Comrade Victor Obong

Okon Congratulates New APC South-South Zonal Executive Committee

The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Barr. Ime Okon, has congratulated the newly-elected members of the South-South Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) of the All Progressives' Congress (APC).

During the APC South-South Zonal Congress at Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, new members of the ZEC were elected through consensus by delegates from the six states of the zone.

Among them were the National Vice Chairman (South-South Zone), Chief Victor Giadom, from Rivers State, and the Zonal Secretary, Dr. Ita Udosen, from Akwa Ibom State, who were re-elected for second terms.

Giadom had previously served as the Deputy National Secretary of the APC while Udosen was the Deputy State Chairman and later Acting State Chairman of the party in Akwa Ibom.

The Honourable member who attended the Congress was chatting with newsmen shortly after the event and expressed satisfaction with the harmonious election and the quality of the executive members.

He urged them to work to ensure that the APC retains its dominance in all six states of the zone in the 2027 elections.

The lawmaker commended Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for their roles in the success of the congress.

He equally lauded the duo for working hard to ensure the stability and unity of the APC back home in Akwa Ibom, thereby making the state an impregnable fortress for the party.

Going further home, Okon described his federal constituency as a safe stronghold of the APC.

ITU/IBIONO IBOM UNITY PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

PRESS STATEMENT

ITU/IBIONO IBOM UNITY PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE CAUTIONS AGAINST ATTEMPTS TO PURSUE PERSONAL VENDETTAS AT THE EXPENSE OF CONSTITUENCY’S LONG-TERM GAINS

The Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project Advisory Committee has observed with deep concern the recent spate of mischievous and sponsored social media publications deliberately designed to mislead the public and distort the true state of representation in the Federal Constituency.

These coordinated narratives are not only false and mischievous, but clearly motivated by personal vendettas, calculated to create unnecessary tension and misrepresent the collective will of the people of Itu and Ibiono Ibom who are fully aware of the value of stability, continuity and ranking advantage in the National Assembly.

The Advisory Committee uses this medium to appreciate the courage shown by a number of young persons, both male and female, who, after attending the “operation pull down Ime Okon” meeting, where falsehood, malicious and egregious fabrications were conceived against the National Assembly member, Hon. (Barr) Ime Bassey Okon, have since come forward to confess and tender unreserved apologies. They have openly stated that, as born-again Christians, their conscience would not permit them to malign a man who has done them no wrong. The Committee notes that such a decision, guided by sound values and the spirit of unity consistently preached by Governor Umo Eno, reflects the true character of the Federal Constituency and is worthy of commendation.

It is important to restate that the people of Itu/Ibiono Ibom are guided by verifiable facts. Within a short period in office, the law luminary has attracted and facilitated projects and interventions exceeding N1.7 billion across education, infrastructure, healthcare and human capital development, alongside targeted educational support totalling N19.6 million for over 320 students, including those in the Nigerian Law School.

Beyond these and many other achievements, which have earned commendations from traditional institutions, elders, women, widows, and youth, the Committee acknowledges the strategic importance of his current legislative standing. As a first-term member serving as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, the constituency is already well-positioned to attract federal presence and development. To undermine this standing for narrow interests would, therefore, amount to jeopardizing the long-term progress of the area.

The Committee therefore advises, in clear terms, that attempts to weaponize social media for political mischief should cease forthwith. Itu/Ibiono Ibom has never been known for politics driven by bitterness. The constituency has always placed collective advancement above individual grievances, and that tradition must be preserved.

Those still nursing grievances from the 2023 elections are urged to embrace reconciliation and align with the prevailing atmosphere of peace and unity that now defines Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno. The current political climate does not support divisive tendencies, and no meaningful progress can be built on such foundations.

The Advisory Committee reaffirms its position that the interest of Itu/Ibiono Ibom is best served through CONTINUITY, consolidation and responsible leadership. The ongoing efforts to sustain ranking status in the National Assembly remain a priority that must not be jeopardized.

Accordingly, the Advisory Committee restates its endorsement of the current representation of Rep Ime Okon and expresses firm support for the continued leadership of Governor Umo Eno, whose approach has restored calm, strengthened unity and created an enabling environment for development across the state.

