Enwonoabasi Elisha
Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Hon Partick Umoh has disapproved of ovation-seeking-public officers, noting that public offices are burdened with expected responsibilities to the masses and handclapping should not be the norm when they engaged and serve the people.
The Lawmaker made the note, Thursday, during the Chat series of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA).
"We are public officers and these are the things we need to do for the people. So, this ovation when we serve the people is not necessary. These are the things expected of us."
He laid bare his mind when he was questioned of why most of his life-touching programs are not brought to public domain. The academic explained that persons holding public offices in trust for the people should not always pride in ovation from members of the public as they are doing their due diligence in regards to the demands of such offices.
"The recent bursary disbursement to students in my constituency was timely and it was from my pocket as a gesture of kindness which was extended to me while making request for a bill. Those involved did that for free because of the goodwill I enjoy from people as a result of my legislative engagements and relationship with other Lawmakers. As a student unionist, I told myself, if people are fair to me, let me be also fair to people.
"I also did some other things quietly between me and God in appreciation of my people. These were personal funds and was not part of 2023 budget."
He also noted that youths who comprised the largest population must be engaged and empowered to reduce the high-level of sycophancy and entitlement mentality experienced in the State.
"Let us get the youths to acquire relevant skills. I was talking with Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene to see how we can have a Memorandum of Understanding to teach people on skills. They have a wonderful place where they teach people on bricklaying, electrification, piping, etc. For me, it is to teach people on how to acquire skills to be self-reliant.
"In the past nine months in the National Assembly, I have facilitated about five employment and they are working."
Meanwhile, as the Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Agenda, the Lawmaker said through the mandate of the Committee which makes contact with development partners possible, he has been able to organise a refresher course for his colleagues to equip them with legislative skills.
Delving into the political scene in the State, this Knight of Saint John International (KSJI) said there is no longer internal crises within his political party, All Progressives Congress (APC), and for the Party to take over the hilltop mansion in Akwa Ibom State, it is God's business.
"That's God's business. Every political party wants to take up power. We enjoy power. When you are in power, you work towards sustaining what you have. We want to keep winning elections at whatever level God gives us opportunity. So, it is not to sit down here and brag. It is to go and do the work."
On the relationship between the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker said, "Akwa Ibom is a project and it is beyond party affiliation. I must commend the maturity of Pastor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio. I don't want to speculate, but let's see as it goes."
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