BY KENNETH JUDE
The oil rich city of Eket was in gay mood last Saturday when an illustrious son of the community, Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien, a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who served as the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development between 2010-2011 was honoured by his people in a massively attended civic reception held at the Eket stadium.
The oil rich city of Eket was in gay mood last Saturday when an illustrious son of the community, Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien, a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who served as the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development between 2010-2011 was honoured by his people in a massively attended civic reception held at the Eket stadium.
The event which was organised by Eket Peoples Union attracted the high and mighty who thronged the stadium to give honour to the social mobilizer and a man of the people.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the Central Planning Committee Usoro I. Usoro, a media aid to Gov. Akpabio welcomed guests to the occasion and thanked them for turning out in their numbers to honour a man he described as a distinguished son of not just Eket but Nigeria in general: “we thank you all, our revered guests for travelling down to Eket from all corners of the country to honour a distinguished son from this part of the world. It’s an important occasion given the personality that we are celebrating today.
He also noted that inspite of the pelting rain that tended to disrupt the occasion; nothing will stop them from doing what they came out for.
In his address, the chairman on the occasion, Prince Chibudom Nwuche (OFR) who is a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives but was represented by the former military governor of Akwa Ibom State Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga extolled the virtues of the celebrator, noting that he’s one man that is committed to any course he undertakes, adding that he is highly dedicated to his duties and treats State matters with utmost importance. “He is always very responsive and committed to state and south-south matters. Rarely does he give excuses when there’s an urgent need that pertains to the State and the people. He never succumbs to inconveniences; and one unique thing about him is his dedication to duty and quest to the best in whatever he does”. He stated.
Speaking further in his capacity as leader of Akwa Ibom State delegation to the National Conference, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga eulogised Chief Nduese Essien for his immense contribution at the national conference, noting that he was instrumental to proffering ideas to thorny issues that will surely bring stability in the country. He also added that his input both at the plenary and committee levels influenced certain decisions especially as regards Akwa Ibom State and the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the occasion, the Obong of Calabar, Etubom Bassey Duke expressed joy for the day while acknowledging the many strides of the celebrator. “He’s one of us that’s why we are here; it’s a thing of joy to be identified with this great Nigerian”.
Mr. John Ojukwu Aguda, a member of the House of Representatives between 1999-2007 noted that Chief Nduese Essien is the man of the people. Hear him: “my friend and colleague, Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien is a man of the people who has done a lot for his people especially while he was at the National Assembly.
In fact, one fundamental thing the people of South-South and indeed, the people of Akwa Ibom will remember him for was his sterling role when he served as chairman of South-South. When we arrived the National Assembly, Obasanjo was implementing 13 percent derivation, only 8 percent out of the 13 percent required by the constitution. He led us as chairman of South-South and brought us together with all governors of the South-South and we went to Asaba to make the ‘Asaba’ declaration and gave Obasanjo ultimatum to implement 13 percent instead of 8 percent and after that derivation, the 13 percent derivation was implemented”. He added that the huge money driving the uncommon transformation today and those in the Niger Delta region is as a result of that bold step championed by Chief Nduese Essien.
Giving a speech, the ‘man of the moment’ Chief Nduese Essien paid tributes to Governor Godswill Akpabio on the role the amiable governor has played in his life. In his words: “your Excellency played a major role in my later day exposure through nomination to the Niger Delta Technical Committee; my appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and then as delegate to the National Conference”. He also spared good words for the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah. “For eight years, he gave us a strong backing to operate with confidence and effectively in the House of Representatives, especially during the campaign for resource control and increased derivation to oil producing States”. He also thanked the chairman on the occasion, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche for the vital role he played when he served as chairman of the South-South parliamentary caucus, while he concentrated on the duties of his office. “It was during my tenure as chairman of the caucus that i came to national limelight”. He noted.
For the people of Ekid, he thanked them for the honour done him noting that “it’s uncommon to be so honoured by all of you my brothers, my sisters – the people of Ekid. I thank you all”. He thanked all those who turned out for the ceremony noting that the outpouring of goodwill and the free expression of solidarity were the hallmarks of the day.
He expressed gratitude to God for keeping him alive and seeing him through especially during his years in the public service which he noted dates back to 35 years ago.
On the 2015 governorship elections, he cautioned aspirants against desperation but called on them to rather anchor their aspirations on God and democratic ideals. The elder statesman also decried the rate at which young people treat their elders, warning that such act is capable of depriving them of the experience and knowledge they should garner from their elders.
He stated further that Eket Senatorial District is blessed with the right materials to produce the next governor of Akwa Ibom State and therefore, urged all well meaning Akwa Ibomites to support the power shift to Eket and also warned against the politics of violence which he noted have become the hallmark of elections in recent time. “In deciding who to choose, it should be noted that the governorship of a State is not one of those positions arising from government’s effort to create employment. The office of the governor is a serious position that carries great and challenging responsibilities”.
Speaking on behalf of the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the secretary to the State Government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel described Chief Nduese Essien s a man of integrity and a mentor for the youths. “He’s a great transformer and someone we believe in; we salute his strides and pat him on the back because he’s one man that is honoured wherever he goes. We have received reports of his feats at the just concluded National Conference and we say well-done.”
He thanked the people of Eket and prayed God to lift the celebrator higher the more. Dignitaries at the occasion included: Senator Helen Esuene, member representing Eket in the National Assembly, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey, Commissioner for Health, Obong Rita Akpan, former SSG, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, Commissioner for Special Duties, Ntisong Essien Ekidem (Ntisong Ibibio III), Mr. Aniekan Umana, commissioner for information, Engr. Don Etim, commissioner for works, Mr. Paul Bassey, FIFA/CAF instructor, Dr. Sam Udonsak, Usoro I Usoro, Engr. Etido Inyang, Dr. Emem Wills, former commissioner for commerce and industry, Hon. Eseme Eyibo, senators, elder statesmen, traditional rulers, amongst others.
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