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Heroic Homecoming As Mkpat Enin Elders Forum Presents Senator Ekong Sampson to Mkpat Enin Royal Fathers

…Council Chair Ekpo, ex-Commissioner, Dominic Udoh, former Lawmaker, Otobong Ndem, others laud Sampson’s political pedigree, contributions

…Onomkpoinam is clearly the leading politician in Mkpat Enin – Paramount Ruler, Ekpene

By Samuel Udoma

Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the Senate, Dr. Ekong Sampson was yesterday given a heroic homecoming when Mkpat Enin Elders Forum presented the National Assembly man to the Paramount Ruler and Traditional Rulers Council of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

Senator Sampson, speaking at the palace of the Paramount Ruler in Ikot Eyienge, said he accompanied the Elders Forum to come and say thank you and show appreciation to the traditional institution for their support to him during the recently concluded electioneering period.

Senator Sampson, who holds the unique traditional title of ‘Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin’, noted that his visit to the royal fathers was his first official outing to Mkpat Enin as Senator. He highlighted that such gesture underpinned the depth of regard and respect that he has for the traditional institution.

Recall that as Head of Council in Mkpat Enin, Senator Sampson increased the monthly stipends for royal fathers, in a bid to elevate their welfare. He has always maintained excellent relationship with them, supporting their palaces with amenities such as potable water and vehicles. He assured that he will continue to connect with his roots and do even more for the royal fathers.

Senator Sampson, at the palace, also called for support for Mkpat Enin in-law, Gov. Umo Eno and for the Senate President, HE, Godswill Akpabio to enable them work in tandem and bring dividends of democracy to the state.

Earlier, while presenting Senator Ekong Sampson to the full converge of the traditional institution in Mkpat Enin, Deputy Chairman, Mkpat Enin Elders Forum, Dr. Dominic Udoh described Senator Sampson as a traditional institution-friendly politician, who has huge respect for the stool.

Udoh, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the State, noted that elders in the Local Government, across party lines had roundly decided to queue behind Senator Sampson, in recognition of his political disposition, clout and pedigree.

The ex-Commissioner stated that elders of the Local Government had considered the time right to give the area a proper sense of political leadership and direction, observing that Senator Sampson fitted the mould of one who should be trusted for political direction.

He appealed to the royal fathers to stand behind, support and always pray for the Akwa Ibom South Senator to enable him succeed optimally.

Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government, Hon. Anieokpon Ekpo said that with Senator Sampson’s leadership, Mkpat Enin was indeed in for greater times. He noted that with the Senator as the highest ranking official from the Local Government Area, all the area were now under him for guidance and direction.

On his part, a former House of Assembly Member for Mkpat Enin, Engr. Otobong Ndem joined voices with the position of the Mkpat Enin Elders Forum, maintaining that by virtue of his high ranking office, Senator Ekong Sampson was the natural political leader of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The former lawmaker called on all to join hands and support the Senator in moving the local government forward.

Also speaking, the PDP Chapter Chairman in Mkpat Enin, Rt Hon. Anietie Sunday expressed satisfaction over Senator Sampson’s all inclusive start to life as Senator. He said that as a party, they were very happy with Senator Sampson and will back him with the needed support to succeed.

In his blessings and benediction, Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan, sided by all three clan heads and village heads in the Local Government Area, poured encomiums on Senator Ekong Sampson. He described Senator Sampson as clearly the leading politician in Mkpat Enin.

The Akwa Enin V of Mkpat Enin said that the royal fathers were pleased with Sampson, whom he noted, has never failed the royal institution. He affirmed the prayers of the monarchs, laid hands on and prayed for success of the Senator.

Present at the occasion were former Chief Medical Doctor, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Etete Peters, Leader of Mkpat Enin Legislative Council, Hon. Ebong Akpan, Secretary of Council, Princess Eno Ekanem, and a number of Councillors and Supervisors.

Others were Director-General of PDP Campaigns in Mkpat Enin, Rev. Obot Ekanem, Secretary of Campaigns, Hon. Innocent Tom, Vice Chapter of PDP, Mkpat Enin, Mr. Emma Jacob, brother to Mrs Patience Umo Eno, Emmanuel Inyang, Political stalwarts and chieftains.