Akwa Ibom Needs Ranking Lawmakers for Stringer National Influence – Barr Fan

Akwa Ibom Needs Ranking Lawmakers for Stringer National Influence – Barr Fan

The President of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Mkpisong (Barr.) Gabriel Fan, has called for deliberate efforts to ensure that Akwa Ibom State produces and retains ranking members in the National Assembly, describing legislative seniority as vital to effective representation and national influence.

Barr. Fan made the call while presenting an Award of Excellence in National Legislative Service to the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, on Wednesday, 17, December 2025, in Abuja.

Speaking in Abuja, Barr. Fan said states with experienced lawmakers occupying multiple terms enjoy greater leverage in the National Assembly, particularly through access to strategic committees and leadership positions that shape legislative priorities and national policy decisions.

He noted that frequent turnover of legislators from Akwa Ibom has continued to limit the state’s bargaining power at the federal level, stressing that continuity in legislative service is necessary to attract federal presence, secure development-oriented interventions, and protect the state’s interests within the national legislature.

According to him, ranking lawmakers are better positioned to influence budgetary allocations, sponsor impactful legislation, and advocate more effectively for their constituents due to institutional knowledge and long-standing parliamentary relationships.

Barr. Fan urged political stakeholders and constituents to prioritise competence, performance, and experience when making electoral choices, adding that legislative effectiveness improves with time, exposure, and sustained participation in parliamentary processes.

He expressed confidence that strengthening Akwa Ibom’s representation through ranking members would significantly enhance the state’s voice in national affairs and contribute to improved development outcomes.