenes of the district with education and business support grants. 

The CHRAN urged other National Assembly members from the State who are yet to distribute the palliative rice of President Tinubu to borrow a leaf from Ekong Sampson by being transparent and accountable to their constituents.

The CHRAN further stated that it was sanguine that the President Tinubu Palliative Rice had been received by all the National Assembly members on behalf of their constituents, and so urged them to distribute same to their constituents without further delay. 

The CHRAN maintained that it will soon name and shame the National Assembly members who have not distributed the palliative rice to their constituents. 

The CHRAN stated that it has reliable information to the effect that food palliatives worth N57.8 billion had been approved for members of the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for onward distribution to their constituents and that same had been released and shared to all members of the National Assembly.

The CHRAN also stated  that it has been reliably informed that N200 million worth of rice was given to Senators as palliatives for their constituents while N100 million worth of rice was given to members of the House of Representatives as palliatives for constituents.

It would be recalled that the Presidency, while showcasing Tinubu’s scorecard in palliatives disbursement to Nigerians, had revealed that each Senator got N200 million worth of palliatives for their constituents while each member of the House of Representatives received N100 million worth of palliatives for their constituents.

Nigeria Solid Mineral Sector Untapped Gold Mine - Senator Sampson. ....Doles Out More Rice, Cash As Palliative To Constituents

 

By Freshgist 

The senator representing Akwa  Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Dr. Ekong Sampson has described Nigeria's solid mineral sector as untapped gold mine awaiting investment opportunities.

Senator Sampson, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals made the remarks while giving out another round of rice and cash to the 12 local government areas of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal last year.

Sampson promised to ensure that members of his constituency benefits from the sector while informing them that most of the demands they made from his office have been captured in the 2024 budget.

According to the Senator, "We have oil, we have gas and also abundant solid minerals deposits, I will make sure that our people have in abundance the benefits of these natural resources to better their lives.

He added, "I came into this office prepared to serve the people without excuses, I am accessible, practice open door policy in addition to being transparent and accountable for all my activities in office".

Speaking on the second round of palliatives been distributed by his office within one month, Sampson explained that his decision was borne out of his desire to cushion the harsh economic conditions faced by Nigerians owing to the fuel subsidy removal.

He averred, "I wish to say that in my seven months in office, I have secured employment for our youths, I have also empowered many,  few weeks ago, we went round giving out palliatives (rice and cash) to my people to help cushion the effects of fuel subsidy, today we are doing more give away and Wednesday, January 24, over 600 people will receive empowerment from my office mostly in the areas of education and business grants to help them advance in their various careers.

"This empowerment cut across partisan lines and even included some people who are not from our state, we are one Nigeria, and they also voted for us in the last election, more so it is a fact that we must strive to curb the pangs of hunger across the senatorial district"

The Senator expressed deep seated gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for partnering with his office in ensuring the availability of the food stuffs, assuring his constituents that the he will intermittently brief them and also provide them with all necessary succour.

In his goodwill message, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Uyiobong Uko expressed delight at the deep compassion the senator has for his constituents stressing that others may want to divert such palliatives to somewhere else.

He highlighted, "Today you have this because your Senator did not want the money but prefers you get the palliatives, he is a man of integrity and I can assure you that the way he is going there is nothing meant for this senatorial district that will be hold up in Abuja or diverted to somewhere else for his pecuniary gain".

He said that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is determined to help Nigerians and urge the people to look forward to a nation with abundance of food for its citizens soon.

Encomium as stakeholders, youth, hail Mkpat Enin Council boss over roads rehabilitation in A'Ibom

 

By Freshgist 

Mkpat Enin Local Government stakeholders in Akwa Ibom on Tuesday commended the Transition Chairman, Hon  Lady Mercy Bassey over the ongoing rehabilitation of Ibekwe Akpanya - Ikot Akpaden link road which has remained impassable over a year.

The road also connects major Federal, State parastatals and privately owned institutions in the area, as well as Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Eastern Obolo, Onna/Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas of the state.

Lady Bassey, who was appointed as the Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government barely a month ago by Governor Umo Bassey Eno has carried out intervention work on the road that was neglected over the years to make life better to motorists and others traversing the road.

Our Correspondent, who visited some communities (Ibekwe Akpanya, Mkpat Enin urban, Esa Ekpo, Ukam and Ikot Akpaden) felt the pulse of residents of the area. 

Obonganwan Rose Andrew Brown recounted how some traders lost their lives and goods while going or returning from  big markets in the area due to the deplorable state of the road.

