THE RELEVANCE OF SEN. EFFIONG BOB IN AKWA IBOM POLITICS

By Inemesit Ndueso Ebu

The importance of integrity in a political setting cannot be over emphasized. Political watchers believe that being a grassroots politician is the surest way of making it in Akwa Ibom politics, particularly, if the political; leader could listen to the demands of the people as well as solve their problems as presented to him, instead of treating the people as inconsequential.

Senator Bob may have learnt this lesson from the onset, that is why he has never lost any electoral battle in the state. He knew he needed to carry the people along by taking practical steps to meeting their needs without complaining.

He has made himself available to the electorates in a way that his name is synonymous with intellectual depth, discipline and leadership acumen with it.

His motives are well thought out and grounded on a healthy desire to see the state flourish with the citizens enjoying sophisticated social amenities and improved standard of education and job opportunities.

Senator Bob appears to be the most prominent contender in the 2023 Guber elections in Akwa ibom state. The recent online poll put together by Media Professionals for Good Governance (MFGG) showed that Sen. Bob is the preferred aspirant for the Akwa ibom 2023 governorship.

He has used the online space, to illustrate his dreams for a better Akwa ibom State while outlining his plans to bring the dreams in Education, Industrialization, Agriculture, infrastructural development among others to reality.

Sen. Effiong Bob is a strong voice in the affairs of Akwa Ibom State. The Nsit Ubium son was elected Senator for the Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District in 2003, and re-elected in 2007, where he served till 2011, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The learned leader is an alumnus of the University of Lagos where he obtained a bachelor’s degree (LLB) in Law before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School in Victoria Island, Lagos and was called to Bar in 1984.

Sen. Bob started his political career as the people’s advocate. He was Councilor for Works and Transport in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area in 1990, before being elected as Member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly between 1992-1993 and later was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House.

He was also Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area from 1996 – 1997.

Between 1999 – 2002, he served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State and on Nigeria’s return to democracy, he was appointed by the Victor Attah led government of Akwa Ibom State as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice. During his four year term as Attorney General, he served as Member, Akwa Ibom State Judicial Commission; Director, Anchor Insurance Company Limited; and Director, Akwa Ibom Savings and Loans Limited.

As Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East constituency, served as Chairman to committees on Senate Services, Finance, Culture and Tourism, Power and Steel, and Local and Foreign Debts. He also served as Chairman, Ad hoc Committee on investigating illegal withdrawals from the Excess Crude Fund without Authorization from the National Assembly and was a member of the delegation which witnessed the signing of the final exit of the Paris Club Debt in Paris, France.

Other committees he served on as member included: Committees on Appropriations, Air Force, Communications, Education, Privatization, Establishment and Public Services, Foreign Affairs, Christians Pilgrims Committee, and Committee on Information.

During his tenure as Senator, Sen. Bob served as Member Representing Nigeria in the ECOWAS Parliament. He was as well Chairman of the National Assembly Caucus, Akwa Ibom State comprising all the Senators and House of Representative Members from the State and member of the South-South Caucus in the Senate and a Member of the South Senators Forum. He sponsored bills on amendment to the Energy Commission Act, Public Officers (Review of Cases) Panel, Fire Service (Inspection on Building), an Act to Prohibit Trading in Federal Highways in Nigeria and an Act to Prohibit Touting in Public Places.

Senator Bob’s entry into politics and public service had all the hallmarks of destiny and providence.

However, till this day, Senator Bob sees himself not as a professional, full-time politician but as a professional in politics. A grassroots mobilizer par excellence, he has woven a formidable tapestry of associates, admirers and friends over the years, spread across the country.

Inemesit Ebu is a journalist and Publisher, Great Achievers’World Magazine. She writes from Lagos