A retired Director in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service and former Administrator General and Public Trustee of the state, Barr. (Mrs.) Ima Bassey Esin, has called on elected representatives at all levels of government to remain connected to the people they represent and ensure that the dividends of governance reach the grassroots.
Barr. Esin made the call while reflecting on the responsibilities of public office holders, stressing that those elected from the ward level to the national level must maintain constant engagement with their constituents and draw government’s attention to the needs of the people.
According to her, representatives must go beyond occupying political offices to deliberately advocating for infrastructure, social amenities, and policies that improve the lives of their constituents.
“People are elected to represent others from the ward level to the national level. Those representing the people must get back to the people, address them positively, and draw the attention of the government to their needs,” she said.
“They should ensure that the impact of the government is felt even at the grassroots.”
Barr. Esin, who retired from the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service in 2021 as a full-fledged Director, recounted her years of service in different strategic positions within the state and at the federal level.
During her time in the civil service, she served as the representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM), contributing to initiatives aimed at strengthening ethical values and social responsibility in governance.
She later became the Director of the Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The centre was initially located within the Ministry of Justice at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, but under her leadership, it was relocated to its current site along Nwaniba Road in Uyo to improve accessibility and operational efficiency.
Her distinguished service later earned her a federal appointment when the then Governor of Akwa Ibom State, now the President of the Senate, Chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, appointed her as the General Counsel and Secretary Legal of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Abuja.
Barr. Esin noted that the appointment placed her among officials often referred to as Presidential Aides, making her the first female General Counsel and Secretary Legal of the FCT Administration.
According to her, she worked diligently during her tenure to ensure that she left a positive legacy for Akwa Ibom State in the Federal Capital Territory.
“At the expiration of my office in 2015, I returned to the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service where I was appointed Administrator General and Public Trustee of the state,” she said.
She eventually retired in 2021 from the service as the Administrator General and a Director in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service.
In recognition of her contributions, Barr. Esin disclosed that she was honoured with a Meritorious Service Award by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice on December 11, 2025.
Speaking on governance in the state, the retired legal practitioner commended the administration of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, describing him as a humane and visionary leader whose policies are focused on improving the lives of the people.
She noted that the governor’s development drive under the ARISE Agenda has brought infrastructure and people-oriented projects to communities across the 31 local government areas of the state.
According to her, the administration has also fostered peace and unity among the people while ensuring the timely payment of pensions and gratuities to retirees.
Barr. Esin particularly commended the governor’s concern about the lack of pipe-borne water in many communities, noting that his commitment to addressing the issue reflects a leadership style that is sensitive to the everyday challenges faced by citizens.
“Living in an environment where the only assurance of regular water supply is by digging boreholes can be very distressing. I was touched when the governor openly expressed concern about this and showed commitment to finding solutions,” she said.
She added that Governor Eno’s people-focused leadership and development initiatives make him deserving of a second term in office.
Barr. Esin also paid tribute to the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, described him as a transformational leader whose contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State remain widely acknowledged.
She recalled that the state witnessed significant transformation during Akpabio’s tenure as governor, earning him the widely recognized title of “The Uncommon Transformer.”
According to her, Akpabio has continued to distinguish himself in national leadership, serving at various times as governor, senator, Senate Minority Leader, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, and now as President of the Senate.
Barr. Esin noted that as the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, his performance has remained outstanding, adding that his leadership style reflects a broad commitment to the welfare of the entire state.
“As Senate President, he has adopted the whole state as his senatorial district, reaching out to touch lives across Akwa Ibom,” she said.
She further praised the generosity and people-oriented leadership style that has characterized Akpabio’s public service over the years.
Barr. Esin also expressed support for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President, alongside Senate President Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, has demonstrated a strong commitment to governance and national development.
“For their superlative performances, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and His Excellency Pastor Governor Umo Eno deserve to continue in office beyond 2027,” she stated.
She emphasized that strong leadership at both the state and national levels remains crucial for sustaining development and improving the quality of life of citizens.
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