Picture description: Before meets after 

"I want to thank God on behalf of my Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and his dear wife, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno for choosing our daughter as the Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government,who understands the problem of the people and also them for common good.

" Right from when she was an Acting Chairman, she renovated the Council Secretariat. And barely a month,she has rehabilitated the only major road that we have in Mkpat Enin".

Former People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chapter Chairman in the area, Hon. Nkereuwem Akai extold the Council boss saying, the Transition Chairman is a performer, even when she was an Acting Chairman for 8 months, when the immediate past Chairman was suspended from office for maladministration by the State House of Assembly in 2022.

According to him, "you can see how she fixed the Ibekwe Akpanya - Ikot Akpaden road barely a month in office. We feel she can do more, if given opportunity to serve as elected chairman of the Council.

"On security, the DPO recently commended her for subduing criminality in Ibiaku and Ikpa-Ikono Clans where kidnappers are holding sway".

On his part, Secretary of Ikot Unya Village Council, Chief Anthony Christopher Udoudo expressed delight of the Chairman's gesture on grading rural roads in Mkpat Enin.

Mr. Godswill Okon Sampson, on behalf the youth also applauded the Council boss for transforming the rural areas through her intervention in grading roads and making them motorable.

"Our Chairman has done well because, she is currently grading roads from Ibekwe Akpanya to Ikpa-Ikono Clan. She is also drilling borehole at Ibianga Village in Ikpa-Ikono Ward 1, renovation of Primary Health Center at Ibioete. We pray God to strengthen her to do more." He stated

Meet Marie Agyare Wiseborn, Moses Bliss wife-to-be

 

Congratulations Moses and Marie.

Gospel Artist, Moses Bliss has engaged his heart-throb, Marie Agyare Wiseborn

His wife to be is said to be a British Ghanaian Lawyer and a Chorister at The Church of Pentecost, United Kingdom. 

A very decent and focused woman who knows her goals in life and work towards realizing it.

Ibadan Explosion: Senator Ekong Sampson Commiserates with Oyo State Government ...promises stricter legislative measures against illegal mining

 

By Samuel Udoma 

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson has commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State over the recent explosion that rocked Ibadan, which led to the loss of lives and property.

At least two persons have been confirmed dead and over 70 injured from the explosion which took place in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier in the week

While investigations are still on, to ascertain the true cause of the explosion, which sent shock waves across the Oyo State capital, there are widespread reports that the nature of the explosion appeared like the ones caused by craters and earth crusting dynamites, used in mining, illegally stored in one of the affected buildings.

Speaking to newsmen at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, shortly after receiving the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson said that the Bodija explosion was most unfortunate. He said that the incident clearly shows the harm which illegal mining is causing not just the Nigerian economy, but the safety of lives and property.

Senator Sampson said that the Nigerian Senate will ensure stricter control against illegal mining. He lamented that  some Nigerians were collaborating with some foreign elements to rip Nigeria off, through illegal mining as well as fuelling insecurity in parts of the country.

"As the Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, I feel particularly disturbed over the Bodija explosion. My heart goes out to Gov. Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Government and the families of those who lost their lives or were injured in the unfortunate incident. I also commiserate with those who lost their hard earned property to the impact of the explosion.

The Senator, a former Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources in Akwa Ibom State, said that his Committee will work with relevant agencies, including the security operatives to clamp down, through enabling laws and regulations, on individuals and companies involved in illegal and unsupervised mining.

He praised Governor Makinde and security operatives for speedily identifying those behind the dastardly act, and called on the security agencies to intensify and broaden their investigation into the incident.

Mkpat Enin Ticket Violence kingpin Akanimo Ikpe Indicts Self, Confesses To Not Being LG Revenue Agent ...murder culprits in hiding as Police closes in; LG Chairman absolved of any wrongdoings

Akanimo Ikpe, a Personal Assistant to Governor Umo Eno and a major kingpin fingered in the recent violence in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, which has led to loss of one life has conceded his earlier position, confessing that he is actually, not a revenue agent for the Local Government.

Recall that the new Mkpat Enin Transition Committee leadership led by Hon. Mercy Bassey on assumption of office in early December  2023, had dissolved all standing Committees in the LGA, and subsequently declared tax holiday for all markets in the Area.

However, on December 23, 2023, some thugs allegedly led by Akanimo Ikpe, who himself, has been acting as a self-styled revenue tout for one Samruf Technical Services, for the past few years, stormed the two main markets, Ukam and Akpudo to sell illegal tickets. The action of Akanimo Ikpe and his hooligans was reportedly met with stiff resistance by youths of the community.

