Why Senator Ekong Sampson Voted in NUJ Elections

Why Senator Ekong Sampson Voted in NUJ Elections

Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the Senate, recently voted in the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State elections. It was a head-turning move that not only reaffirmed his commitment to the media community, but also underscored his deep-rooted connection with the pen profession. Nsibiet John, a constituent and publisher of The Ink, emerged as new Chairman.

Speaking on the NUJ election, Senator Sampson said that as a member of the Federated Chapel, he was at the Patience Umo Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, to fulfill his professional responsibility and contribute to the process by which the Union elects its new executives. His high profile presence at the election further generated considerable excitement among members.

Sen. Ekong Sampson and outgoing NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk

At the event, the Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin, himself, a favourite for reporters due to his well-known range and deep insights, was seen interacting warmly, and posing with several journalists, including Comrade Amos Etuk, the immediate past Chairman of the Union; Mr. Patrick Albert, a former State Chairman, Elder Edet Okpo, Chairman of the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, among others. He bantered colleagues and even joked that he came to contest as Chairman.

It was Senator Sampson, Patrick Albert, and a few other journalists who brought Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to Akwa Ibom State in 1988. As a reward for that, he was returned unopposed as the first PRO of SWAN in the State.

Recall that Senator Sampson, who holds a PhD in Law, had earlier earned a Distinction in Mass Communication in 1986 from the then famed Polytechnic, Calabar (Polycal). He packs nearly four decades of illustrious career in journalism and writing, having had his first byline appear in the Port Harcourt-based Nigerian Tide in 1985, when he was barely a teenager.

Senator Sampson’s writing repertory is equally very impressive. Some of his well known works which have enjoyed acclaim both within and outside Nigeria include – Law and Statesmanship: The Legacy of Sir Udo Udoma, Parliamentarianism in Nigeria: An Odyssey in the Niger Delta, The Path of Justice Chike Idigbe, Evergreen Memories of Sir Louis Mbanefo, among others.

Sampson is a poet-Senator, as well as the patron of Uyo Book Club. His anthology features titles such as The Medalist, Rain at Reigners, A Market Outside the Marketplace, A Feast with Termites, Season of Handshakelessness, The Returning Officer, Masks, My Pen is Pregnant, among numerous other deep-cutting poems.

His essays reflect his analytical insight into political dynamics in Nigeria and further cement his reputation as a public intellectual and commentator. His contributions on the floor of the Senate are usually spiced with literacy colouring and thought-provoking perspectives.

Senator Sampson’s passion and support for the Fourth Estate remain enduring and truly inspiring. He has sponsored ICT training for journalists in the State and has already earmarked a mega retreat for media professionals, later this year. Senator Sampson is not only in touch with journalism but is fully at home with it. He remains a man of the media.

Others who won at last week’s NUJ election were Comrade Margaret Moore of the State Info Chapel, as Vice Chairman and Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, also of the State Info Chapel, as Secretary. Others were Comrade Udeme Hosea, Treasurer, Kufre Emmanuel, Financial Secretary, Uduak Akai, Assistant Secretary, and Dianime Uko, as Auditor.

© Samuel Udoma