It is that time of the year when public office holders are called upon to give account of their stewardship. While some representatives will present excellent scorecards, their counterparts will avoid the exercise citing a million and one reasons why they have failed woefully. Interestingly, some won't even accept the fact that they have failed.
On this, the case of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko can be likened to that of a brilliant student who passes an examination with flying colours. Such student is always eager to show anyone who cares to see the excellent result.
In Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency, it is rather not surprising that gargantuan progress has been recorded. His promises are a compass to him. While vying for the Assembly seat, he promised to "run Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency like a statesman, not like a politician." According to him, "the difference between a statesman and a politician is that, a politician places people at his service, while a statesman is one who places himself at the service of the people." And he has lived up to his ideological orientation about politics which anchors on service.
Attempting to list all the achievements of this lawmaker will make this piece to be very verbose, but the major ones will be highlighted.
When the sixth Assembly was inaugurated on June 8, 2015, this gentleman was unanimously elected as Speaker. He served meritoriously on that capacity till December 2015 when the Appeal Court, its wisdom or lack of it, nullified his election. He has since returned to serve his people having recorded a landslide victory in the rerun. Presently, he serves the Assembly as Chairman, Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges.
As Speaker, Elder Uko breathe life into the Assembly by facilitating the refurbishment of structures, exhibiting an all inclusive leadership style, catering for staff welfare etc. His flawless superintending of the Assembly affairs led to several reports, motions and bills receiving the attention they deserve. Still as Speaker, he appointed over 60 Special and Personal Assistants, including a SA on Physically Challenged Persons. It is on record that the disabled benefited from wheel chairs and other life enhancement packages.
From June 2015 till date, Ibesikpo Asutan constituents have witnessed tremendous dividends. Firstly, being a man who believes in accountability, monthly constituency briefings are held where he rub minds with his people. This is laudable because constituency briefing seems to be a rarity hereabout. Political office holders only meet the people during electioneering. So, any public official who departs from the "norm" deserves commendation.
No wonder he said in one of the House plenaries and I quote, "IN A WORKING DEMOCRACY, THE PEOPLE ARE THE MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS; THE MOMENT THEY EMBRACE, TRUST AND ACCEPT YOU TO REPRESENT THEM, YOUR SENSE OF DUTY IS TO SERVE THEM, AND SERVE THEM WELL WITH YOUR ALL AND WITHOUT FAIL"
Realizing the importance of education, he set up The Aniekan Uko Foundation. Six undergraduates studying professional courses of Law and Medicine have been issued scholarship. Several pupils studying in private nursery and secondary schools are also beneficiaries. The Foundation will be expanded to cater for more persons.
In the area of empowerment, he is a legend. Needless to mention names of persons he has empowered. These persons ranging from artisans to business men and women have affirmed that indeed, Aniekan Uko is the Iboroakam (answer to prayers) of the constituency. Also, through his recommendation, not less than 10 constituents have been gainfully employed. Still on empowerment, he launched a 40 Million Naira empowerment programme under which cars and jeeps/ SUVs were donated to supporters. The vehicles comprised of 8 brand new Toyota Corrola, a brand new Toyota Camry, 2 brand new Lexus SUVs/jeeps and 20 brand new motorcycles. It must be added here that his wife, Evangelist Ememobong Aniekan Uko, has been very supportive. She launched a 10 Million Naira worth empowerment programme via which 40 business women were given N 50,000 each. She also donated 10 sewing machines with complete accessories to women; setting up of 10 hairdressing saloons etc (more on her contributions later).
Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko is very accessible. Political office holders in Nigeria have seemingly inculcated the habit of shielding themselves from the people whom they purportedly represent. They even live outside their area of jurisdiction. His residence is always a Mecca. People troop in on daily basis and the lawmaker listens and help in solving their problems. His open door policy also extends to people from other constituencies and state of origin. On this, the non indigenes forum has been voicing satisfaction. Elder Uko in his magnanimity provided brand new transformers to Nung Oku Ibesikpo, Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan, Mbikpong Ikot Edim and Owot Uta Ibesikpo. He also ensured that the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Committee renovated dilapidated infrastructures in schools in the constituency. The schools are Primary School, Ikot Akpabin; Primary School, Mbierebe Obio and Primary School, Akpautong.
All these are in addition to the yuletide largesse comprising of over 500 bags of rice and cash donations.
Upon returning to the House after winning the rerun election, he has carved a niche for himself as one of the cerebral representatives. His contributions during plenary always portrays him as a highly knowledgeable and matured representative.
Recently, lending his voice during plenary, when a motion titled, "STOPPING THE MENACE OF ABLE BODIED MEN AND WOMEN BEGGING FOR ALMS", sponsored by the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian, was being discussed, he declared that the issue poses a security threat to the state, adding that it violates the existing Child Rights Act which prohibits children from being in the street during school hours. During another plenary, he urged relevant authorities to construct more roads in his constituency.
Attempting to list all his contributions during plenary will make this piece to be too cumbersome.
It is also worth highlighting that his wife, Evangelist (Mrs.) Ememobong Aniekan Uko, has been one of the masterminds of the success story of this representation. Realizing that God is paramount, she holds a monthly prayer summit in Ibesikpo Asutan tagged ‘Gathering of Faithful Women.’ The women offer prayers to God for Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State and Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency. This has also reignited love in the women folk.
Evang. Ememobong, in her magnanimity, has touched countless lives positively via her pet project, THE IBOROAKAM LIFE ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVE. She has donated 10 sewing machines with complete accessories to women across the constituency, opened 10 Hairdressing Saloons to women, launched an empowerment programme for 40 women worth N50,000 each totaling N 2Million Naira, Cater for nursing mothers, donates to triplets, twins and their mothers; Sets up an ultra-modern beauty saloon for a physically challenged lady, amongst others.
The life touching programmes and packages of Envangelist Ememobong was flagged-off/ presented the wife of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel. In recognition of her antecedents, the PDP Women Forum awarded her a ‘SERVICE AWARD OF THE YEAR.’
Having attempted to summarize the giant strides of this great lawmaker, it must be stated that the points raised herein are verifiable. Concrete evidences like pictorial prove have been attached. Elder Aniekan Uko has used only seven months out of one legislative year to better the lives of the voters who reposed confidence in him. These and many more await the constituents even as the second legislative year commences.
Verily, it has been a year of qualitative, effective and people-oriented representation.
(SOURCE: MEDIA DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF MEMBER REPRESENTING IBESIKPO ASUTAN STATE CONSTITUENCY IN THE AKHA.)
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