28/06/2025
𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰? 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝗸𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝘁𝘂/𝗜𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗼 𝗜𝗯𝗼𝗺
By Henshaw Nyong
In 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 (with due respect to The Boss, Akparawa Michael BUSH), effective representation is not just about speaking big grammar on the floor of the House. It’s about impact. It’s about what constituents can point at and say, “Yes, this is our own.”
Of course, the constitution may say lawmakers are to make laws, do oversight, and represent the people, but, the average Nigerian doesn’t follow their representatives to plenary. What matters most to them is the 'empowerment.' They want to feel government in their pockets. They want money. Some are looking for roads, others want to see their schools renovated, they desire jobs; tangible proof that their votes counted for something.
However, it is this blend of legislative responsibility (in politics Nigeriana) and grassroots touch that separates the real performers from the noise makers. And in the case of Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, that balance isn’t just visible, it’s impressive. From the green chamber in Abuja to the villages and communities of Itu/ Ibiono Ibom, he has shown that he didn’t just carry his wig and gown as a Barrister and Solicitor of the supreme Court of Nigeria to the House of Reps to speak plenty grammar. He went there with a mission; that is, a heart for his people, and a clear focus on impact.
Now, two years into his tenure as a Federal lawmaker, this calm, accessible and humble lawyer has quietly offered his constituents a quality, effective and effectual representation. Whether you judge him by the bills and motions he has sponsored, or by the tangible projects already springing up across Itu and Ibiono Ibom, one thing is certain, Hon. Ime Okon 'no carry last'. He is indeed working and lobbying hard for his constituents.
At a recent media chat in Uyo, Okon laid bare his scorecard, and many were left with their mouth opened in awe. First thing, he technically addressed one of the biggest misconceptions flying around: that lawmakers were handed ₦1 billion each in cash for constituency projects. That, he clarified, is false. What actually happened, according to him, is that for the first time, each constituency was allowed to nominate projects worth ₦1 billion in the 2025 budget, an upgrade from the usual ₦200 million. And even at that, he revealed that, lawmakers don’t touch the money. It is the various ministries, departments and agencies that handle ex*****on.
That clarification was important, but what came after was mind-blowing. Despite being a first-term lawmaker and not a chairman of any committee, which often gives others an advantage, Ime Okon was able to attract over ₦1.7 billion worth of projects from the 2024 budget alone. That is more than eight times the usual limit. He explained how he had to move from one ministry to another, follow up files, meet officials, and make sure his people were not left behind. It was not for self aggrandizement, not at all, but about commitment.
Ime Okon’s midterm scorecard reads like a mini compendium on grassroots development. It’s the kind of report card you bring home when you know you've been doing your homework quietly but thoroughly.
In Itu LGA, he facilitated the construction of Joshua Uwah Street with full drainage and street lights, solar-powered boreholes in Afaha Itam, classroom blocks at North Itam, and a six-classroom facility at the Technical College, Ayadeghe. In Ibiono Ibom, projects include solar lights in multiple villages communities, and wards, civic centres at Idoro and Nkwa, as well as the donation of modern water pumping equipment.
That's not all. He facilitated scholarships and bursaries to over 300 students, including ₦200,000 apiece to 18 Law School students. His interventions in youth training span vocational tools such as digital vulcanising machines and auto-gas conversion training.
On welfare, Okon distributed four vehicles (including an SUV) and gave financial support to over 800 constituents, including rent, medical bills, school fees, and subsistence allowances regularly. Some constituents have been employed in the UUTH, the Police, Fire Service, and State Civil Service, with more to come. Even families of fallen heroes were not left out. He donated ₦500,000 to support widows in setting up cooperative schemes.
Just when many thought he had wrapped up his rounds of effective representation for the year, Obong Okon dropped yet another surprise of capital empowerment of his constituents billed for the last quarter of this year. And if past outings are anything to go by, then trust the 'Utenghe Ibiono Ibom' to go all out. This one, we hear, will be massive and it's designed to touch real lives across Itu and Ibiono Ibom. The orphans, widows, the youths, the elders, the women hustling with small businesses, the ones with big dreams but little means; the empowerment programme is for them. From vocational tools to start-up grants and business support, everything is being planned to reach those who truly need it most. Four months from now, that massive event might just be another reason why constituents will keep saying: God bless Hon. Ime Okon.
Interestingly, when it comes to politics, Hon. Ime Okon is a movement. He enjoys a cult-like followership that cuts across villages, wards and clans in Itu and Ibiono Ibom because of his rare humility, his open-door style, and how he treats everyone, from the cleaner to the top executive, with equal respect. It’s this genuine connection with the people that made his recent political alignment even more symbolic. Standing with the current political direction of the State, Ime Okon has moved to the APC, where he is now a card-carrying member and pledged to work with other leaders of the party in Itu/Ibiono Ibom to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, beyond 2027.
For now, if just two years could be this impactful, one can only imagine what a full term, or even a second term, might deliver on this rock-solid foundation.
Gladly, even yesterday’s cynics are beginning to agree with what the people have long seen, that Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency is indeed reaping the dividends of quality, people-centric and effective representation under the calm and competent leadership of Hon. (Obong) Barr. Ime Bassey Okon.
