Akwa Ibom Needs Ranking Lawmakers, Not Political Experiments

Akwa Ibom Needs Ranking Lawmakers, Not Political Experiments

“No one leaves a birthday party to attend a ritual event”.igbo proverb

By Comr Vincent Aluu PhD

I recently came across an article about a certain aspirant already positioning himself to replace Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson at the Senate. It immediately raises a question that many serious-minded observers of our politics should be asking: have we reduced our democratic process to a game where ambition alone qualifies anyone for the highest legislative offices?

The last time I checked, this same aspirant served as a Local Government Council Chairman—and even that opportunity reportedly came through the political support and goodwill of the very man he now seeks to replace. In politics, ambition is not a crime. However, ambition without depth, experience, and gratitude raises legitimate concerns about readiness for higher responsibility.

The Nigerian Senate is not a training ground. It is a chamber where complex national issues are debated, laws are crafted, and critical oversight responsibilities are carried out. It requires individuals who possess legislative experience, intellectual depth, and political maturity.

Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson fits squarely into that category as a grounded scholar, seasoned lawmaker, and respected political figure.

The legislative and developmental record of Ekong Sampson reflects a combination of policy influence and constituency impact. He has sponsored strategic bills including those for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, the Federal University of Medical Sciences in Eket, and a Federal Medical Centre for Akwa Ibom South, while serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary).

Beyond legislation, he has invested significantly in education through ICT/CBT centres, classrooms, laboratories and over ₦100 million in student grants, facilitated medical facilities across communities in the district, empowered more than 1,000 youths and women through skills training and grants, helped secure federal employment opportunities for constituents, and delivered infrastructure projects such as solar streetlights, boreholes, rural electrification and erosion control, while also advocating strategic regional projects including the revival of ALSCON and the Ibom Deep Seaport.

At a time when Nigeria faces serious economic, security, and governance challenges, it would be politically reckless for any state to casually discard experienced lawmakers who already understand the intricate workings of the National Assembly.

Legislative effectiveness is not built overnight. It is accumulated through years of service, committee work, negotiations, and institutional knowledge.

This is precisely why the position recently emphasized by Senate President Godswill Akpabio deserves serious reflection. Speaking on the need for states like Akwa Ibom to prioritize experienced representation at the National Assembly, Akpabio stressed the importance of returning ranking lawmakers who can effectively attract federal attention, influence legislative priorities, and defend the interests of their states.

His point is simple but profound: legislative ranking matters. Senior lawmakers have greater influence in committee leadership, budget negotiations, and national decision-making processes.

When a state consistently replaces its lawmakers with first-timers, it effectively resets its influence in Abuja every four years. That is not strategy; it is self-inflicted political weakness.

Akwa Ibom State has, over the years, produced individuals who have distinguished themselves in national politics and governance. The goal should be to consolidate that influence—not to weaken it through unnecessary political experiments.

History has shown that Nigeria sometimes makes curious political choices. After all, the country has seen situations where individuals with fewer qualifications emerged ahead of more experienced and competent options. The lesson from such moments should not be to repeat the same mistakes at every level of governance.

Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson represents continuity, experience, and intellectual depth in the Senate.

At this critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Akwa Ibom should be focused on strengthening its voice at the National Assembly by supporting ranking lawmakers who already understand the system and can effectively defend the interests of the state.

The truth is simple: effective representation is not built on political noise or sudden ambition. It is built on experience, credibility, and consistent legislative work.
Akwa Ibom must therefore make a careful choice—one that prioritizes competence and influence over political experimentation.

From Vincent Aluu’s Facebook page