BY Alobo Ishmael Eba
The last General Election in Cross River State saw the emergence of one of the youngest and fresh politicians from the Southern Senatorial District as their representative at the Red Chamber in Abuja. The emergence of the dynamic, quintessential, vision-bearer and benevolent Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr was greeted with warm applause and acceptability from all divides- both the politically active as well as non-active citizens of the state saw his emergence as “well deserved” due to his leadership acumen and skills exhibited over time.
The young Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr popularly known as Suki brings to the table his wealth of experience in the finance sector as a two-term former Commissioner of Finance to the then Governor of Cross River State. He brings new experiences to the red chamber. He brings fresh ideas to the table. He brings hope to the downtrodden. He brings government to the doorstep of the people of Southern Cross River and beyond. He brings proposed bills that will touch directly on the lives of the people when implemented.
From the Peninsula of Bakassi to the Metropolitan City of Calabar Municipality, Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr is widely accepted and believed to be the “Best Man for the Job” as the people see him as the “Hope” for a better Legislative representative in the South and beyond. So far, he has lived up to expectations through his many initiatives that have been sustained even after the elections.
Worthy of mention is the ASUQUO EKPENYONG FREE BUS SERVICES initiative which is still been used by all Cross Riverians from across political divides. The Free Bus service which takes off from the heart of the city, Watt Market through the Highway down to 8 Miles axis of the metropolis has been applauded by all sundry as one of the most people-friendly initiatives by any politician in the state as it has helped cushion the effects associated with the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). To some, it has contributed immensely to easing their transportation needs and bringing succor to the users of the free bus services.
Apart from the free bus services, Ekpenyong has kept contact with the people through constant visits to most of the communities and people in the Senatorial District. Through the Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation, he has continued to extend his philanthropic gestures to many including support to students at all levels, grants for agricultural and cooperative purposes, visit the hospitals, and financial support to many amongst other gestures too numerous to mention. Truly, he has been a beacon of hope and the days ahead signal more hope for the good people of Cross River South.
As Mr. Ekpenyong prepares to put on the mantle of the Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, a lot is expected of him as the people look forward to more initiatives that will benefit them and bring the dividends of democracy closer to them.