Legislative Engagement:

Form of New Nigerian Senate Takes Shape as INEC Presents Certificate of Return To New Senators

…Ekong Sampson says new Senate has job in its hand

By Samuel Udoma (Abuja)

The Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Dr. Ekong Sampson has received his Certificate of Return as winner in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly elections held across the country.

In a ceremony held at the exquisite dome of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, which served as the National Election Collation Centre earlier today, Dr. Sampson joined by wife, Matina and Dr. Chris Udoka, a Director at the PDP National Secretariat, received his Certificate from INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

It was a rich array of the newly elected and reelected Nigerian Senators, drawn from across a wide spectrum – from PDP, APC, Labour Party, YPP who had emerged victorious in the just concluded elections. Dr. Sampson, who is making an emphatic return to the National Assembly, after serving as Chief Legislative Aide to Senator Udoma Udo Udoma in the early 2000s, was bubbling with zest to resume again in the Red Chambers.

The Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin was his ever warm self at the National Collation Centre, exchanging pleasantries with current Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was also making a return to the Red Chambers after a hiatus. Dr. Sampson also had moments with Chief Victor Umeh, Hon. Ned Nwoko, among others. Current Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Senator-elect for Uyo Senatorial District, Rt Hon. Aniekan Bassey was also present.

Dr. Sampson, well noted for his bridge building disposition, was seen enjoying quality banters with his new colleagues in the Senate. Leadership of the 10th Senate, constitution of Committees, among other issues probably featured in the jovial chit-chats of the new Senators.

Meanwhile, the former State Environment and Petroleum Resources Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State has stated that the new Nigerian Senate has job in hand, considering the critical condition of the country at the moment. Speaking after receiving his Certificate of Return, Dr. Sampson said the 10th Senate ‘will have to rise to take Nigeria out of the woods’.

The Senator-elect noted that the diverse mix of the Senate can be used to an advantage to help douse growing polarization of the country. Sampson said he was looking forward to working with like-minds in the Senate to help move the country forward.

Photo Credit: Samuel Udoma