A previous Minister of Lands and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has asserted that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, is not a platform for experimentation but rather for seasoned and capable lawmakers.
Essien, who presides over the Eket Senatorial District Elders Forum, made this remark when the Mkpat Enin Elders/Stakeholders Forum visited him to discuss the re-election of Senator Ekong Sampson in Eket on Friday.
He urged the residents of Eket Senatorial District to maintain robust representation at the National Assembly, reflecting on how the district had notably gained from seasoned and high-ranking legislators in the past, while emphasizing that they will not gamble in 2027 by electing an inexperienced individual as a senator.
He mentioned, “The upper legislative chamber is no longer a venue for newcomers and local favorites.”
He indicated that many of his significant accomplishments were achieved during his second term in office.
While acknowledging that the Nigerian Senate has developed into a formidable institution over time, wherein influential senators wield considerable power in policymaking and decisions, Essien cautioned that it would be perilous for any constituency to send an amateur to the Senate.
The elder statesman applauded the delegation for taking the initiative to endorse continuity and competence to prevent any attempt to revert the senatorial district to an era of single-term representation in the Senate, which he believed was unproductive.
In his comments, the Chairman of the Mkpat Enin Elders/Stakeholders Forum, Obong Dr. Sydney Udofot, represented by his secretary, Rev. Obot Ekanem, emphasized their endorsement of continuity and effective representation.