Later that night, a prominent youth in Ikot Akpabong, where Akpudo market is located and one of the leading enforcers of the tax holiday, Samuel Monday Toby was murdered in cold blood at his house, in front of his wife and children. 

According to community sources, the assailants were said to be working on the orders of Akanimo Ikpe and the Village Head of Ikot Akpabong, Eteidung Aniefiok Udom, who is now at large as one of the prime suspects in the case.

Days ago, Mr. Ikpe, probably conscious of the enormity of his involvement in the horrendous crimes, in a release, stirred up controversy, by trying to rope in the Transition Committee Chairman into the tragic melee.

However, a counter release signed by the Secretary of council, Pastor Afia Amos and another signed by the Dean of Supervisors, Mkpat Enin, Barr. Daniel Hilary, have absolved Hon. Bassey of any wrongdoings or involvement and place the issue in the proper light for the public.

Now, in a leaked audio making the rounds on social media, Akanimo Ikpe, was heard saying on a phone call to a journalist, that he has never been a revenue agent for the Local Government Area. The audio is generating widespread outrage, with many questioning his earlier grandstanding on the Transition Committee Chairman in his Press Release, as if he has ever been contracted by the Council on Revenue.

Meanwhile, Mrs Gift Samuel Monday, wife of late Samuel Monday Toby, has written a petition to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police.

In the petition dated 29th December, 2023, Mrs Monday revealed that her husband was killed by armed men, suspected to have been sponsored and instructed by the village head of Ikot Akpaobong, Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, in cohorts with Akanimo Ikpe.

Top sources can confirm that, the State Police Command, are following the case diligently. So far, many arrests have been made, as the Force continues to narrow in on  he prime suspects. The Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Mercy Bassey, who has enjoyed widespread support by the people, and as the Chief Security Officer of the LGA, is said to be cooperating with the security agencies, where necessary.

Revenue crisis: Transition Chairman Clears air over death of one in A'Ibom

 

Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey, Chairman, Transition committee, Mkpat Enin LGA, Akwa Ibom State

By Freshgist

The Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area has cleared air over the death of tax collector, Samuel Monday Toby.

Recall, Toby was said to have been attacked in his home for assisting in the enforcement of revenue collection suspension in Ikot Akpaobong market, which led to his death. 

Meanwhile the wife of the deceased, Mrs Gift Samuel Monday had petitioned the Commissioner of Police over the death of her husband, which she traced to his involvement in the suspension of revenue collection in the market.

“His assassination is not far-fetched from his 21st December, 2023, involvement in the enforcement of the Ikot Akpaobong Market revenue collection suspension directive of the Mkpat Enin Local Government Council having been appointed to aide in the implementation of the directive" she disclosed. 

Reacting to the death of the deceased, Secretary, Transition Committee Mkpat Enin LGA, Pastor Amos Afia stated that December 2023 was declared a tax-free month for traders in Mkpat Enin, as such the revenue collection committee was dissolved. 

In a press release signed by Secretary, Transition Committee Mkpat Enin LGA, Pastor Amos Afia  and made available to newsmen in Uyo, He explained that some youths in the Local Government led by Akanimo Bob Ikpe, a Personal Assistant to Governor Umo Eno, and Village Head of Ikot Akpaobong Village, Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom flouted the order by selling unauthorized tickets to traders in Akpaudo and Ukam markets.

Amos also disclosed that the council had officially informed Eteidung Udom on the tax-free excise in all the markets in the village, adding that members of the newly constituted Markets/Motor Parks Committee were introduced to the Commissioner of Police, as the authorized persons to collect revenue from January 1, 2024.

He explained that the local government council never engaged the services of Akanimo Bob Ikpe as a revenue officer, but that of Samruf Technical Services Limited whose contract elapsed in December 2023, noting that any such claim by Akanimo Bob Ikpe was illegal.

"On December 11, 2023, after due consultation with members of the Transition Committee, the leadership of the Local Government Council through a press release signed by the Secretary of the Transition Committee, Pastor Afia Amos, declared December 2023 a tax-free month for traders in Mkpat Enin. 

"We also announced the dissolution of all standing committees in the Local Government Council including the revenue collection committee.

"Despite the release, radio and social media announcement for the smooth implementation of the tax-free exercise, some Youths in the Local Government led by Akanimo Bob Ikpe, a Personal Assistant to the Governor, and Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, the village Head of Ikot Akpaobong Village flouted the order by forcefully selling unauthorized tickets to traders in Akpaudo and Ukam markets.

