…Insists PDP Remains His Home
The Senator represent Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Senator Bassey Albert has given insight into his performance so far since his second journey at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly began.
The Senator gave the insight through his Anniversary statement tagged ” On the flight of God’s Faithfulness “.
Senator Albert who said he owes God thanks even as he will continue to appreciate his constituents for ensuring his victory at the polls on February 23, 2019 against the will of some men noted that he has continuously stayed on the path of justifying the trust of his constituents, State and Nation – Nigeria.
He stated that from the bills/motions presentations, committee assignments and all the proceedings of the 9th Senate nay the National Assembly as a whole, he is delighted to report that his diligence is well felt and appreciated as a worthy representative of his people based on the judgement in the court of public opinion and to the best of his knowledge.
The Uyo Senatorial District representative noted that as a ranking member and as Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), an appointment which was made possible by the confidence of the Senate leadership, he has spared no effort in executing his task dutifully.
Senator Albert explained that the first test of performance was the responsibility of championing the amendment of the Deep Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act, which was executed perfectly after over 30 years unattended as well as over $20 billion loss in oil revenue to the federation.
He noted that today, Nigeria is benefitting immensely from the effort.
Senator Albert added ” My dear constituents, I cannot fail to highlight a major vindication of my assiduous service in the Senate which echoed nationally and internationally on Thursday, January 9, 2020. On that day, our dear nation, Nigeria honoured me with an Award of Excellence through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over the heroic role I played in ensuring the resolution of a decade old dispute between NNPC and Chevron Nigeria Limited over the Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) Project.
” That breakthrough in negotiation led to the historic signing of the NNPC/Chevron EGTL Revised Agreement, which provided an instant leap for Nigeria in her energy sector and led to the reversal of the Joint Venture sharing ratio of 25:75 to 60:40 in favour of our dear country and Chevron Nigeria Limited respectively with a cost savings of over $6 Billion. This I say, to God be the Glory.
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“As we know the process was a long and tedious one. It dragged through the 6th and 7th Senate without success until the 8th Senate, where I had the opportunity as the then Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas Resources to work on it and ensured the eventual successes.
“While the award was conferred on me, it however stands as a tribute to the men, women and youths of my constituency who bought into my vision, believed in me and gave me their mandate and have remained consistent and steadfast in their support to date. To you all, I remain eternally grateful.”
The Senator pointed out that within the year in view, he has consolidated on his constituency programmes as well as sustaining the ones which predated his sojourn to the Senate.
He mentioned that the 94 Wards in the nine (9) local government areas of his constituency form the focus in all of his primary empowerment programmes while the secondary phases cover institutions, bodies and indigent persons across the entire State.
Senator Albert said the empowerment details covers scholarship awards to 381 students of Akwa Ibom State origin in universities across the country, where 100% of tuition fees are paid plus N20,000.00 upkeep stipends to each beneficiary annually.
The Senator stated that the programme which cost over N45 million from 2015 to date has led to over 120 students beneficiary graduating from the scheme, some with the best grades and are currently adding value to themselves and society.
He assured that he will ensure that he sees through the graduation of all beneficiaries no matter the costs, stressing that the gesture will stand as his little effort and contribution towards man power development.
The Ibiono Ibom born Senator offered insight to the fact that his focus in Small and Medium Enterprises, Infrastructural development and intervention on roads, pipe borne water, electrification, employment placements, medical support, sports development, provision of transport and utility vehicles, amongst others, will again be encapsulated and made public in due course.
Senator Albert noted that with the advent of COVID-19, in exercise of care and concern, he reached out with palliatives through cash transfers to constituents and beyond as well as followed up with supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to health workers, government and private offices, unions, socio-cultural bodies, market women, transporters, and medical institutions amongst others.
He added ” My beloved constituents, you may wish to recall my earlier Constituency Briefing and Empowerment with the theme: Celebrating God’s Faithfulness held on Friday, April 20, 2018 at the Uyo Township Stadium during the first leg of my membership in the Senate.
” As rich as the content of that outing, which is still adjudged as the best ever witnessed of such endeavour; we have even surpassed and doubled it through our regular empowerment as coordinated by the Senatorial Liaison Office.
“For me, it is service above self. I am bonded to serve and justify your confidence. This is the pact and I shall continue with same zeal in all responsibilities bestowed upon me, trusting that that same God is capable of doing all things.”
While assuring Governor Udom Emmanuel of his loyalty and cooperation, and that of the Akwa Ibom Caucus in the National Assembly under his leadership, the Senator maintained that the same love that ensued and kept him to stand by his party, the PDP, even when he was the only one remaining out of the trinity in the Senate, is beyond compromise.
He assured that he will continue to serve the people faithfully to the glory of God and to the best interest of Akwa Ibom State.
