A former Minister of Lands and Urban development, Chief Nduese Essien, has said the National Assembly, particularly, the Senate, is not a ground for testing of waters but for experienced and competent legislators.
Essien, who is the Chairman of Eket Senatorial District Elders Forum, stated this when Mkpat Enin Elders/ Stakeholders Forum for the re-election of Senator Ekong Sampson paid him a courtesy visit at Eket, Friday.
He charged the people of Eket Senatorial District to sustain effective representation at the National Assembly, recalling how the district had benefited significantly from experienced and ranking lawmakers in the past, even as he stressed that they will not take any chance in 2027 by voting inexperienced person as a senator.
He said, “Upper legislative chamber is no longer a place for newcomers and homeboys.”
He said many of his notable achievements were realised during his second term in office.
While noting that the Nigerian Senate has evolved into a strong institution over the years, where high-ranking senators have so much influence in policies and decision-making, Essien warned that it would be risky for any constituency to send a learner to the Senate.
The elder statesman, therefore, applauded the delegation for the proactive step to support continuity and competence to forestall any attempt to return the senatorial district to the era of single-term representation in the Senate which, according to him, was not rewarding.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Mkpat Enin Elders / Stakeholders Forum, Obong Dr Sydney Udofot represented by his secretary, Rev. Obot Ekanem, stressed their approval for continuity and effective representation.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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