Elder Samuel Okon Ikon who presides over the 5th Assembly as the 9th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly was born on the 1st of February 1973 to the family of Elder Okon Ikon of Mbioto Ekpene Ituen in Etinan Local Government Area.
As a child, Elder Samuel Ikon grew under the watchful eyes of his parent, known for strict discipline who instilled those priced qualities in him that have stood the lawmaker out among contemporaries both within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
The steady rise into prominence of Elder Samuel Ikon is in connection with the biblical statement that God resist the proud but gives more grace to the humble. Despite coming from one of the few privileged homes in this part of the world, Elder Samuel Ikon submitted himself to discipline right from home up to school both at the primary and post primary school levels and while at the University of Calabar where he obtained his first degree in Economics, Sam Ikon as he is popularly known denied himself the luxuries often associated with children of such homes like his own.
As noted by the Paramount Ruler of Etinan, His Majesty, Edidem Ime Dickson Umoette during a thanksgiving service by Elder Samuel Ikon and his supporters, “Elder Samuel Ikon has gone far in life because he has created a special place for God in his life. He is humble and God fearing and God have lifted him to envious heights in life”.
The full meaning of what the royal father said was that in the history of Iman Ibom politics, no Iman Ibom son or daughter had attended such a political height in the legislative arm as Elder Samuel Ikon has done. He is the first to win a second term election which has never happened in Etinan State Constituency and of course the first to be elected speaker of the state assembly. Here the scriptures is fulfilled once again that whosoever exalts himself will be brought low while the humble will be lifted.
To have remained humble despite the surrounding affluence is a testimony of a life dedicated to the obedience to the word of God. He is not only practicing the word but also preaches it at any given time. To many who thought the title of a church elder was ‘bought’, he has been a guest preacher on many occasions outside his Apostolic denomination. For some members of the public, when his photograph appeared as one of the guest preachers, the question on their lips was “Is Sam among the prophets?” Yes in this era where the Christian faith has been commercialized many saw it as a way to draw funds from the number three man in the state. The truth however is that, Elder Samuel Ikon is a thoroughbred Christian whose Christian titles is in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the things of God Almighty. A rare feat among our political class!
As a politician, Elder Samuel Ikon has stood out as a man with sincerity as a watchword. He has wrapped himself with this scarce virtue such that it is difficult to say no by the political class to his political aspirations. Since his first coming as a legislator in 2007, Elder Samuel Ikon has fulfilled his electoral promises to the people and their communities. Recently, about 120 youths who roamed the streets before now were given another lease of life as they have been given an opportunity to learn a vocation under the Elder Samuel Ikon empowerment scheme. This, no doubt will have a multiplying effect in the near future as those undergoing the training now will in turn train others thereby churning out independent youths in the nearest future.
In his capacity as the number one legislator, Elder Samuel Ikon has redefined the executive and legislative relationship in the running of the state. To him, the people should be the first to benefit before the few who are either in the legislative or executive arm of the government. This explains why Akwa Ibom state in the last six and half years have witnessed unprecedented development because Samuel Ikon, first as chairman of the Finance and Appropriation committee of the House and now Speaker believes in the development of our communities by approving the yearly appropriation of the state since 2007 with the understanding that it is for the good of the people.
Today we rise for a toast for this lawmaker per excellence, amiable and social politician, a proven man of integrity and a sincere and upright man in a perverse society. We celebrate a life that acknowledges the supremacy of God in the affairs of men; we celebrate an unassuming but impactful life. Our collective prayer is that God almighty who remains the only source of every good thing in life will keep and sustain this true democrat beyond his 41st birthday.
Happy birthday boss and many more happy returns.
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