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NANS Commends Senator Ekong Sampson for motion on abducted students, Calabar-Itu Highway

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Akwa Ibom State Axis, has commended Senator Ekong Sampson for his swift intervention on the abduction of students and other passengers along the Calabar-Oron waterways, as well as his broader advocacy for improved infrastructure, including the Calabar-Itu highway.

In a letter dated April 25, 2026, jointly signed by Comrade Elsie Ntete, Chairman of NANS JCC Akwa Ibom State Axis, Comrade Glory Benson, Secretary-General, and addressed to the lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, the student body lauded his motion of urgent national importance raised on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, concerning the hijack of a commercial ferry by suspected sea pirates, along the Calabar-Oron waterways.

According to NANS, the incident involved the abduction of no fewer than 15 passengers, including candidates preparing for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), whose academic aspirations were abruptly disrupted by the attack.

The association described Senator Sampson’s intervention as timely and courageous, noting that his strong condemnation of the attack and call for immediate rescue efforts reflected the kind of responsive leadership Nigerian students expect from their representatives.
“We are especially encouraged that the Senate heeded your call and directed security agencies to immediately commence coordinated rescue operations to secure the release of all abducted victims,” the letter read.

NANS stressed that the incident goes beyond policy concerns, touching directly on the safety of students and the integrity of the nation’s educational system. It added that Sampson’s decision to bring the matter to national attention underscores his commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens, particularly young Nigerians pursuing education.

NANS also reaffirmed its solidarity with Senator Sampson in demanding the safe and swift release of all victims, while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rid the waterways of criminal elements and guarantee safe passage for commuters. The body also charged the Federal Government to hasten work on the Calabar-Itu highway, to provide alternative routes.

Senator Sampson had earlier moved the Senate to investigate insecurity along the Calabar-Oron waterways and to prioritize urgent action on the Calabar-Itu Highway, citing growing concerns over safety and infrastructure challenges affecting residents and travelers in the region.
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THE MANY FACES OF DR. UBUO: FROM SECOND-TERM CHAMPION TO ANTI-SECOND-TERM CRUSADER

In the ever-dynamic theatre of Okobo politics, few performances have been as captivating as the recent transformation of the Honourable Commissioner for Sanitation and Water Resources, Dr. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo.

Once upon a time, not too long ago, in fact, the Commissioner stood tall as a vocal advocate for continuity in office. Back in 2018/2019, he was not just a passive observer but an active mobiliser, rallying support for the re-election of Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey. Second term, at the time, was not a problem to be solved, it was a principle to be defended.

Fast forward to today, and the script appears to have changed.

Now, the political atmosphere in Okobo LGA is filled with chants against second-term bids, led by enthusiastic youths who, coincidentally or not, seem ideologically aligned with the Commissioner’s current mood. Suddenly, what was once a symbol of stability has become a threat to equity. What changed? The principle, or the player?

Observers are left flipping through old political photographs like confused historians, trying to reconcile the past with the present. One particularly viral image, showing the ceremonial presentation of nomination forms years ago, now feels less like a memory and more like evidence in the court of public opinion.

Of course, in politics, evolution is not a crime. Leaders are allowed to grow, shift, and even reinvent themselves. But in Okobo, this particular transformation is raising eyebrows, not because change is unexpected, but because it appears remarkably convenient.

Is this a case of newfound conviction? Or simply a recalibration of interests as 2027 approaches?

For many residents, the question is not whether protests should happen, democracy thrives on expression, but whether the outrage is organic or orchestrated. When the loudest voices echo the ambitions of powerful figures, skepticism naturally follows.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner remains a central figure in conversations about a possible return to local government leadership. And here lies the irony: the same political ladder once climbed with the help of continuity may now be kicked away in the name of “fairness.”

In the end, Okobo’s political story is becoming less about ideology and more about timing. Principles, it seems, are not always abandoned, they are sometimes... rescheduled.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, one thing is certain: in this unfolding drama, the audience is watching closely. And in politics, as in theatre, consistency is often the difference between a hero and a very convincing actor.

Robinson Uwak Samuel Edubio Odoro Oro Ethnic Nationality Movement

Ekeya Stakeholders Back Okobo Lawmaker, Bassey Pius Bassey for Second Term
..As Former Lawmaker Efeffiong Antigha, Community Leaders Rally Support for APC Ahead of 2027

Stakeholders of Ekeya Ward in Okobo Local Government Area have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of the Member representing Okobo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, endorsing him for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, during a strategic engagement between political stakeholders of Ekeya Ward and top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okobo Local Government Area.

Leading the call for the lawmaker’s return, former Member representing Okobo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Chief Efeffiong Antigha, emphasized the importance of retaining experienced lawmakers in office, noting that second-term legislators are better positioned to deliver quality representation, attract developmental projects, and leverage stronger institutional relationships for the benefit of their constituents.

Chief Antigha urged the people of Okobo to support the return of Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey to the State House of Assembly, stressing that continuity in representation remains essential for sustained growth and development in the constituency. He further reaffirmed the commitment of Ekeya stakeholders to the APC, pledging their continued loyalty and support for the party in future elections.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area and Chapter Coordinator of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative, Rt. Hon. Engr. George Okon Henshaw, charged the people of Okobo to remain steadfast in their support for the APC, emphasizing the need for political unity and sustained grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called on party faithful to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other APC candidates, describing unity within the party as critical to sustaining development across the nation.

Responding, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey thanked the people of Ekeya for their confidence and overwhelming support, assuring them of his commitment to effective representation and sustained advocacy for the development of Okobo State Constituency.

The lawmaker, who recently concluded his mega empowerment and constituency briefing amidst widespread commendation from beneficiaries, reiterated the need for unity among party members and urged constituents to remain committed to the ideals of the APC as preparations begin for the 2027 electoral contests.

Also speaking, the State Officer of the APC, Rt. Hon. Edu Atta, urged the people of the ward to sustain their support for the party and remain aligned with its leadership at all levels.

Speaking during the engagement, the President General of Okobo Development Union (ODU), Chief Edward Walter, commended Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey for his recent donation of a Sienna bus to the union, describing the gesture as timely and impactful. He noted that the vehicle has significantly enhanced the union’s operational capacity and improved his office’s ability to carry out its responsibilities effectively.

Similarly, the President General of Atak-Oro Development Union (ADU), Chief Effiong Asanwana, represented by ADU Board of Trustees member, Deacon Asuquo Edet Koffi, applauded the House member for the donation, stating that the gesture reflects his commitment to empowering community institutions and promoting inclusive development across Okobo.

Other dignitaries present at the meeting included Secretary of Okobo Development Union, Comrade Bassey Unung; former Deputy Head of Council, Prince Isaac Anyin; Councillor representing Ekeya Ward, Hon. Mandu Ekpenyong; Special Adviser on Political and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ukeh Ukeh; the Chapter Women Leader of the APC, women, youths, elders, among others.

The meeting ended with renewed assurances from Ekeya stakeholders of their commitment to the APC and support for candidates that will emerge from the party’s primaries.

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