COMPETENCE AND EXPERIENCE IN LEADERSHIP: THE SENATOR EFFIONG BOB’S EXAMPLE

Good leadership is an integral part of every country, state and the world at large. Showing that you are a competent leader in your field can make you a valuable asset to your people. As Akwa Ibom people begin to beam their torch on who becomes the leader of the State come 2023, there is a serious need to x-ray the leadership quality, competence and experience of the candidates in their various fields of endeavour at one time or the other.

Senator Effiong Bob who has found it very necessary to stand in the gap and lead Akwa Ibom State as Governor come 2023, has proved his mettle leadership over the years. He has worked in several leadership capacity and has always delivered on his leadership role at various levels including: Pioneer Secretary, Land Allocation Committee, Ikot Ekpene-1979 to 1980, A partner, G.A. Ikott & Co-Eket, 1985-1987, Councilor-Works & Transport- Nsit Ubium L.G.A., 1990, Member, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, 1992-1993 and was Deputy Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly within the period, Executive Chairman of Nsit Ubium L.G.A. 1996-1997, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Akwa Ibom State- 1999-2002, Director, Anchor Insurance Coy. Ltd., Director, Akwa Ibom Savings and Loans Limited, A two-term Senator 2003-2007, Pro-Chancellor, University of Benin, 2013-2017.

Effiong Bob single handedly employed over 200 people from Akwa Ibom State and other states indigenes during his tenure as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Benin. He believes in youth employment. These aside, his achievements as a two-time Senator has endeared him to all Akwa Ibomites some of which include: sponsoring bills on the amendment to the Energy Commission Act, Public Officers (Review Cases) Panel, Fire Service (Inspection on Building), an Act to prohibit Trading in Federal Highways in Nigeria and an Act to prohibit Touting in Public places. He was Chairman- Committee on Senate Services, Finance, Culture and Tourism, Power & Steel and Local and Foreign Debts. He was also Chairman- Ad Hoc Committee on investigation of illegal withdrawals from Excess Crude Fund without authorization from the National Assembly. He also served as Member delegation on the signing of the final exit of the Paris Club in Paris, France, Member Committee on Appropriation, Air Force, Communication, Education, Privatization, Establishment and Public Services, Foreign Affairs, Christians Pilgrims Committee and Committee on Information, Member representing Nigeria on ECOWAS Parliament, Chairman of National Assembly Caucus Akwa Ibom State-comprising all the Senators and Members of House of Representatives from the State, Member of the South Caucus and Member of the South Senators Forum. He is an astute author of a book titled: Independence of the Legislature in Nigeria: Matters Arising.

Senator Effiong Dickson Bob is well-read, broad-minded, wide spectrum of friends across all the divides, adequately exposed on all facets of our socio-economic cum political life, and therefore, deserves our support as the most qualified to govern Akwa Ibom State come 2023.

With his intimidating profile, Senator Effiong Bob is determined to take Akwa Ibom to its desired destination and he has the experience to do so.