By Solomon OKPO
The Public and Policy Analysis Committee of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District has unanimously endorsed Senator Ekong Samson for a second term in the National Assembly, citing what it described as his “superlative” performance in legislative duties and constituency development.
The endorsement followed the committee’s meeting held on January 9, 2026, at Shakespeare Hall, Watbridge Hotel and Suites, Uyo, where members extensively reviewed the quality of representation in the senatorial district.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Chairman, Prof. Etie Ben Akpan, and the Secretary, Prof. Peter Esuh, the committee commended Senator Samson’s contributions to debates and bills on the floor of the Senate, as well as his efforts in attracting infrastructure, advancing education, promoting social welfare and supporting employment opportunities across the district.
The committee stressed that continuity in representation is critical to legislative effectiveness, noting that ranking, institutional connections and strategic positioning in the Senate are essential for delivering sustainable democratic dividends. On this basis, it called for total support for Senator Samson to return to the Red Chamber in 2027.
Rejecting the long-standing culture of single-tenure representation in the district, the committee observed that since the creation of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, only Senator Udo Udoma had served a second term. It warned that the practice of one-term representation weakens the district’s influence in national policy and legislative politics, particularly when a serving senator is performing effectively.
While acknowledging the place of what it termed “stomach infrastructure,” the committee emphasized that senatorial representation should primarily be measured by legislative output, quality debates, sponsored bills, and tangible socio-economic and infrastructural development attracted to the district.
Beyond local issues, the committee also addressed national concerns, urging Nigeria to rethink its security architecture in line with global realities. It called for increased investment in science, technology, research and innovation as critical tools for addressing both internal and external security threats.
The committee further appealed for a renewed national vision that prioritizes intellectual infrastructure over corruption, bigotry and short-term patronage, stressing that sustainable development must be anchored on ideas, knowledge and innovation.
In its closing resolutions, the committee encouraged Senator Ekong Samson to sustain his passion for service and deepen collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD; the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in order to strengthen democratic governance and deliver greater dividends to the senatorial district.
The meeting was attended by Senator Ekong Samson and several academics, professionals and political leaders, including Prof. Etie Ben Akpan, Prof. Peter Esuh, Prof. Desmond Wilson, Prof. Etete Peters, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Rt. Hon. Peter Linus Umoh, Dr. Benson Oke, Barr. Ini Ikot, Engr. Uwem Akpan, PhD, Sir Mike Essang, Rt. Hon. Dr. Charles Mbong, among others. Apologies were received from Chief Barr. Ekpeyong Ntekim and Arc. Otu Ita Toyo.
