Following her commendable performance as the Transition Committee Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, women from the area have unanimously called for Hon. Mercy Bassey to be adopted as the sole candidate for the upcoming Local Government elections.
During a recent gathering of grassroots women from across Mkpat Enin, President of the Mbong Iban Mkpat Enin women’s group, Obonganwan Rose Ekanem, expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno and his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, for appointing Lady Bassey as TC Chairman.
Ekanem stated, “I thank Governor Umo Eno and Pastor Patience Umo Eno for the selection of Lady Bassey as the Chairman of the TC of Mkpat Enin.”
Ekanem emphasized that Lady Bassey’s tenure has significantly altered the political landscape of the area, bringing hope for a more prosperous future through sustainable development and food security. She urged the women to support the TC Chairman and said, “This meeting is to equip the women with useful information ahead of the local government elections in the state.”
Highlighting Bassey’s achievements, Ekanem praised her for transforming the Council Secretariat into a more efficient and welcoming environment. “As experienced women, we are witnesses of how Mercy Bassey has transformed the Council Secretariat to an attractive and conducive environment and also refurbished dilapidated facilities, medical services by rehabilitating and equipping the Primary Health Centre, among others,” Ekanem noted.
Mrs. Grace Udobia, wife of a former Special Adviser to former Governor Victor Attah on Political and Legislative Affairs, also spoke in support of Bassey. Udobia commended Bassey’s inclusive governance style and her efforts to unite Mkpat Enin politically. She encouraged the women to rally behind Bassey, stating, “I have found leadership qualities in the transition chairman urging the women to rally support for her to ensure Mkpat Enin women are given a place in the political space of the area.”
Mrs. Aniekan Sam praised Bassey’s wisdom, knowledge, and dedication to effective service for the local government. “The transition chairman has convinced the people that she is well versed with wisdom, knowledge and ability to give the people effective service with the interest of the people and the local government at heart,” she said.
Obonganwan Arit Sunday highlighted several of Bassey’s accomplishments, including the construction of roads linking various villages. She stated, “We have been playing the role of back-benchers for decades, now it is the turn of the women to produce the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin and we will be given the right of that 40 per cent affirmative action as done in other local governments.”
Mrs. Emem Thompson echoed this sentiment, asserting that Bassey’s performance aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda, which includes agricultural revolution, infrastructural development, educational advancement, and rural security. “Her performances within six months have raised no doubt that if given a chance as executive chairman the local government will turn a new look,” Thompson explained.
Mrs. Emem Usoro, representing Ikpa Ibom Ward 3, expressed her satisfaction with Bassey’s leadership, emphasizing her effective management of local government resources. “Lady Bassey was the best choice and option for the women given the fact that the transition chairman has been able to demonstrate managerial prowess,” Usoro said.
The Supervisor of Women Affairs for Mkpat Enin Local Government, Mrs. Mercy Unwana Usen, also expressed her support for Bassey’s candidacy. She praised Bassey’s diligence and hard work, stating, “Hon. Lady Mercy Bassey is the only aspirant that will bring succor to her people with a robust administration.”
In their remarks, Obonganwan Gladys Ikosong from Ukpum Minya Ward 4 and Mrs. Eno Afia praised both the state governor and his wife for providing Bassey the opportunity to serve as TC Chairman. They noted the current peace and stability in Mkpat Enin, with Ikosong stating, “There’s total peace in Mkpat Enin now people can now go out to their farms and other businesses including marriages and burial etc without fear of insecurity.”
