From Left, Mrs. Ememobong Aniekan Uko, Wife of the member representing Ibesikpo Asutan state constituency presenting a cheque of N1million to the wife and son of Late Pastor Iniobong Lyons,killed during the #EndSARS protest in Uyo.
By Abasifreke Effiong
The family of Mr. Iniobong Lyons who was killed during the #EndSARS protest in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has received N1million from the member representing Ibesikpo Asutan in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Aniekan Uko.
Mr. Iniobong Lyons hailed from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area and was a Pastor with the African Church of Nigeria.
Iniobong Lyons was hit by a stray bullet allegedly shot by the Police during the #EndSARS protest in Uyo, while on his way back from a church meeting.
Lyons’ family was among 15 beneficiaries who received cheques of N1million each during the sixth constituency briefing by Elder Aniekan Uko.
Elder Uko said the son of the Late Iniobong Lyons, is also a beneficiary of his constituency scholarship programme.
Other beneficiaries of the N1million constituency empowerment programme tagged Iboroakam Poverty Eradication Method 2023, i-PEM 23, were, Akwaowo Ukpe Udofia, Kufre Ubong Nte, Emmanuel Effiom, Okon Edet Offiong, Mfon Okon Johnson, Peter Effiong James, Patience Mkpofiok, Ime Asuquo Etim, Ime Ekpenyong Orok, Etop Jonathan, Idongesit Akpan James, Udeme Offiong, Nduehe Idiok, Esop Iban Mbong Ibesikpo Asutan.
At the event, the lawmaker donated two new cars to Barr. Dan Gospel and Mr. Victor Mfon Bassey. Recall that Elder Aniekan Uko had donated 13 cars and 10 motorcycles to his supporters during his maiden constituency briefing in 2015.
Elder Aniekan Uko, said he has “selflessly justified the confidence reposed in him” by his party, the PDP, and the people of Ibesikpo Asutan.
“The things I do, I am not doing them because I am too rich but I am doing them to ensure that the people that went out smiling to vote for me, are still smiling while I am in office.”
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Elder Uko said he has so far sponsored nine Bills and seven motions, and has attracted more than 24 projects cutting across education and health sectors, rural electrification, erosion control and roads, women and youth empowerment as well as empowerment of persons with special needs.
The lawmaker thanked the political leader of Ibesikpo Asutan, Prince Uwem Ita Etuk, whom he said discovered and mentored him politically.
“Prince Uwem Ita Etuk discovered me for Ibesikpo Asutan. He has mentored me politically. He has taught me humility, resilience and self confidence, such that even when I am alone, I can speak up for what I stand for.”
He thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel, for siting his flagship projects like the 21-storey Dakkada towers in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Elder Uko equally lauded the Governor for naming the State’s airport after his constituent, the former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, and the appointment of his constituents into key positions in his administration.
The political leader of Ibesikpo Asutan and former State Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uwem Ita Etuk, thanked Elder Uko for being consistent with his empowerment programmes and advised beneficiaries of the N1million constituency empowerment to invest the money wisely.
The Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsikan Nkan, who is an indigene of Ibesikpo Asutan said Elder Aniekan Uko has given superlative representation to Ibesikpo Asutan.
“Aniekan Uko has done exceedingly well. His scorecard is excellent. He has recorded superlative performance in all legislative performance. We have not regret that Aniekan Uko is our House member.”
Mr. Nkan encouraged the people of Ibesikpo Asutan to register with the PDP and also take part in the ongoing voters registration exercise.
At the event, the member representing Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Uruan/Nsit Atai federal constituency, Mr. Michael Enyong, selected five persons in Ibesikpo Asutan who will benefit from his N5 million end-of-year empowerment programme.
Also, the senator representing, Uyo senatorial district, Obong Bassey Albert, pledged to support 25 micro-scale entrepreneurs from Ibesikpo Asutan with N5 million.
Highlight of the 18th annual end-of-year convocation of the PDP in Ibesikpo Asutan was a solemn assembly.
