EKET MEDIA COMMUNITY THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND DR. NSIDIBE AKATA, TO PURCHASE APC NOMINATION FORM:

EKET STATE CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS 2027:

EKET MEDIA COMMUNITY THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND DR. NSIDIBE AKATA, TO PURCHASE APC NOMINATION FORM:

Daniel Edon:24/03/26

In a show of solidarity, the Eket Media Community has announced plans to purchase the APC nomination form for the member representing Eket State Constituency at Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mkpisóng Nsidibe Akata, PhD, as a sign of massive support for his candidature in the 2026 APC party primaries.

Speaking during an interactive session with the lawmaker, on Monday, at the Eket Chairman’s Lodge, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Comrade Mfon Bassey, said that his colleagues’ decision to purchase the form underscores the lawmaker’s commitment to robust representation and his impact on the Eket community.

In his reaction, the Deputy Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr. Nsidibe Akata, who expressed shock at this rare support, thanked the Eket Media practitioners for the confidence reposed in him. He said this support from the media further strengthened him, being another strong support after that of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisóng Frank Archibong, and Eket Executive Chairman, Mkpisóng Akaniyene Tommey. He vowed to strengthen his representation in Eket State Constituency.

He immediately announced that, as an appreciation for support from the media, he would sponsor journalists from his constituency for retraining, acknowledging the importance of a free press in promoting good governance.

The Geologist-cum-Politician highlighted key achievements, including:

• Construction of a three-classroom block and a solar-powered water project in Iko Ekid

• A 400-seating capacity civic centre in Okon-Eket (initially approved for 180 seats, upgraded using personal funds)

• Payment of health insurance premiums for over 100 elderly persons

• Monthly stipends of ₦50,000 to selected beneficiaries across the constituency

• Support for women and market traders (10 women per family in his village and numerous market women received business grants of ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 respectively)

• ₦6 million earmarked for student grants

ON LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTIONS, DR. AKATA CITED
:
• Motions for reactivating Qua River Hotel

• Engaging Traditional Birth Attendants in public health campaigns to reduce child mortality.

• The bill converting College of Education, Afaha Nsit into a University of Education

In his short speech, the publisher of The Bubbles Newspaper, Comrade Daniel Edon, urged the House member to consider putting up a bill for the establishment of an Aviation University in Eket, using the former Mobil Airstrip, now Seplat Energy Airstrip, as a takeoff facility. Edon said the university, when established, would readily provide the manpower requirements for IbomAir and Victor Attah International Airport and other aviation industries within the South-South region.This will reduce capital flight in the State, he concluded.

In his reaction, the Deputy Leader said that the State Government, in conjunction with the Federal Government, had already given the facility out to the Nigerian Airforce for its Operational Base.

The Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals Chairman, Comrade Itoro Etti, praised Akata’s cordial relationship with stakeholders and the media, saying it has helped shape a positive governance narrative.

In his speech, Chief Idim Edemekong, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of Eket, noted that Akata has exceeded expectations, earning the confidence of stakeholders. He also urged the House member to still push for the establishment of an Aviation University in Eket, even if the University would share the facilities with the Nigerian Airforce.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, described Dr. Akata as hardworking and efficient, diligently protecting the mandate entrusted to him. The NUJ Chairman requested more support for journalists in Eket. He expressed disappointment that when he came into the meeting venue, he barely saw motor cars parked. He pleaded that he should consider including journalists when giving out cars during his Empowerment.

Special Assistants to the Governor on Media, Mr. Mfon Bassey and Dr. Eneh John, called for strengthened support for Akata’s second-term bid, citing his commendable performance.