• Speaker Udeme Otong (2nd right) accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Margaret ( right) waiving at the cheerfull Abak Urban women Ward 4 during his thank you visit his constituents
By Emmanuel Ebong
“Gratitude is the heart’s memory”, a French proverb that neatly encapsulates the character of Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, the representative of Abak state constituency and the current Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. A leader who has consistently demonstrated a commitment to his constituents and colleagues, Elder Otong’s innovative approach to constituent engagement sets him apart.
Elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform in 2019 to represent the Abak state constituency, Elder Otong was re-elected in 2023. His colleagues, recognizing his leadership and dedication, elected him as Speaker at the inauguration of the 8th Assembly on June 9th 2023.
The just concluded ‘thank-you’ tour of the 12 political wards making up the Abak state constituency provided Speaker Otong with an opportunity to connect with his constituents and understand their needs. The tour, which began on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, was carefully planned to engage with the residents of Otoro, Afaha Obong, Midim, and Abak-urban wards. The tour was a gesture of gratitude for the overwhelming support Otong received during the elections and a testament to his commitment to maintaining a strong connection with his constituents.
While he spoke during his thank you Ward tour, Otong pledged his cooperation and that of members of the 8th Assembly with Governor Umo Eno in initiating legislations that will prioritize the needs of the people.
He expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by his constituents and outlined his plan to ensure the fruits of democracy reach every corner of his constituency through economic empowerment schemes.
The Speaker shared his intention to utilize the insights gained from the tour to inform his decision-making processes. He emphasized that the assembly’s representation, lawmaking, and oversight functions should align with the aspirations of the local communities.
The speaker lauded Governor Umo Eno’s innovative strides, notably his inclusive appointment of personal aides from every political ward in the state and the enlistment of youth in each polling unit for the recently launched Ibom Community Watch. The Abak legislator portrayed Governor Eno as an astute grassroots leader, cognizant of Akwa Ibom people’s needs, leading to job creation. He further expounded that Eno’s ARISE Agenda promises to stimulate economic prosperity in rural communities across the state.
The Governor’s commitment to the welfare of retired public servants was also acknowledged by Speaker Otong in all the 12 Wards visited.
The tour was met with positive responses from community leaders. Several prominent figures, including former deputy governor Moses Ekpo, former National Assembly member, Elder Aniekan Umanah; Chairman of the Transition Committee of Abak local government area who also double as the Director-general, Greater Grace mandate, Apostle Ekerete Inyang; former Provost of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Prof. Patrick Uko; Abak PDP Chapter Chairman, Prince Ben Ebong; Ward Chairmen and Chairmen, Ward Elders’ Forum, Royal father, Clan Heads and Village Heads expressed their confidence in Speaker Otong’s approach.
They valued his sincere efforts to establish a connection with his constituents, viewing his tour as a testament to his accessibility and dedication.
The tour culminated in a grand reception at Annang People’s Primary School grounds, Utu Abak, the Ward Centre, on Thursday, December 28, 2023. As the Speaker said, the event was not just a token of gratitude but a significant step towards establishing a robust partnership between the government and the governed.
“In my role as Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, I am deeply committed to serving my constituents who entrusted me with their votes on March 18th, 2023. I owe my position to their faith in me and, as such, feel compelled to give back, particularly during this festive season.
“This sense of duty, inspired by divine wisdom, has driven me to personally visit the 12 wards in Abak state constituency in the past week to express my gratitude. My ambition is to continually serve the people, in collaboration with Governor Umo Eno, reinforcing their faith in our leadership.
“As we usher in the new year, I am planning a skill acquisition initiative for the first quarter of 2024. We will identify interested individuals across all wards and units in Abak, provide them with necessary training, and equip them with starter packs and tools to kickstart their businesses.
“Again, by early 2024, I will also initiate an empowerment program in my village, providing the already trained individuals with the requisite starter packs. This initiative will not only aid our people, but also serve as a deterrent to social vices”, Otong said shortly after he concluded his tour at Abak-urban ward.
Moreover, the tour was marked by the generous donation of several million in cash with assistance of his good friends and food supplies, benefiting various community sectors such as women, youths, ward executives, elders, family heads, students, and traditional leaders. This gesture further underscores Speaker Otong’s commitment to inclusive governance and his ongoing efforts to foster strong community ties.
Speaker Udeme Otong’s innovative approach to constituent engagement serves as a beacon of his commitment to progress, inclusive governance, and strong community ties. His dedication to building a more prosperous and harmonious constituency for all residents is indeed commendable.
• Elder Emmanuel Ebong is the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
