By Samuel Udoma
The much publicized relationship between former Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources, Rt Hon.(Dr) Ekong Sampson and the traditional institution in Mkpat Enin was amplified yesterday evening when royal fathers in the Local Government Area unanimously endorsed Barr. Ekong Sampson for the Eket Senatorial District race in 2023.
The palace of Mkpat Enin’s paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene, in Ikot Eyienge, was packed as all clan and village heads converged to offer royal blessings and endorsement for Dr Sampson’s Senate bid as he came to consult with them.
Dr. Sampson has developed a close relationship with the Mkpat Enin traditional institution over the years.Because of his good deeds in local government, the traditional institution bestowed the unique traditional title of ‘Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin’ on Dr Sampson, then a Council Chairman, in 2004.
Dr Sampson also holds the traditional title of ‘Eduek eyen Ukpum Minya’ (his mother is from the Ukpum Minya clan, and he is from the Ikpa Ikono clan).
He is also known as Adaiso Ikpa Ikono.
As Council Chairman, Barr. Sampson is known to have purchased vehicles for many traditional rulers, increased their allowances, and provided them with water facilities.
As Council President, Dr. Sampson made a name for himself by delivering projects to all four clans of the local government.
During his four years as Chairman, he lived in the local government, interacting with the rodal fathers and other segments of Mkpat Enin.
Dr. Sampson’s facilitation of employment for many Mkpat Enin indigenes in both the public and private sectors is well documented in the area.
These, among other things, have earned him goodwill, which most likely created a stir when he came to consult with the royal fathers about his ambition.
Dr Sampson, who was accompanied by his wife, Tina, addressed the royal fathers, saying he came to respectfully pay homage and inform the royal fathers of his intention to represent Eket Senatorial District in 2023.
‘By the grace of God, if I am elected to the Red Chamber, my love and commitment to the traditional institution of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area will not change.’
I intend to do even more.
‘I caused a major traffic jam in Mkpat Enin in 2004 forthe grand coronation of H.R.M, Edidem John Ufot Ibanga. That is the level of regard I have for our traditional institution. I also increased your monthly stipends to match the village town criers. My people-oriented projects are spread throughout your clans and villages. Your children have found gainful employment in both the public and private sectors thanks to my assistance. ‘I will continue to do more for our royal fathers,’ the two-term ex-lawmaker vowed, recalling his numerous interventions for the traditional institution and Mkpat Enin in general.’
Other speakers, including Prof. Etete Peters, former Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Hon. Aniefiok Brown, former Vice Chairman of Ikot Abasi, Hon. Ufok Frank, former Leader of Council, Ikot Abasi, and Joe Akpan, an aide to Governor Udom Emmanuel, lauded Dr Sampson’s outstanding qualities and rich legislative experience and prayed the royal fathers to adopt him for the Senate race.
Hon. Brown even stated categorically:
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‘We in Ikot Abasi have adopted him as our sole candidate because he has the necessary credentials to make a name for himself in the Senate for the Eket Senatorial District.’
Hon. Tony Evans, a prominent youth in the area and Chairman of the Mkpat Enin Youth Caucus, pledged the youth’s full support for Dr. Ekong Sampson.
Eno Usoro, a female leader, stated that the women of Mkpat Enin support Dr Sampson wholeheartedly.
The Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Ikpa Ikono Ward II, who also serves as the ‘Chair of Chairs,’ led a strong roll call of other ward chairmen to the paramount ruler’s palace and declared, ‘Ekong is the party’s best bet,’ assuring their support.
In his response, H.R.M Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene, the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, praised Barr. Sampson for all he has done for the Mkpat Enin royal institution, calling him a “darling of the Mkpat Enin Royal Father.”
He stated that Dr. Sampson has the royal fathers’ blessings and support for his Senate 2023 ambition:
‘You are the best because you always have Mkpat Enin’s best interests at heart.
We will always be there for you and pray for you.
‘As you approach the Senate, remember Mkpat Enin, your home,’ the Akwa Enin V advised.
The Chairman of the Conference of Village Heads, His Highness, Eteidung Sylvester Akpan-itiat, offered a vote of thanks and a special message of endorsement.
The offering of royal prayers and blessings on Dr Sampson by the entire traditional institution, as well as the anointing of his head with the sacred elephant tusk, ‘nnuk enin’ by the Paramount Ruler, Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene, was the highlight of the evening.
