… expresses gratitude to Okobo People for sending dynamic, focus representative to 8th Assembly
By Uduak Akai
OKOBO
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA), Elder Udeme Otong, has expressed profound gratitude to the people of Okobo for electing a dynamic and focused representative to the 8th Assembly.
Speaker Otong gave this commendation while delivering a speech on behalf of the 8th Assembly during a constituency briefing and empowerment programme organized by Mr. Bassey Pius Bassey, the member representing Okobo State Constituency. The event took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Government Model Primary School, Okobo.
Elder Otong explained that his gratitude stemmed from the fact that Hon. Bassey has excelled in his legislative duties, including lawmaking, oversight, and representation. He noted that these functions have been effectively discharged, as reflected in the lawmaker’s scorecard for his first two and a half years in office.
The Speaker further commended the Okobo lawmaker for demonstrating a high level of accountability through various life-touching empowerment initiatives. He described the gesture as a clear testament to Bassey’s commitment to service. Representing Abak State Constituency himself, the Speaker stated that the 8th Assembly has shown unprecedented commitment to constituent empowerment compared to previous Assemblies. He urged members to maintain this culture of transparency and accountability.
Otong also lauded Governor Umo Eno, PhD, for his transparent leadership, noting that the Governor’s “ARISE Agenda” has positively influenced every facet of the state. He emphasized that without the Governor’s support, Hon. Bassey’s empowerment programme would not have been possible. He advised beneficiaries not to sell the items for “peanuts” but to use them to improve their livelihoods, while calling on the people of Okobo to continue supporting Governor Eno, President Bola Tinubu, and Hon. Bassey beyond 2027.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, congratulated the lawmaker for giving back to his people. He noted that as the “Chief Empowerment Officer” of the state, the Governor has touched every local government area and ward, promising to extend this reach to every unit in the state. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the items judiciously to create a multiplier effect for their families and society.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former federal lawmaker, Mr. Robinson Uwak, described the day as an opportunity to appreciate God for His visitation to the people of Okobo. He remarked that Hon. Bassey’s passion for his constituents is evident and urged other politicians to impact their communities positively to ensure a lasting legacy.
In his briefing, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey thanked God, the stakeholders, and his constituents for the mandate given to him. He emphasized that the beauty of participatory democracy lies in giving constituents a sense of belonging through sustainable projects. He explained that his representation is modeled after human empowerment and community development, aligning with Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Legislative Scorecard:
Hon. Bassey revealed that he has sponsored or co-sponsored 19 bills, including:
A bill to regulate the Scrap Metal Dealers business (HAB 367).
The Akwa Ibom Safety Commission Establishment Bill (HAB 305).
The Akwa Ibom State Economic Stabilization Reserve Funds Bill.
An amendment to the Agricultural Loans Law (HAB 309) to increase loan limits for farmers and cooperatives.
He has also moved several motions, including those for the rehabilitation of the Okopedi-Nung Atai Etta-Odobo-Nsie-Eweme-Oyubia Road and proactive measures to prevent flooding in Akwa Ibom communities.
Community Impact:
His projects include the purchase of 200 UTME forms, payment of tuition for indigent students, distribution of palliatives, and educational grants. He also facilitated the construction of three classroom blocks at St. Theresa’s Catholic School, Okopedi, and a hybrid water project in Akpruom Etta.
The Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, Mr. George Henshaw, praised the lawmaker’s effective representation and thanked Governor Eno for his ongoing mentorship and developmental projects in the area.
Goodwill messages were also received from Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi (represented by Elder Okokon), Senator Ekong Sampson, and former Speakers/Deputy Speakers, including Mrs. Felicia Bassey and Mr. Peter Linus.
The empowerment items distributed included cars, motorcycles, power generators, grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, and specialized tools for vulcanizers, tilers, and welders. Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and pledged to use the items to better their lives.
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