…Sets an unprecedented example of selfless dedication to the well-being of constituents
In an unprecedented display of commitment to his constituents, the member representing Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, has decided to forfeit his entire salary and allowances for the next 24 months, and will instead channel these entitlements directly towards the empowerment of members of his constituency. This was made known on Sunday, 1st October, 2023, at Ward center of Mbiaobong Ikot Udofia in Ini Local Government Area, during the commencement of a ‘Thank You’ tour of the Constituency by Rep Ukpong-udo.
The tour tagged “Macaire In Your Community,” had its first outing at Ikono North I, Ward 6, and witnessed each of 1,337 indigenes of the area and supporters of the Youth Progressive Party (YPP) receiving cash allotments to help cushion the harsh economic effect of the subsidy removal and in appreciation of their support to the lawmaker and the party. The beneficiaries cut across the 12 units in the ward.
In his remarks at the occasion, Rep Ukpong-udo, a returning member of the House of Representatives, stated his resolve to reciprocate the massive love he enjoyed during the election, despite intimidation, violence and financial inducement. He noted that in the same way he ensured to penetrate every hamlet to interface with the electorates during campaigns, he has also been intentional about undertaking a thank-you-visit to appreciate his people.
“My primary duty is to serve the people, and so I want to do everything in my power to empower my people in return for the mandate they have entrusted me with,“ the lawmaker said. In acknowledgement of the challenges posed by the current economic climate, he further disclosed that he will embark on this tour weekly over the next three months, during which time his emoluments for the next two years will be distributed to over 23,000 indigenes of his constituency and their families.
Rep. Ukpong-udo clarified contentious issues as he debunked speculations that he has concluded plans to defect to another party and pledged an all-inclusive governance that would give equal opportunity to all supporters without discrimination. Rep. Ukpong-udo’s extraordinary gesture was well received and widely praised by constituents at the gathering.
In separate remarks at the occasion well-attended by a wide cross-section of the Ikono-Ini citizenry, friends and neighbours, the Director of campaigns, Hon. Dickson Abasiekong and the Director-General Mkpoikana-abasi Campaign Council, Barr. Edet Inyangidim, noted that since their involvement and sojourn in active politics, Rep. Ukpong-udo’s leadership dexterity has been exceptional especially in rewarding loyalty and fulfilling promises made to the constituency.
The Chapter Chairman of the YPP in Ini Local Government Area, Mr. Anietie Jackson, described the tour as an uncommon event which has never occurred before in the political sphere of Akwa Ibom State. The chapter women leader of the party appreciated the lawmaker for respecting the trust the electorate reposed in him, while the Ward Coordinators of Macaire Grassroots Movement in their joint goodwill message, passed a vote of confidence on Rep. Ukpong-udo and pledged their readiness to traverse the length and breadth to mobilize more support to the Member beyond 2027.
