Eket 2027: Akpan Declares Assembly Bid, Vows to End ‘Poor and Selective Representation’

Eket 2027: Akpan Declares Assembly Bid, Vows to End ‘Poor and Selective Representation’

…as ex-LG boss faults incumbent’s performance, calls for transparency and neutrality in governance

A former local government chairman and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eket, Hon. Aniekan Akpan, has formally declared his intention to contest for the State House of Assembly seat representing Eket State Constituency.

Akpan made the declaration on Friday in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he pledged to redefine the pattern of representation and ensure that constituents feel the tangible impact of effective legislative service.

According to him, Eket constituency is currently grappling with challenges affecting all its geopolitical zones, stressing that his ambition is driven by the need to provide inclusive and impactful representation.

The former council boss also took a swipe at the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Nsidibe Akata, accusing him of underperformance and failing to represent the collective interests of the constituency.

“Rather than serving as the voice of the entire constituency, the current representative appears limited to the interest of a select few,” Akpan said, adding that the lawmaker does not deserve a second term.

Akpan further alleged that the incumbent has repeatedly claimed credit for government-funded projects, citing the Okon Civic Center as an example of what he described as recycled achievements in annual budgets.

He also challenged claims surrounding the construction of a classroom block at Iko Eket, asserting that the project was executed by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and not by the lawmaker.

While acknowledging the developmental strides of the Eket Local Government Chairman, Hon. Akaninyene Tommey, Akpan raised concerns over the use of public facilities for political purposes. He warned that assets such as the chairman’s lodge must remain neutral and not be deployed for partisan advantage.

He also criticised the conduct of the APC chapter chairman in Eket, Inyang Ebuk, describing it as a breach of neutrality and a potential conflict of interest. He called on the party leadership to remain impartial and avoid promoting specific interests.

Akpan condemned the hoisting of party flags at the Eket Sports Stadium, insisting that the facility is a public asset meant for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. He urged the local government authorities to remove the flags.

Outlining his agenda, Akpan promised to consolidate the efforts of the state government within his constituency while ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of constituency project funds.

“If elected, I will be strategic, transparent and accountable. I will carry my constituents along in all decisions and ensure they are fully informed about the use of public funds,” he said.

He further pledged to institute regular constituency briefings, either monthly or quarterly, to keep residents updated on legislative activities and oversight functions.

Akpan assured that his representation would be inclusive, vowing to serve every ward, zone, and citizen of Eket State Constituency fairly and equally.

(Newsline9ja Blog)