Signed:

Comrade Godwin Mbeke
Chairman

Rt Hon (Engr) Dominic Udoatan
Secretary

March 25, 2026.

HUMILITY, Rare Virtue of a Good Leader: Rep Ime Okon Example

By Henshaw NYONG

The Bible has long settled the question of what should guide leadership. One of the clearest moments came during the ministry of Jesus when He noticed a recurring argument among His disciples. They were often concerned about position. Who would be the greatest among them? Who would occupy the most prominent place?

Sensing the rising ambition, Jesus turned the moment into an insightful lesson. In the Gospel of Matthew 18:4, He made it clear that whoever desires greatness must humble himself like a child. In the Gospel of Mark 10:43–44, the teaching became even more direct: whoever wants to become great must first become a servant.

It was a simple message, yet profound. True leadership is not built on noise, pride or the restless search for recognition. It grows from service, restraint, humility and the quiet discipline of placing the interest of others above personal glory.

History, both sacred and secular, has repeatedly shown that leaders who carry humility as a virtue often leave the deepest imprint on society. Why? Because humility opens the door to listening. It creates room for empathy. It reminds those in authority that power is not a throne to be guarded but a responsibility to be exercised with care.

In Akwa Ibom State today, many citizens will readily point to one example of that disposition in public office. At the helm sits Umo Bassey Eno, a clergyman turned State Chief Executive who has deliberately demystified power. The Governor mixes freely with people, answers calls, responds to messages and refuses to allow the weight of office to erect walls around him. Anyone who sits with him for a few minutes often leaves impressed by a simplicity that is rare in high political office.

Following that same path, and doing so with remarkable composure, is the member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon.

Ime.

The name itself means patience. And if names carry meaning, this one appears to be living it.

Let me quickly narrate a recent incident. A few days ago, some stakeholders in the constituency joked that the lawmaker must truly be living out the meaning of his name. They had watched him handle a situation that would have easily pushed many politicians into anger or needless display of pride. Instead, Ime listened patiently, engaged quietly and helped resolve a matter that had lingered for years.

When the dust settled at that very moment, the people left satisfied. In their excitement, they openly declared their support for Governor Umo Eno, and true to their words, they have since become active card carrying members of the APC. Their decision was largely influenced by a man who placed loyalty, goodwill and genuine concern above personal gain.
For a man of imposing build and intimidating height like Ime Bassey Okon, one might easily expect thunder. What the people saw instead was the calmness of a dove.

That temperament has steadily endeared him to many across Itu and Ibiono Ibom. His constituents have come to appreciate the advantage of having a representative who carries himself with restraint and maturity. He listens. He respects. He avoids unnecessary confrontation. And when he acts, it is rarely for self aggrandizement or political showmanship, but for practical solutions that bring relief to the people.

Now to the substance of representation.

Law making remains his primary constitutional duty. On that score, the law luminary has sponsored and co-sponsored eight bills and motions. Among them are bills seeking to establish the Metallurgical and Material Engineers Registration Board of Nigeria and the Biomedical Engineers and Scientists Registration Board. He has also moved motions on the urgent rehabilitation of the Calabar–Itu–Ikot Ekpene Road, on addressing disparities between HND and BSc holders within security agencies, and on the need to decongest correctional centres.

Now, beyond the legislative chamber, the constituency has witnessed tangible interventions.
Independent assessment tours conducted by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Coalition of Online Publishers Akwa Ibom, the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Akwa Ibom, civil society groups and the National Association of Nigerian Students among others revealed projects valued at over ₦1.7 billion attracted to the constituency within just two and a half years.
That figure becomes even more striking when placed beside the typical constituency project ceiling of roughly ₦200 million in the federal budget cycle for members. How did he do it when we all know in the National Assembly, influence grows with experience and ranking status. Yet Rep. Okon is still serving his first term.
This is why many right thinking constituents emphasise the value of continuity. A ranking legislator commands greater negotiating strength, deeper committee influence and broader access to federal interventions. In the arithmetic of Abuja politics, ranking status often determines how much a constituency ultimately benefits.

