Senator Albert Reassures Constituents Of Robust, People-Based Representation

Senator Bassey Albert  Akpan, representing  Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District has reassured his constituents of his resolve to continue to attract the needed government attention and programmes that will address the plights, yearnings and development of the people across the senatorial district and beyond.

The Senator, popularly known as OBA, also says, he will through the instrument of legislation, make laws that will provide needed framework for effective implementation of government policies and programmes that will enhance the socio economic wellbeing of the people at the grassroots.

 The second term senator stated this in an exclusive interaction with Crystal Express at his Uyo residence last Thursday.

While thanking his constituents for the opportunity and the platform to serve, the senator hinted that he and other members of the caucus of the 9th National Assembly in the State, are collectively working assiduously for the good and progress of Akwa Ibom with the intent to leave the people far better than they were.

“A lawmaker can only be adjudged or measured basically on the quality of contributions he has made in the course of his legislation, and his ability to attract the needed government attention towards addressing the plights and development needs of his people at the grassroots,” he noted.

Speaking on his milestone achievement in his first term, Senator Akpan commended the immediate past Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki for finding him fit as a first timer to chair the Senate Committee on Gas at the 8th Assembly, a position, he said, offered him the platform and ample opportunities to contribute his quota to the socio economic development of the oil and gas sector of the country.

“I always tell people, once God gives you an opportunity, you must take advantage of it, endeavour to add value so that when you are out of the scene; you will be told that you have actually left the place far better than you met it”.

Senator Akpan who was the chairman of Senate Committee on Gas Resources, added that through the instrumentality of his committee in the 8th National Assembly, he was able to lay a legislative framework for gas policy master plan for the country which will help to sustain and boost the economic fortune of that sector of the country’s economy.

“Through our instrumentality, we have been able to frame up gas policy for the country, which would sustain and enhance the gas master plan, sponsored the gas flaring bill that was passed into law by the 8th Senate, streamline the sector which was regarded in the past as a mere bye product with little or no economic value, etc.,” he stated.

Speaking on the positive impact of his scholarship programme instituted for students of Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom generally, OBA commended the transparent nature of the exercise which according to him, gulped over 38 million naira, noting that the success recorded by the scheme was second to none in the country.

While promising a more robust, better and effective representation in the years ahead, the Senator revealed that through his effort and goodwill, several road projects have been attracted to the senatorial district, which include the ongoing road projects in Ifa and Ekid Itam, water project at Itam, Fish processing facilities in Uruan and Itu among others.

He thanked his constituents for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to betray the collective trust of the people.