"On December 20, 2023, the village head of Ikot Akpaobong, Eteidung Aniefiok7 Cyril Udom, was officially written to, introducing the enforcement team on the tax-free excise in all the markets in the village. In addition, on December 29, 2023, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, got a letter introducing members of the newly constituted Markets/Motor Parks Committee as the authorized persons for revenue collection from January 1, 2024.

"On December 22, 2023, an unfortunate report that an indigene of Mkpat Enin named Samuel Monday Toby was attacked at his home for assisting in the enforcement of revenue collection suspension in Ikot Akpaobong Market. 

"From all the records available in the Local Government Council, there is no record that indicates that the Local Government Council at any point engaged the services of Akanimo Bob Ikpe as a revenue officer. 

"Rather, the Council engaged a certain Samruf Technical Services Limited for the revenue business and details of the engagement shows that the contract elapsed in December 2023. Therefore, the claim by Akanimo Bob Ikpe that he was a revenue collection officer in the Local Government amounts to illegality.

"Finally, the Transition Committee is working closely with the Nigeria Police and all relevant security agencies to ensure that all culprits in the current crisis are brought to book. We are very committed to restoring and ensuring lasting peace in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area," the release stated. 

CHRAN Parleys DSS In Akwa Ibom

 

Freshgist 

Rights group under the auspices of Center For Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has paid a familiarisation visit to the new State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adetuberu Doyin, in his office in Uyo. 

In a Release signed by the CHRAN Secretary, Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo on Friday and made available to newsmen in Uyo, disclosed that the purpose of the visit was to welcome the new DSS Boss to the State, assuring that the Center will continue to partner the Service to ensure that it succeeds in the security and protection of lives and property of the people of Akwa Ibom State. 

The CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong  assured Mr. Adetuberu Doyin that Akwa Ibom people are generally hospitable, accommodating, and law abiding.

Responding, the new DSS helmsman, Mr Adetuberu Doyin, assured that he will build on the commendable legacy of his predecessor by deepening and expanding the scope of interactions and partnership with CHRAN.

 Doyin disclosed that the DSS is committed to upholding human rights within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 The DSS Boss offered to facilitate communication and enhance closer bond and ties with the human rights community in Akwa Ibom State, assuring that he is committed to domesticating global best practices.

 He also acknowledged CHRAN's role as a watchdog while pledging to operate an open-doors policy.

Members of the Center on the the entourage were: Otuekong Franklyn Isong, Director; Barr. Christopher Ekpo, Secretary; Barr. Ubong Offiong, Legal Secretary; Comrade Aniedi Michael, Director of Youth Affairs; Comrade Emmanuel Udoatta, Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Comrade Utibe Archibong. 

Senator's wife fetes ESD Women with items, worth over 15m in A'Ibom

L-R:  Senator Representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson PhD and his Wife, Mrs Matina, followed by Mkpat Enin Transition Chairman, Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey, and Her Royal Majesty, Obonganwan Ekpene , Wife of the Mkpat Enin Paramount Ruler. 

(Photo credit: Comrade Theresa Donatus)

By Freshgist 

The Wife of the Senator Representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Mrs Matina Ekong Sampson in Collaboration with the state Governor's  wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno have splashed cash empowerment, food and wrappers worths over N15m to Eket Senatorial District Women as part of activities to celebrate Yuletide.

Speaking with Newsmen  recently at Mkpat Enin council area Secretariat, Mrs Matina Ekong Sampson commended the women of Eket Senatorial District for voting into office her beloved husband, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson PhD, and prayed that the woman would enjoy good health and fulfil their days on earth.

Mrs Matina Ekong Sampson, showering love to the widows

She expressed gratitudes to God Almighty for the gifts of life, also appreciated her husband, Senate President's wife, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, state governor's wife, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno for their support to the women of Eket Senatorial District of the state.

She said that cash empowerment was  made available to all widows and orphans to start up businesses of their choice in the new year 2024 in line to promote the ARISE agenda of His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom state to make the women fame and self developed.

According to her, "I thank my beloved husband, Onomkpoinam 1 of Mkpat Enin Local government Area, for being a supportive husband , a lover of good things, who encouraged me to share good tidings with the women in this new year.

" I thank  His Royal Majesty Etteidung Akpan Akpan Ekpene for permitting his beautiful Wife here, the Obonganwan Mkpat Enin at a short notice to be present with us today.