Among the projects already delivered by Okon are a furnished six classroom block at Technical School, Ayadehe; a four classroom block with facilities at PCN Primary School, North Itam; construction of the 1.5 kilometre Joshua Uwah Street with solar lighting and drainage in Mbak Itam III; a modern 450 capacity Civic Centre in Idoro; and the ongoing construction of a 1000 capacity Civic Centre in Nkwa.
Across communities, solar powered boreholes now provide clean water, while solar street lights have restored visibility and security to once dark roads in the two LGAs. Educational support has also expanded. Over 300 students, including 18 attending the Nigerian Law School, have received bursaries.
Healthcare interventions have equally made impact. Free medical outreaches organised across Itu and Ibiono Ibom attended to thousands of residents, with several major surgeries performed for patients who might otherwise never have afforded such procedures.

Okon's empowerment initiatives have touched different segments of society. Good vehicles have been donated. Scholarships have been extended to children of deceased political stakeholders and other indigent but brilliant students. Employment opportunities have been facilitated into federal and state institutions including the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Fire Service.

Just last month, the lawmaker took another step in addressing youth unemployment by sponsoring long term skill acquisition training for 20 youths from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. The training covers auxiliary nursing, fashion designing, carpentry, truck driving, automobile mechanics and other vocational trades. Fees running into several millions of naira were paid directly, alongside trading support for a widow and a business grant for a physically challenged barber.

Politically, Rep. Okon has also aligned strongly with national and state leadership, mobilising grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno. Together with his wife, Deaconess Victoria Ime Okon, he has supported voter registration exercises, party membership revalidation and ward level political mobilisation across the constituency.

For many constituents, the argument going forward is straightforward.
If humility and quiet diligence could deliver this level of intervention within a first term, what more could be achieved with the stronger negotiating power that comes with ranking status?

Ime Okon has spent these years building networks, understanding the inner workings of Abuja and identifying where opportunities lie for his people. His Constituents believe that returning him for another term would not merely extend a tenure. It would strengthen the voice of Itu and Ibiono Ibom within the National Assembly and open wider doors for development.

In politics, humility is often underrated. Yet the lesson taught centuries ago by our LORD still stands. Those who serve with humility often lead with the greatest impact. Indeed, Ime's constituents are fortunate to have a humble and altruistic representative.

Itu/Ibiono Ibom Constituents Most Fanatical About ARISE Agenda – Rep Ime Okon

••• Pledges Massive Support for Gov Eno, APC

The member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has declared that no constituency in Akwa Ibom State shows greater passion and commitment to the ARISE Agenda than the people of Itu and Ibiono Ibom.

He made the assertion while receiving the State Government–led civic responsibility sensitization team, headed by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, alongside the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Inibehe Etukudoh, and other women leaders, during the tour of the two local government areas.

At Ibiono Ibom, where the event held at the Council Secretariat, Okoita, the federal lawmaker, who was represented by his wife, Deaconess Victoria Okon, due to official National Assembly duties, described women as the backbone of political mobilisation, noting their loyalty, discipline and consistency, especially during elections.

He said Ibiono Ibom women have remained steadfast supporters of the All Progressives Congress and would vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and support Senate President Godswill Akpabio in 2027, attributing this to the visible dividends of APC governance in the area, including infrastructure, empowerment programmes and appointments.

To support the sensitization exercise, Rep. Okon presented huge financial assistance as logistics to the women, urging them to sustain grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections.

At Itu Local Government Area, where the event took place at Mbak Atai, the lawyer and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria was represented by his campaign manager, Comrade Godwin Mbeke, who commended Governor Umo Eno for his leadership, describing him as the most impactful governor in the country.

He said the ARISE Agenda has changed the development narrative of Itu and Ibiono Ibom, adding that constituents who are deeply committed to the agenda will take ownership of the sensitization exercise, ensure proper mobilisation and deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu, Governor Eno and all APC candidates when the time comes.

Another handsome financial donation was presented to support the smooth conduct of the exercise in Itu.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker's gesture and remarks earned commendation from the Deputy Governor, as well as the Chairmen of Ibiono Ibom and Itu LGAs, Hon. Asuakak Umoh and Hon. Ubong Nkutt, who eulogized Hon. Okon for his consistent support and alignment with the ARISE Agenda.

©️ Media/Publicity Unit
Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency
House of Representatives
National Assembly, Abuja

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