Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the senator representing Cross River South in the senate, is seen to have revolutionalised and redefined representation as a member of the upper chamber of the National Assembly. There are others who believe that in two years, he has done much more than what others before him were able to do in four years.
The bills and motions he has sponsored are making a difference. Only a few days ago, he sponsored another bill for the establishment of a federal university in Odukpani. There have been testimonies on the projects he has been able to attract to his senatorial district, including roads, water, electricity, and health.
But the man believes that his senatorial district has not even seen anything yet.
He spoke with some media representatives his journey in the senate, in the last 22 months.
Excerpts:
It’s less than two years since you assumed office as senator. People say you have done so much for your constituents. What is it that keeps you going?
My happiest moments are when my constituents thank me for the work I’m doing and pray to God to give me the strength to do more. The role of a senator is very challenging, physically, psychologically, intellectually. But these kind words give me the energy to get out of bed and give my all for the people of Cross River South. Four years go by so quickly. We’re almost at the half way mark and I’m wondering where the time has gone.
So I’m constantly questioning myself; have I done enough? Are my people happy with the work we’ve done so far? What more can I do that I haven’t already? So I just have to keep on working. My primary purpose in the senate is the accelerated development of our land and people, nothing’s else. If my people say I have done well, I will simply say they have not seen anything yet. As God keeps us alive, they will see a lot more. My people deserve the best and that is what they will get.
You led the charge recently when you moved the motion at a rally, for the second term election of the governor, Prince Bassey Otu. What informed that decision?
The endorsement of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu was done on behalf of the entire membership of the APC in Cross River State. We are encouraged by the work he has done so far and this endorsement is meant to send a message to him to keep on working. The APC, and indeed all indigenes of Cross River State, are more than desirous of him continuing his work beyond 2027.
One of the bills you sponsored in the senate has given birth to the South South Development Commission. How does this make you feel?
The South South Development Commission bill passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu is a way of fulfilling the presidents vision, as well as that of the president of the senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to bring equitable development to the south south region. It was also co-sponsored by all the senators from the region.
The commission will adopt an equity-based funding model. This structure will encourage intergovernmental collaboration among states within the region, and foster greater cooperation and collective problem-solving. It marks a significant milestone for the region and sets the stage for transformation of its fortunes.
You recently undertook a free medical outreach in your senatorial district and from reports, more than 4,000 persons benefitted. What informed this decision?
In Nigeria, we have a patient to doctor ratio that is below the WHO recommended standard, and it is obvious that across the country we have challenges with healthcare. So, any opportunity that presents itself that would enable us bring healthcare closer to the people of my Senatorial distinct is something I always welcome. This has resulted in partnerships with several credible organisations to achieve this goal. Although these interventions may seem like a drop in the ocean, the beneficiaries of these programs usually provide feedback that encourages us to do even more.
People have accused you of embarking of many foreign trips. So, why do you have to be going on these frequent trips, when you are supposed to be working for your people here?
There is no time that I have travelled for the fun of it. At all times, my foreign trips are in the interest of my people and in the interest of our fatherland. I have had the opportunity of representing my country at several global fora. The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has graciously appointed me a Parliamentary Representative to the United Nations Annual Parliamentary Hearing, a member of the Inter parliamentary union, and also a member of the ECOWAS parliament. The opportunity is not just to make representations, but also to interact with colleagues from across the globe, and this has enabled me develop a broad based view of the challenges we face in our country and the solutions required. It is all for the good of my people and our country.
Is it true that solar-powered boreholes are among the projects linked to you in your senatorial district?
Yes. That is because water is an essential commodity. Water is Life. No human can survive without food and water. So when there is an opportunity to address water deficits, especially in the rural areas, I will always do my best to intervene.
It is quite an ardous task. But we try to prioritise based on the expected level of impact per community. I do the things that I do because I saw that these are the basic needs of the people. Like the healthcare outreaches, the feedback we get from beneficiaries encourages me to do more. And, like I said before, they have not seen anything yet.
I try to make sure that in all areas- representation, legislation, and oversight- I push myself to achieve the maximum output. I have the mandate of the people of the Southern Senatorial District and I do not take it for granted. That is why I am determined to serve them with all my might, by the grace of God.
You’ve moved six motions and sponsored five bills, with one already assented into law. Of the bills and motions you’ve introduced, which one are you most passionate about, and why?
The overarching themes for my legislative activities are Women’s rights, social justice, and the economic welfare of the young people of our country. So any opportunity to advance these causes is something I take very seriously.
What personal principles guide your approach to life and public service?
There is not short cut to success. You must be ready to work hard and make sacrifices where necessary. We will all get an opportunity in life, but we must be ready to take advantage of the situation when God provides it. And it always helps to have a strong support system. My wife, Netanella, and my three kids provide the strength I need each day to get up and face the challenges ahead.
How do you stay connected with the grassroots to ensure their voices are represented in the decisions you make?
I try to be as accessible to all my constituents as much as possible. Apart from regular visits back home, I try to utilise all the physical and digital resources available. From town hall meetings, attendance at programs for recipients of our intervention programs, digital channels over the internet and phone calls and text messages, reaching out to me personally is quite easy.
