…decries poor representation, preaches hope if…
*Says Uyo Federal Constituency Strategic As Host To State Capital
By Ekanem Iniko
As Akwa Ibom State marks its 39th anniversary of state creation, the 2027 Labour Party candidate for Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Atai/Uruan Federal Constituency, Mr. Ikakke Bassey, has sent a goodwill message to the people of the State, congratulating them on the milestone, calling for renewed commitment to development and good governance.
The Ibesikpo Asutan-born National Assembly hopeful, in a message released to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, described the 39th anniversary as a moment of reflection, gratitude and hope for a better future for the state and its people.
Ikakke noted that since its creation on September 23, 1987 by the then Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Akwa Ibom has made significant strides in infrastructure, education, human capacity development and peace, earning its reputation as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
“On behalf of my family, my campaign organization and the good people of Uyo Federal Constituency, I heartily felicitate the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State on this auspicious occasion of our 39th anniversary as a state. This is a celebration of our unity, resilience, enterprise and shared destiny as a people bound by God and history,” Ikakke stated.
He paid tribute to past and present leaders of the state, including founding fathers, former military administrators and civilian governors, as well as traditional rulers, women, youths and ordinary citizens whose sacrifices and contributions have sustained the state over the years.
While celebrating the achievements recorded so far, the Labour Party candidate identified poor representation at the national level as one of the major reasons why the state has not witnessed better development despite its huge human and natural resource endowments.
According to him, representation of the people in the National Assembly should go beyond mere presence in Abuja, but should translate into influence, attraction of federal projects, quality legislation, empowerment and strong advocacy for the interests of the people at the centre.
“It is regrettable that poor representation at the national level has robbed us of many opportunities that should have accelerated our development. When we send people who are not vocal, who are not accessible, who do not understand the yearnings of the grassroots to Abuja, the result is what we see – underdevelopment, youth unemployment and lack of federal presence,” he said.
Ikakke, however, assured the people that there is hope ahead if he is elected to represent Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Atai/Uruan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027.
He described Uyo Federal Constituency as very strategic, being the federal constituency that hosts the state capital, and therefore deserves a representative with capacity, vision and passion to leverage its strategic position for greater development.
“Uyo Federal Constituency is not just any constituency. It is the face of Akwa Ibom State. It hosts the state capital, government institutions, tertiary institutions, and a large population of enterprising youths, transporters, artisans and professionals. It deserves better. It deserves a voice that will be heard loud and clear in Abuja,” Ikakke stressed.
He promised that if given the mandate, he would pursue robust legislation, attract federal interventions, facilitate jobs and skills acquisition programmes, and ensure ward-by-ward impact across Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Atai and Uruan Local Government Areas.
Ikakke called on Akwa Ibom people to continue to live in unity, love and peace, and to support leaders who have genuine interest in serving the people.
He prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the state and wished all citizens a happy 39th anniversary celebrations.
“Long live Uyo Federal Constituency! Long live Akwa Ibom State! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
