Elder Statesman, Obong Victor Attah has acknowledged the contributions of three former legislators from the state, whom he claimed assisted in the agitation for resource control spearheaded by him while holding sway as Governor of the State from 1999 to 2007.
Obong Attah mentioned the trio of Senator Ita Enang, a former member of the House Representatives from 1999 to 2011 and Senator, who represented Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015; Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, former Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) between 1999 and 2007; and Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who represented Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District from 1999 to 2007, as the only national legislators from the state who helped in pushing for the eventual actualization of the 13 percent derivative on crude oil.
Akwa Ibom State has 3 Senatorial Districts and 10 Federal Constituencies’ seats in the National Assembly in Abuja.
Speaking in Uyo during the 27th anniversary of the sociocultural group, Adaha Ibibio (Ibibio Elders Forum), Obong Attah said he had to make the clarification because of an assertion made by one of the speakers at the event, claiming that Senator John Udoedehe, who represented Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District from 1999 to 2003, was instrumental alongside Obong Attah in abrogating the onshore/ offshore oil dichotomy.
According to Obong Attah, who was sworn-in on the day as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the forum, as a course for a better future is charted, contributions of Ibibio sons and daughters for the betterment of Ibibio land and Akwa Ibom State must be properly acknowledged.
He, however, pointed out that although many Ibibio leaders have contributed in different capacities to their ethnic group, the story of resource control must be told devoid of half truths and misconceptions.
The former governor congratulated the forum on clocking 27 and advised members to be more proactive in their approach to all that concerns Ibibio and Akwa Ibom State.
Addressing newly inducted members of the forum, he urged them to be true patriots and ambassadors that will bring glory to Ibibio land. He urged the forum to redeem Ibibio’s glory, dignity and respect.
The Ibibio Elders Forum also known as Adaha Ibibio was founded in 1995.
©Ofonime Honesty