…opens Constituency Office, September 21
…HRM Akpan Akpan Ekpene recalls how Senator Sampson gave him car, support; showers Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin with praises, gifts
…monarch washes hands off Mkpat Enin political leader controversy
Fresh from his holiday in the United States, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly, Senator Ekong Sampson has redeemed his pledge of 5million naira to the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene.
Senator Sampson true to his words, fulfilled his promise to Edidem Ekpene yesterday, when he paid a visit to the monarch at his palace in Ikot Eyienge, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The donation was in support of the ongoing building project of the palace of the Paramount Ruler.
Recall that few weeks ago, when the Akwa Ibom South Senator visited the Paramount Ruler with a retinue of Mkpat Enin Elders and Stakeholders after his inauguration into the 10th Nigerian Senate, he had made the pledge to the Mkpat Enin royal father.
In a meeting which was more like ‘father and son’ conversation, Senator Ekong Sampson assured the Paramount Ruler of an elaborate coronation ceremony befitting for the Akwa Enin V. Senator Sampson enjoys great relationship with the Mkpat Enin traditional institution.
It was Sampson who, as Council Chairman, helped to coordinate the landmark coronation of the former Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, Late Edidem John Ufot Ibanga. It was during the period that Sampson presented a car to Ekpene. He later constructed a water facility for him and the remaining clan heads of Mkpat Enin from his personal purse.
Sampson holds the unique traditional title of ‘Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin’ – in recognition of his great accomplishments in the Local Government Area. As Council Chairman, Senator Sampson lived in Mkpat Enin all through his tenure and increased stipend for traditional rulers and even for town-criers.
Speaking at the Paramount Ruler’s palace yesterday, Senator Sampson said that he was committed to delivering qualitative Senate representation for Akwa Ibom South, while going about his natural philanthropy. He then presented a cheque of N5Million Naira to the Paramount Ruler for the palace project, which he has been supporting earlier.
Senator Ekong Sampson used the opportunity to inform the Mkpat Enin royal father that he will be opening his Constituency Office on September 21, 2023 in Eket, so as to serve Akwa Ibom South people. Sampson disclosed that he will embark on a number of unique empowerment packages for the people of Akwa Ibom South.
Senator Ekong Sampson is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT and Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committee on Employment. He assured the Paramount Ruler that he will seriously pursue employment for indigenes of Akwa Ibom South in both private and public sectors in the country.
Dr. Sampson, who also holds the traditional title of ‘Adaiso Ikpa Ikono’, bestowed on him by Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene, reiterated that he will continue to remain close and supportive of the Mkpat Enin Traditional institution.
In his response, a visibly elated HRM Ekpene, sided by his wife, poured encomiums on Senator Ekong Sampson. Edidem Ekpene hailed Sampson’s impeccable leadership qualities in not only Ikpa Ikono, but entire Mkpat Enin at large.
Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene acknowledged the recent controversies surrounding the political leader position in Mkpat Enin and disclosed that he stayed away from the event because of the controversy and to avoid dragging the traditional institution into unnecessary partisan politicking.
He said that nobody in Mkpat Enin can knock his head against that of Senator Ekong Sampson whom he described as ‘his son of many years’. He advised the media against twisting stories to cause confusion and tension in the polity.
Ekpene noted that the traditional institution in Mkpat Enin will continue to play fatherly role in ensuring peace and development in the Council Area.
The Mkpat Enin royal household, in appreciation, showered Senator Sampson with assorted gifts and prayed for him.
Among those who accompanied the Senator on the visit to the Paramount Ruler were the Chairman, Ward Leaders Forum, Mkpat Enin, Rev. Obot Ekanem and a former CMD, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Etete Peters, the Clan Head Ibiaku, HRH, Etebom Ime Ekong, the Village Head of Ikot Idiong, Eteidung Sunday Evans, among others
©Samuel Udoma