Ekong Sampson inaugurates Public and Policy Analysis committee

By Benjamin Jimmy

As other candidates who emerged winners in the just concluded general elections in the country may be basking in the euphoria of their victories, the Senator-elect for Eket, Dr. Ekong Sampson, on Tuesday, set a new record when he began his legislative work by inaugurating a Public and Policy Analysis Committee.

The committee has over 30 members, with Prof. Etiebet Akpan as chairman, while Prof. Peter Esuh is to serve as secretary.

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Other member include; Prof. Sylvanus Udoidem as member; Prof. Des Wilson, member; Prof. Ette Peters, member; Barr. Ben Udonwa, member; Obongawan Mary Umoette, member; Dr. Patrick Eshiet, member; Otobong Sampson, member; Hon. Otobong Ndem, member; Hon. Abigail Edohoeket, member, among others.

Speaking at the inaugural event at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo, Dr. Sampson explained that the committee, comprising of erudite Professors and Think-tanks drawn from across the senatorial district, is to craft an implementable policy framework that will serve as a developmental plan of action for him to work with, towards the realization of his vision of addressing the challenges of his people in Eket Senatorial District and the state by extension.

“ The committee will work closely with me in generating the kind of inputs that will capture the needs of Akwa Ibom South”.

The Senator-elect further disclosed that the committee is also expected to generate a roadmap, proffer advisory intervention, as well as build a bridge between his office and the people.

Dr. Sampson, a one-time Special/Chief Legislative Assistant to Senator Udo Udoma, while disclosing the reason for setting up the committee, told participants that the novel idea of having Think-tanks as backgrounders and policy framers in his team was a deliberate step towards an all-inclusive representation where the challenges of his people, irrespective of the section, would be articulated and taken to the Senate for speedy solutions.

The former legislator therefore, expressed confidence in the committee to deliver on its mandate, given the pedigree and sufficient background knowledge of the problems of the people of Eket Senatorial District by the members.

“ I have set up this committee as a major advisory bank of my years in the Senate. And you can see the calibre of the members of this committee. They represent the very best you can see”.

Dr. Sampson however added that the policies that would be analyzed by the committee and recommendations therefrom would be based on needs assessment, a move he said would directly address the real challenges facing the Akwa Ibom South.

“ This is a very important function because I will be going to the Senate prepared. I’m always proud to associate with jurisprudence. Throughout my eight years on the floor of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, I canvassed on how we can strengthen our institutions”.

According to the Senator-elect, the constitution of the committee is one of the many action plans that he had outlined to enable him give an effective representation, pledging to explore all meaningful grounds to put out the best representation.

“ I can say I’m fairly familiar with the underpinnings of the organization, having served Distinguished Senator Udo Udoma in the Senate.

“ But, I still need people to advise me because knowledge is a pool, and stronger when you drink from that pool. That explains why this Committee is in place “.

The former commissioner therefore, expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel whom he said taught him a lot while in the state executive council as a commissioner.

He also appreciated the governor-elect for Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, for commissioning Watbridge Cold Room and afterwards gracing the occasion.

In his speech, the governor -elect acknowledged that the committee is strategic in providing good policy framework for Eket Senatorial District, and therefore, pledged to tap from the wealth of knowledge of the committee.

In his word: “ I’m happy to witness the inauguration of this committee. This committee will not only serve Distinguished Senator-elect alone: I believe some of us will tap from it.

“ There is no need as far as I’m concerned changing a winning team; trying to heal what is not broken. If you have a committee on Public and Policy Analysis for Eket Senatorial District, then the can as well work for Akwa Ibom.

“ The new Akwa Ibom is a state that will engage all manner of people so that we can serve our people well and ensure that we do not make unnecessary mistakes”.

While thanking Dr. Sampson for the opportunity given to the members of the committee to serve, the chairman of the committee, Prof. Etiebet Akpan, expressed the belief that the Senator-elect would make a big showing at the National Assembly, given his antecedents.

He therefore, pledged the commitment of the committee in delivering on its mandate, stressing that the different ethnic mix of the district would be captured.

Dignitaries present at the inauguration include; MD/ CEO of HENSEK Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko; chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Anieokpon Ekpo; member-elect for Ini State Constituency, Lawrence Udoidem; Village Head of Aka Offot, HRH Eteidung Francis Morgan, chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Uyo Branch, Barr. Ememobong Nicholas; Engr. Wisdom Enang, among others.