Chidi Tony/ As the journey for the next occupant of the hilltop mansion, the official residence of Akwa Ibom governor gradually takes shape, residents of the state are speaking on their expectations and preferences on who occupies the coveted seat from 2023.
In an unprecedented vox pop conducted in the state over the week by our Correspondent, the residents of the state in unison explained that experience in politics and governance and a man who have blended with them remains their expectations for the next occupant of the hilltop mansion.
Their preferences for a home-grown governor emanate from the fact that, he will appreciate the challenges faced by the people in their day-to-day lives and tackle the problems fundamentally.
Senator Effiong Dickson Bob perfectly fit into their preferences and expectations as he started politics as a Supervisory Councilor and rose to become Council Chairman, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Attorney general, and Commissioner for Justice, and two-term Senator of the federal republic. Senator Effiong Bob did not just hold those positions, he added value and left an imprint in the sands of history with unprecedented performance and visible human resources development.
Senator Bob’s next public office after sojourn in the senate as Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the University of Benin was also another opportunity to display his leadership and administrative acumen, the ivory tower witnessed peace, progress and recorded no single strife throughout his tenure.
And like his golden era in the senate where he created job opportunities for people and fixed many in several government parastatals and agencies, his sojourn in UniBen provided another opportunity to give more to the people especially Akwa Ibom indigenes.
The records show that empowerment of youths, women, and giving succor to the indigent members of the society was and still a mission Senator Bob has accepted to become his calling and only derives satisfaction when others are satisfied.
In a recent interview, Senator bob explained that philanthropism runs in his DNA. “My love for humanity and other’s welfare have sometimes led me to solve other’s problems to the point of neglecting mine and that of my immediate family.
“My worst moments are the period, I am confronted with others challenges or problems but are unable to solve them, not because I don’t want to but none availability of funds at my disposal”.
However, the Residents of Akwa Ibom state who spoke in a recent Vox Pop in unison lauded Senator Bob’s impeachable character in public office which is devoid of scandal. “He is one rare politician who has served in various public offices and came out without any dent or stain on his integrity and personality, he has never been tossed around for fingering public funds at any level, that is a man of honour” says Ekpe Ntekim, a human right activist in Uyo.
Others who spoke in a random interview conducted by our Correspondents to feel the pulse of the masses as regards their choice of next governor of the state had majority opting for Senator Bob.
Kembiet Inyang of Kenbet and Associates Ikot Abasi said Senator Bob’s political experience laced with home grown political flavor will add up to address the fundamental and basic problems of the people. “Senator Bob has seen it all in politics and he understands the challenges of the masses having lived with them. His era will ensure food sufficiency through massive agriculture, improved healthcare system and mass education for our children, that I can vouch for, Akwa Ibom needs him now”.
Mrs. Mandu Ikpe, a trader at Akpahandem market Uyo said she and her colleagues are making tremendous progress in their businesses because of the grants and financial supports received from senator Bob while in the senate between 2003 and 2011. “we are eternally grateful to him and we can assure him of our support in 2023 to do more for the people and our dear state”
Mr. Uduak Isunguyo, a pipeline welder working off shore for one of the oil firms noted, “Over 100 of us were selected and sent for training by Senator Effiong Bob, am happy to say that today many of us are doing well and are breadwinners in our various homes. We are now helping others because of his benevolence, we will stop at nothing to see him elevated in 2023 to ensure the development and progress of the state”.
Mr. Okon Ekpo is a commercial driver who told our correspondent that he presently owes two buses, according to him, I trace my success to Senator Bob because he facilitated the employment of my elder brother into the Nigerian Customs Services and my brother bought my first bus for me when he became stable in his job, but for the Senator, I don’t know if I will be here today”.
Mrs. Mfoniso Obio is a caterer with a booming restaurant along Grace bill road Eket, who attributed the success of her business to the benevolence of senator Effiong Bob, in her words, ”I have been carrying out my business on a small table until God visited me through Senator Effiong Bob. Many of us received grants and financial assistance from Senator to grow our businesses and to the glory of God, we are doing well today. I have not met him in person before and even after assisting me but I remember him consistently in my family prayers, with Senator Effiong Bob in the race for governorship in 2023, I can tell you that prosperity is here already”. To continue.
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