July 09, (THEWILL) – Grassroots women in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have applauded Governor Umo Eno for giving women the opportunity to serve at the third tier of governance in the state.
Obonganwan Rose Ekanem, coordinator of the group, who commended Eno for appointing Hon. Mercy Bassey, as the Transition Committee of the LGA, stated that through inclusive leadership skills, social networks and capacity building, she has shown the competence needed at the grassroots.
The Mkpat Enin Grassroot Women, however, appealed to the Governor to support Hon. Mercy Bassey as she remained the most preferred and competent candidate for the council under the platform of People Democratic Party (PDP), so that she could complete her vision of sustainable development and food security.
The group also urged the people of Mkpat Enin to rally around and give Mercy Bassey their full support by voting her into office as the next chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council.
The group president, who spoke during a meeting, drew her inspiration from an African Proverb which states that “what an elder sees from far, a child can never see even If he climbs an iroko tree”, explaining that she has been around Mkpat Enin for a long time and had witnessed many administrations, and that Mercy Bassey remains the best so far, who came to wipe the tears of her people and if given an opportunity, she will do more.
“As women, we all are witnesses of how Mercy Bassey has transformed the Council Secretariat. She has reconstructed dilapidated facilities, provided the necessary basic amenities, intervened in the state government road project that was completely abandoned by the immediate past administration. Within the first month in office as a Transition Chairman, she rehabilitated the road to ease transportation and save lives. Through her competent character, inclusive leadership skills, social network, capacity building, humility, transparency and peace, most importantly, have returned to Mkpat Enin.
“Bassey has also graded the road that links many villages from Ibekwe, Ikot Mkpeye, Ikot Unya, Ikot Eyienhe, Ife Town, etc., to make lives better for the citizens living in rural areas, and turned the council’s land into the cultivation of a variety of food crops, including cassava. She planted over 4 hectares of land, 490 stands of plantain, vegetables, okoro, tomatoes and corn, etc.
“As a child of honour, Mercy is currently building a Traditional Ruler council House at the Secretariat for all the traditional Rulers in the council. She has rehabilitated the cottage hospital at Odoro-ikot, unroofed the dilapidated roof, and replaced it with brand new roofing; provided borehole water, toilet, installed lights, and provided the hospital with brand new beds and other basic amenities to promote healthy living and save lives.
“This has aligned with the governor’s ARISE agenda, which the first is Agriculture for sustainable development and food security for the state. We call on the state governor and his dear wife, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno and Mrs Patience Umo Eno, to support our daughter to complete all the visions she has for the development of Mkpat Enin LGA”, the group stated.
In her goodwill message, the woman leader representing Ikpa Ibom Ward 3, Mrs Emem Usoro, expressed satisfaction over the choice of the transition chairman as the next Executive chairman of the council. She added that she is contented with what she is given and she maximises our resources well to the benefits of the constituents.
Also speaking, the supervisor of women affairs, Mkpat Enin LGA, Lady Mercy Usen, also threw her weight behind Bassey over her hardworking nature and dedication to serve and represent her people.
The representative of Ikpa Ikono clan, Mrs Eno Afia, gave her support, adding that peace has been restored to Ikpa Ikono clan. She couldn’t farm or go home last year due to insecurity, but this year, she was able to farm and also monitor her business in the area due to the intervention of Hon. Mercy Bassey in tackling insecurity in the area.
On her part, Grace Udobia of Ikpa Ibom Ward 4 explained how Mercy’s inclusion of past leaders in governance and decision-making has endeared her to many and thus earned her support and endorsement.
Other women who spoke in support of the Transition Chairman, Bassey, as the next Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA include Aniekan Ubong Sam from Ibiaku Clan, Arit Sunday Ekwere of Ibiaku Clan, Ime Friday, Ikpa Ikono clan, Imelda Ibanga Ikpa Ibom Ward 2, Emem Thompson Ikpa Ibom Ward 4.
