Shun division, embrace peace, Senator Sampson urges constituents

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ekong Sampson, has appealed to constituents across the district to remain calm and embrace unity in the wake of recent exchanges among some ethnic groups.

In a press statement titled “Unity Not Division,” made available to journalists in Uyo on Friday, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over the growing tensions, stressing that the diversity of Akwa Ibom South should be seen as a source of strength rather than division.

According to Senator Sampson, the Senatorial District is richly endowed with human and natural resources, and its ethnic diversity should serve as a bridge for cooperation, mutual understanding and sustainable development.

“The Good Lord, in His divine benevolence, has endowed our Senatorial District with distinctive and enormous resources—human and natural. We share common threads. If we dissipate our energy pitted against one another, we will be inviting distractions and missed opportunities instead of maximizing our collective advantage,” he stated.

The Senator urged the people to draw inspiration from their shared history, mutual respect and cultural diversity, rather than allowing emotions and differences to create unnecessary divisions.

He noted that the recent exchanges among some groups should not be allowed to undermine the peace and harmony that have long defined the people of Akwa Ibom South.

“We should be bonded by the beauty of our history, mutual respect and the rich tapestry of our abundance, and not burdened by the temper of divisive emotions,” Sampson said.

The federal lawmaker disclosed that he had commenced consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the district with a view to promoting dialogue and restoring harmony among the affected groups.

“This is the message I earnestly preach as I begin to reach out to our leaders and groups over the recent exchanges, consistent with my well-known attitude to bridge-building and peaceful coexistence,” he added.

Senator Sampson further called on the people of Akwa Ibom South to rally behind the leadership of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, in the collective pursuit of peace, unity and sustainable development.

He emphasized that meaningful progress can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and cooperation, urging all stakeholders to set aside differences and work together for the advancement of the state.

“I plead for cessation, please, so that we can all join hands with our leaders—the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno—to unite and develop our dear state,” he appealed.

The Senator reiterated his commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence and inclusive leadership, expressing confidence that with dialogue, mutual respect and collective resolve, Akwa Ibom South would continue to serve as a model of unity and development in the state.