Governor Pledges ₦1m Per Ward, Backs Bob’s Third-Term Bid
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, have applauded the Majority Leader of the Eighth Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, for his legislative contributions and commitment to improving the welfare of his constituents.
The commendation came on Friday, October 9, 2026, during a constituency briefing and mega empowerment programme organised by Bob at the Nsit Ubium Local Government Secretariat, Ikot Edibon, where 154 beneficiaries were targeted with equipment and other forms of assistance to boost their businesses and economic independence.
The programme featured the distribution of a wide range of livelihood-supporting items designed to empower youths, women, artisans, small-scale entrepreneurs and other members of the constituency.
The empowerment package comprised eight salon cars, 11 minibuses, 20 tricycles, 45 motorcycles, 40 generating sets, 30 knapsack sprayers, 30 grinding machines, 11 grass-cutting machines, 30 vulcanising machines, 15 deep freezers, 12 laptop computers, six stand-and-weld machines and six electric sewing machines.
Other beneficiaries were earmarked to receive complete barbing kits and cash prizes.
The initiative was aimed at strengthening small businesses, creating opportunities for self-employment and enabling beneficiaries to contribute more effectively to the economic development of their communities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno commended Bob for his performance in the legislature and his role in promoting stability and productive engagement within the Assembly.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of Nsit Ubium and other parts of the state, noting the importance of collaboration between elected representatives and the executive arm of government in delivering the dividends of democracy.
He also announced a proposed allocation of ₦1 million to each ward and urged the people to maintain their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Eno expressed support for Bob’s ambition to return to the State House of Assembly for a third term, while reiterating his intention to seek re-election as governor.
“Otobong will go for a third term, and I will go for a second term. We are developing Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, and we will continue to do so. Let us support Otobong Bob, because things will get better,” the Governor declared.
He further praised the Speaker and other lawmakers for their contributions to governance, particularly through constituency projects, empowerment initiatives and other interventions intended to improve the lives of the people.
OTONG: BOB HAS DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF IN THE ASSEMBLY
In his remarks, Speaker Udeme Otong described Bob as a productive legislator who had demonstrated commitment to his responsibilities through bills, motions and other legislative engagements.
Otong said the empowerment initiative reflected the determination of lawmakers to translate their legislative mandates into tangible benefits for their constituents.
According to him, the cordial working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government under Governor Eno had created an enabling environment for lawmakers to perform their duties and contribute to grassroots development.
He explained that the constituency briefing and empowerment programmes being organised by members of the Assembly complemented the Governor’s ARISE Agenda by extending development opportunities to communities across the state.
“What members are doing is complementing the Governor’s ARISE Agenda by touching lives at the grassroots,” the Speaker said.
Otong disclosed that approximately 18 lawmakers had already conducted their constituency briefings and empowerment programmes, with other members expected to organise similar events.
He thanked the people of Nsit Ubium for giving Bob the opportunity to represent them, adding that the lawmaker’s legislative performance and commitment to constituency development had demonstrated the importance of effective representation.
The Speaker urged the beneficiaries to utilise the equipment responsibly, stressing that the items should serve as instruments for sustainable livelihoods, business expansion and economic progress.
He also called on the electorate to support APC candidates in the 2027 general elections, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Eno, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Obong Paul Ekpo for the House of Representatives and Bob for the State House of Assembly.
BOB: EMPOWERMENT IS PART OF MY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PEOPLE
Earlier, the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, said the constituency briefing was an opportunity to account for his stewardship and inform the people of Nsit Ubium about his activities and contributions at the State House of Assembly.
He explained that his decision to organise the programme was informed by the need to demonstrate practical representation through initiatives that directly affect the lives of the people.
“This is an opportunity for me to tell the people of Nsit Ubium what I have been doing with the mandate they entrusted to me at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate practical representation,” Bob stated.
The lawmaker expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for his support to the legislature and pledged the continued support of the people of Nsit Ubium for the Governor’s re-election bid in 2027.
He assured the Governor that the constituency would support APC candidates across the different levels of government in the forthcoming elections.
“I want to assure you of the support of the people of Nsit Ubium as you seek re-election in 2027. We will support all our candidates, from the Presidency to the House of Assembly, in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
ELDERS, STAKEHOLDERS COMMEND LAWMAKER
Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, who spoke on behalf of elders and stakeholders from Nsit Ubium, commended the Majority Leader for his contributions to legislative business.
He cited the lawmaker’s motions and sponsored bills as indications of his engagement in the activities of the Assembly and expressed confidence that the people would support his return to the legislature in 2027.
Senator Bob also pledged support for Governor Eno and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Similarly, the chairman of the occasion, Obong Umana Okon Umana, praised Bob’s performance, describing the constituency briefing as an important opportunity for an elected representative to account to the people.
Umana also commended Governor Eno for providing an environment that allows members of the legislature to discharge their responsibilities and pursue interventions that benefit their constituencies.
The Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Hon. Alfred Charles, said the empowerment programme complemented the development initiatives of the state government.
He noted that the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, business equipment and other livelihood-supporting items would help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses, create employment opportunities and improve their household incomes.
The event attracted political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders, party faithful and other constituents who gathered to witness the presentation of the empowerment package.
The programme further highlighted the role of effective constituency representation in promoting economic empowerment and community development, while demonstrating the potential of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government to deliver practical benefits to the people.
Chief Edet Isong
Newsday Newspaper
