By Solomon Okpo
Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Okon, has outlined his mid-term achievements, projecting a strong performance in legislative duties, constituency development, and oversight responsibilities, while also dispelling public misconceptions about constituency project funding.
Speaking during a media chat held Monday, June 16, 2025, Hon. Okon highlighted a robust legislative record, including sponsorship and co-sponsorship of critical bills and motions spanning engineering regulations, infrastructure rehabilitation, educational reforms, and correctional facility improvement.
Among notable legislative inputs were motions on the deplorable state of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, discrimination against HND holders, and the urgent need for prison decongestion. He also co-sponsored bills for the establishment of registration boards for Metallurgical, Biomedical, and Material Engineers, and amendments to key national acts such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Industrial Training Fund Act.
On oversight, Hon. Okon noted his active role in 10 House Committees, including Deputy Chairmanship of Inter-Governmental Affairs, as well as membership in critical sectors like Healthcare Services, Gas Resources, and Works. He has also been co-opted into three additional committees: Procurement, Basic Education, and Interior.
In representation, Hon. Okon revealed that through strategic lobbying and partnerships, over ₦1.7 billion worth of constituency projects—far exceeding the ₦200 million statutory allocation—have been delivered or are underway across Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs. These include road constructions, boreholes, street lighting, classroom blocks, civic centres, bursaries, employment facilitation, and multiple forms of social welfare interventions.
Notable among his interventions are:
Construction of classroom blocks and civic centres in multiple communities;
Provision of solar-powered street lights and boreholes;
Financial bursaries for over 300 students, including 18 Nigerian Law School attendees;
Free medical outreaches;
Facilitation of federal employment for constituents;
Welfare packages for over 800 individuals.
Hon. Okon used the occasion to clarify misconceptions about constituency funding, stating categorically that no legislator received ₦1 billion in cash for constituency projects under the 2025 budget. Rather, projects amounting to that figure were merely allocated for implementation by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), not by the lawmakers themselves.
“Every member was allowed constituency projects worth ₦1 billion in the 2025 budget, up from ₦200 million in 2024. But no cash was given to us directly. Implementation rests solely with the MDAs,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Hon. Okon promised a major human capital empowerment programme before the end of the year, and urged continued media support, prayers, and constructive feedback.
He also called for sustained backing for Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other federal legislators in their efforts to deepen unity and development in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria.
> “By the grace of God, and with your support, I intend to do even more for the people of Itu/Ibiono Ibom,” he concluded.
