By Egufe Yafugborhi

Leaders of the Eket Senatorial District have reaffirmed their support for the re-election of Ekong Sampson, representing the district in the Nigerian Senate.

The endorsement followed the presentation of the senator by the Mkpat Enin Elders Forum to the larger Eket Senatorial District Elders Forum during a meeting held on Wednesday in Eket.

The move came after an earlier stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo where leaders from Mkpat Enin unanimously adopted Sampson, the Onomkpoinam of Mkpat Enin, for another term in the Senate.

Chairman of the Mkpat Enin Elders Forum, Sydney Udofot, represented by the forum’s Secretary, Obot Ekanem, said the presentation was in line with the district elders’ earlier endorsement of the senator in December last year.

Receiving the delegation, the Eket Elders Forum led by former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ndueso Essien, commended Mkpat Enin leaders for demonstrating unity and strengthening political organisation in the area.

Essien said the calibre of leaders involved in the political process in Mkpat Enin reflected improved leadership and coordination.

He noted that Sampson had acquired broad administrative and legislative experience, having served as a Principal Legislative Aide to Udo Udoma, Executive Council Chairman, member of the state House of Assembly and commissioner before his election to the Senate.

According to him, the senator has performed creditably in the areas of legislation, oversight and constituency representation.

Also speaking, Owoidhoho Ekpoattai, a former member of the House of Representatives, highlighted the benefits of having a ranking senator and urged stakeholders to sustain their support for Sampson’s re-election.

The forum also reaffirmed its support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio and Umo Eno.

Other district leaders present at the meeting included Ime Ekpoattai, C. H. Isong, Peter Esuh and Jack Udota.

The presentation is part of a series of endorsements for Sampson’s re-election bid as stakeholders across the district continue to rally support for his continued representation in the Senate.