R-L: Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey applauding the senator 's wife for her kind gesture

"I also thank the Transition Chairman, Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey, Mkpat Enin PDP Stake holders here present, and the women leaders representing other local governments that made up the Senatorial District and all the women here present for responding to my call.

"The governor's wife has sent her support and seasons greetings to you all beautiful women, so I thank her very much and pray we would all have a successful 2024.

"Our Dear Senate's President wife, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio also extends her seasons greetings to all the women of this Senatorial District, and had promised to visit us anytime she comes home.

"My job here is to thank you all for supporting my awesome husband through out the Election time, with a very open heart that Iis why I brought all the gifts seen here. I also want to tell you that I will always be there for you , and protect your interest, anytime I see opportunities for women, you all will always be included in my plans because without the women my husband would not have made it, without the women, there's no politics , so I assure you that you will always be represented . As we have started this today, we will continue it, it won't stop here, we will fix women in place to check interest of women so that we know exactly what you need and it will be provided. Please accept this token, it's from my heart to you, God bless you all in Jesus name amen."

Women dancing and rejoicing while welcoming  Mrs Matina Ekong Sampson 

In a welcome address, the Transition Chairman, Hon Lady Mercy Bassey applauded the Senator and his wife for the show of love to the Senatorial Districts,  describing him as a promise keeper.

She also lauded the governor's wife for the support the council area women and entire Senatorial District "Let me cease this moment to thank my wonderful Governor His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno and his dear wife Pastor Patience Umo Eno in a special way for for giving their full chest support to our dear Senator, thank you  is not enough also for giving Mkpat Enin a female Transition Chairman (my dear self) may God bless you my Governor, and may God bless Mkpat Enin LGA and keep us safely in peace and unity.

"I thank our Senator and his dear wife, Senator/Mrs Ekong Sampson for keeping to his campaign promises by coming back to say Thank you to our women, and also thank the Eket Senatorial District Women for standing by him through  the Election period

I say may God Almighty bless you all .

"Thank you senator for setting a record straight for the local government council and entire Senatorial Districts you always say "what is good, do it and do it right" and who ever is by your side doesn't matter , thank you for your signature projects in the local government council and in all the clans, honestly you left a very big shoes which no other council chairmen is able to fit in till now but the truth is that we will follow your pattern and make the best out of what we can , at least something you will be proud of. 

On his part, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District commended the Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin for amending the bad road during her first month in office.

"Transition Chairman, the other day I silently came to Mkpat Enin, I noticed the ongoing re-construction on our road and when I asked, I was told , it was your  direction, that is exactly what I want in Mkpat Enin, I only condemn fruitless labour!

"I want only the best and you did a great job, weldone. I remember when I was the Mkpat Enin Local government chairman far back 2004, there was no road in Esa Ekpo, and I ordered for a reconstruction just like what you did , the Holy Bible says in the book of Proverbs 29:2, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice". And I promise that we will join hands and build Mkpat Enin like Richard Umoren who worked so hard and build the secretariat and the stadium, he did too well for us and up till now he is still remembered for all he did, so far I have seen the you are beginning to follow our footsteps and you are doing well .

"I thank our Amiable Governor for listening to the voice of Mkpat Enin people , Governor Umo Eno has democratized his governance in a true sense , he listened to the heartbeat and desire of Mkpat Enin people by giving us a Transition Chairman with a heart of gold, thank you your Excellency.

 "My wife came to do a little hard shake with Eket Senatorial District Women , yesterday my wife met with the wife of the governor, the first Lady who is also Mkpat Enin woman, and she sent her words and support to our district women, so my wife is here in a double capacity as she is also representing the governor's wife Pastor Patience Umo Eno."

"And that is the beauty of team work and partnership so we thank her and the governor, we also thank the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio and the deputy governor of Akwa Ibom state, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi , we are proud of you all, there is beauty in women inclusive governance , so I urged everyone to join hands with us, let's build Mkpat Enin and by extension our Senatorial District at large, thank you".

The women representatives were drawn across all wards of the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District which consist of 12 local government areas, namely: Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin,  Eastern Obolo, Onna, Eket,  Esit Eket,  Ibeno, Okobo, Oron,  UdungUko, Urueoffong/Oruko and Mbo.

Transition Committee Chairman for Mkpat Enin, Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey, President, Esop Mbong Ibaan, Eket Senatorial District, Obonganwan Mary Umanaette, the Paramount Ruler's wife, HRM Obonganwan Ekpene, Wife of General overseer, Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Evangelist Mrs Eka John Okoriko, Mkpat Enin PDP Stake holders and prominent women leaders across the Senatorial District, graced the occasion.