Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, paid glowing tribute to Distinguished Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, describing him as his “political guarantor” and a model public servant whose career exemplifies dedication to grassroots politics and national service.
Governor Eno spoke at the public presentation of Senator Bob’s book, The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
The high-profile event attracted eminent political leaders and policymakers from across the country. Governor Umo Eno and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, served as Special Guests of Honour, while former Senate President, Senator David Mark, chaired the occasion.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekoerikpe Ekpo; Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emem Usoro; members of the National and State Assemblies; and other top government officials and stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno congratulated the author, noting that despite his position as Governor of the entire state, he remains deeply rooted in Uyo Senatorial District, which he shares with the former lawmaker.
“Even though I am Governor of the whole of Akwa Ibom State, I am, first and foremost, from Uyo Senatorial District,” the Governor stated, underscoring the personal and political bond he shares with Senator Bob.
Governor Eno praised the reviewer for effectively distilling the content and structure of the book and highlighted the author’s distinguished political and legal career spanning several decades of service.
He recalled that Senator Bob began his political journey at the grassroots as Councillor for Works and Transport in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area before his election into the State House of Assembly during the Third Republic, where he rose to become Deputy Speaker and later served as Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
At the dawn of the Fourth Republic, Senator Bob was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice by former Governor Victor Attah, before being elected as a two-term Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo Senatorial District). He also served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Benin.
Governor Eno noted that the wealth of experience captured in the book provides valuable insight into legislative representation, public expectations, alliance-building, and the delicate balancing of interests required for effective lawmaking. He emphasized that documenting such experiences is critical for preserving institutional memory and strengthening democratic governance.
He added that beyond his national contributions, Senator Bob has remained a dependable pillar of support to his administration, offering candid counsel as the State Government advances the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor further announced the State Government’s intention to purchase copies of the book for students of Political Science and Public Policy in tertiary institutions, describing the publication as a rich academic resource.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Senator Effiong Bob thanked guests for honouring his invitation and shared insights from his years of legislative service, which inspired the publication. He described the work as a painstaking effort aimed at documenting the realities and demands of legislative service in Nigeria.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, who expressed appreciation to all attendees for celebrating the enduring legacy of the former lawmaker.
By Ndifreke Bassey