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ENCOMIUMS AS SENATOR EKONG SAMPSON GETS INAUGURATED INTO 10TH NIGERIAN SENATE

…Akwa Ibom South Senator promises rewarding representation, expresses appreciation

…Deputy Gov, Akon Eyakenyi, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Nsima Ekere, Ekuwem, others grace glittering reception ceremony

By Samuel Udoma

Encomiums have poured in for Senator (Dr) Ekong Sampson, who was yesterday, inaugurated as Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly. At a reception ceremony held honour of Sampson later yesterday evening at the Bolton White Apartments & Events Centre, Wuse Zone 7, it was a night of tributes for the celebrant. It was a joined event with the Member, representing Oron Federal Constituency, Hon. Martins Esin.

In his speech, Chairman of the occasion, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma hailed Senator Ekong Sampson as one of the very best he has ever worked with, praising his ‘deep intellect and political savvy’. Recall, Sampson, before his meteoric rise in politics, was a Chief Legislative Aide to Senator Udoma in the early 2000s.

Senator Udoma, who at a time, was Chairman of the powerful House Committee on Appropriation, in his speech, attributed a greater part of his success story in the Senate to Dr. Sampson. Yesterday, Senator Udoma beaming with pride, eulogized his menteé, who had reached the zenith of the nation’s legislature.

Senator Udoma, who is the current Pro-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, advised Senator Sampson not to allow ‘Abuja politics’ disconnect him from his constituents, urging him to ever remain the grassroots politician that he has always been.

Speaking on behalf of Akwa Ibom State Government, Deputy Governor of the Senator, Her Excellency, Senator Akon Eyakenyi said the state was proud of the current crop of national legislators, urging them to continually work to protect the interest of Akwa Ibom State. She lauded Senator Ekong Sampson as ‘a worthy successor’, whom she said will perform excellently in the Senate.

On his part, the immediate past Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem poured encomiums on Senator Ekong Sampson’s qualities, describing him as ‘a hugely knowledgeable person with a unique personality’. Dr. Ekuwem has always fondly refer to Senator Sampson as a ‘Scholar’.

A former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere hailed Senator Ekong Sampson on his inauguration and expressed optimism that the Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin, whom he said has started on a ‘very good note’, will do well in the Senate.

Other speakers of the night including a former House of Reps Member, Rt Hon. Esio Oquong Udoh, former Governorship candidate and cousin of Senator Sampson, Engr. Frank Okon, immediate past Pro-Chancellor of AKSU, Prof. Okon Eminue, Chairman of the Ekong Sampson Public and Policy Analysis Committee, Prof. Etie Ben Akpan, President-General of Oro Union, Ikpoto Okon Osung, DG of Sampson campaigns, Sir Michael Essang, among others hailed Sampson on his inauguration and wished him a successful tenure in the Red Chambers.

Responding to the flurry of tributes, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South, Dr Ekong Sampson expressed appreciation to the people of Akwa Ibom South and to all who found time to attend his inauguration ceremony. He reiterated his commitment to offer a bridge building, people-centered representation, noting that he will be a Senator for all.

Senator Sampson paid tribute to former Gov Udom Emmanuel for displaying what he termed ‘a deep sense of sacrifice’, which made it easier for him to a Senator.

Senator Sampson equally thanked his erstwhile opponents in the Senate race, who have now all rallied around him to ensure optimal legislative performance.
He thanked his family, Campaign Organization, school and professional colleagues for standing by him throughout the Senate race and wished them journey mercies home.

Among the dignitaries who graced the reception were Rt Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey, former Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and other members of the House, Executive Chairman, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Anieokpon Ekpo alongside other council chairmen, political chieftains, stalwarts, women and youth groups, sociopolitical organizations and well wishers.