A former Nigerian minister has urged the Eket Senatorial District to prioritize electing experienced legislators to the National Assembly, warning that the Senate is no longer suitable for political novices. Chief Nduese Essien, who served as Minister of Lands and Urban Development and chairs the Eket Senatorial District Elders Forum, made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Mkpat Enin Elders and Stakeholders Forum in Eket on Friday. The forum is backing Senator Ekong Sampson’s re-election bid.
Essien emphasized that the Senate, as a critical legislative chamber, demands seasoned lawmakers who can navigate complex policy-making. He recalled how the district previously benefited from ranking and experienced senators, contrasting this with periods of single-term representation that yielded limited outcomes. “The upper legislative chamber is no longer a place for newcomers and homeboys,” he stated, noting that many of his own notable achievements as a legislator were accomplished during his second term in office.
The elder statesman highlighted the evolution of the Nigerian Senate into a robust institution where senior members wield significant influence over national decisions. He cautioned that sending an inexperienced candidate, or “learner,” to the Senate would risk the district’s interests and development prospects. Essien applauded the visiting delegation for its proactive stance in advocating for continuity and competence, framing this as essential to avoid a return to unproductive single-term tenures.
Representing the Mkpat Enin Elders and Stakeholders Forum, Secretary Rev. Obot Ekanem conveyed the group’s endorsement of effective representation and support for Senator Sampson’s re-election. This alignment underscores a broader push within the district for sustained, knowledgeable leadership at the national level.
Essien’s comments come as political actors begin gearing up for the 2027 elections, with his emphasis on experience resonating in a landscape where legislative expertise directly impacts resource allocation and policy outcomes for constituencies like Eket. The district, located in Akwa Ibom State, has historically played a role in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, making its parliamentary representation pivotal for local and regional advocacy.
By urging voters to reject political experimentation in the Senate, Essien’s intervention reinforces a narrative common across Nigeria: that effective governance hinges on electing legislators with proven track records and institutional knowledge. As debates over candidate selection intensify, his stance may influence community discussions on the qualities necessary for impactful national service.
