Group lauds Gov Eno over women inclusion in grassroots politics

Grassroots women in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have applauded Governor Umo Eno for giving women the opportunity to serve at the third tier of governance in the state.

Obonganwan Rose Ekanem, coordinator of the group who commended Eno for appointing Hon. Mercy Bassey as the transition Committee of the LGA, stated that through inclusive leadership skills, social network, capacity building, she has shown the competence needed at the grassroots.

The Mkpat Enin Grassroot Women however appealed to the Governor to support Hon. Mercy Bassey as she remained the most preferred and competent candidate for the council under the platform of People Democratic Party (PDP), so that she could complete her vision of sustainable Development and food security.

The group also urged the people of Mkpat Enin to rally round and give Mercy Bassey their full support, by voting her into office as the next chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council.

The group president who spoke during a meeting drew her inspiration from an African Proverb which states that “what an elder sees from far, a child can never see even If he climbs an iroko tree,” explaining that she has been around Mkpat Enin for a long time and had witnessed many administrations, that Mercy Bassey remains the best so far who came to wipe the tears of her people, that if given an opportunity, she will do more.

“As women, We all are witnesses of how Mercy Bassey has transformed the Council Secretariat, she has reconstructed dilapidated facilities, and provided the necessary basic amenities, intervened on the state government road project that was completely abandoned by the immediate past administration.

But within their first month in office as a Transition Chairman, she rehabilitated the road to ease transportation and save lives, through her competent character, inclusive leadership skills, social network, capacity building, humility, transparency, and peace most importantly has returned to Mkpat Enin.

“Bassey has also graded the road that links many villages from Ibekwe, Ikot Mkpeye, Ikot Unya, Ikot Eyienhe, Ife town etc to make lives better for the citizens living in rural areas and turned the council’s land into the cultivation of varieties of food crops including cassava, planted over 4-hectres of land, 490 stands of plantain, vegetables, okoro, tomatoes and corn etc.

“As a child of honour, Mercy is currently building a Traditional Ruler council House at the Secretariat for all the traditional Rulers in the council. She has rehabilitated the cottage hospital, at Odoro-Ikot, unroofed the dilapidated roof and replaced it with brand new, provided borehole water and, toilet, installed lights and provided the hospital with brand new beds and other basic amenities to promote healthy living and save lives.

“This has aligned with the governor’s ARISE agenda which the first is Agriculture for sustainable Development and food security for the state, we call on the state governor and his dear wife, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno and Mrs Patience Umo Eno to support our daughter to complete all the vision she have for the development of Mkpat Enin LGA.” The group stated

In her goodwill message, the woman leader representing Ikpa Ibom Ward 3 Mrs Emem Usoro, expressed satisfaction over the choice of the transition chairman as the next Executive chairman of the council, added that she is contented with what she is given and that she maximizes our resources well to the benefits of the constituents.

Also speaking supervisor of women affairs Mkpat Enin LGA, Lady Mercy Usen also threw her weight behind the Bassey over her hardworking nature and dedication to serve and represent her people.

The representative of Ikpa Ikono clan, Mrs Eno Afia gave her support and added that peace has been restored to Ikpa Ikono clan as she couldn’t farm nor go home last year due to insecurity but this year, she was able to farm and also monitor her business in the area due to the intervention of Hon. Mercy Bassey in tackling insecurity in the area.

On her part, Grace Udobia of Ikpa Ibom ward 4, explained how Mercy’s inclusion of past leaders in governance and decision making has endeared her to many and thus earned her support and endorsement.

Other women who spoke in support of the Transition Chairman, Bassey as the next Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA includes; Aniekan Ubong Sam from Ibiaku Clan, Arit Sunday Ekwere of Ibiaku Clan, Ime Friday, Ikpa Ikono clan, Imelda Ibanga Ikpa Ibom ward 2, Emem Thompson Ikpa Ibom ward 4.