By Solomon OKPO
Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, has emphasized that political affiliations must be tailored toward the collective development of Akwa Ibom State, asserting that politics should serve as a vehicle for progress—not division.
The Senator made this known in Uyo on Tuesday, during a strategic meeting with members of his Public and Policy Analysis Committee, a think-tank inaugurated by Governor Umo Eno in July 2023 and chaired by distinguished geologist and emeritus professor, Etie Ben Akpan. The meeting also drew coordinators from the twelve local government areas within the senatorial district.
The gathering appraised Senator Sampson’s two years in the Senate while deliberating on recent political realignments in the state—most notably the June 6, 2025, defection of Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Senator, who chairs the Akwa Ibom National Assembly Caucus, publicly endorsed the governor’s decision alongside fellow lawmakers, marking a significant political pivot in the state’s landscape.
Explaining his stance, Senator Sampson said the realignment was strategic, designed to create stronger synergy with the Federal Government, especially with Akwa Ibom’s own Senator Godswill Akpabio presiding over the Senate. He maintained that such alignment would unlock long-stalled federal projects—including the Ibom Deep Seaport, ALSCON revival, and more federal institutions—critical to Akwa Ibom’s economic transformation.
“Akwa Ibom South must not be isolated,” Sampson said. “We must connect to the centre to harness real development. But let it be clear—no political shift can compromise my core values. I remain committed to transparent, people-focused leadership.”
He praised Governor Umo Eno for his open consultations prior to the defection, saying the governor’s sincerity of purpose made it easier for others to support the move. Senator Sampson urged unity among stakeholders, stressing that political loyalty must never override the state’s best interests.
The Senator also acknowledged the support he has received from prominent figures across party lines, including Senate President Akpabio, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Chief Nduese Essien, and the grassroots supporters of Akwa Ibom South. He expressed particular gratitude to the PDP for providing the platform that took him to the Senate, even as he decried the internal fractures within the party.
On his scorecard, Sampson highlighted an array of constituency projects—completed, ongoing, and proposed—across the twelve LGAs of Akwa Ibom South. He noted that his appointment into the South South Development Commission would further enhance his capacity to attract federal attention and resources to the district.
Committee members including Prof. Etie Ben Akpan, Sir Michael Essang, Chief Chelly Okoko, Prof. Des Wilson, Barr. Ann Eyo, Prof. Uduak Okon, and Prof. Peter Esuh, lauded Senator Sampson for his principled leadership and deep commitment to regular engagement with the grassroots.
They praised his ability to blend advocacy, consultation, and policy direction in a manner that reflects the best ideals of democracy, describing his two-year performance in the Senate as “focused, effective, and inspirational.”
