True to his long-standing tradition, Rep. Bassey Akiba’s Christmas Day celebration has become a cherished annual ritual, a moment where purposeful leadership meets the people in a radiant display of unity and generosity. This year, as in years past, the atmosphere was nothing short of a carnival, with constituents from all walks of life gathering to share in the joy and warmth of the festivities.
From the early hours, his Calabar residence transformed into a living theatre of joy and shared humanity. Like a magnet of goodwill, thousands of constituents streamed in from every ward and community, cutting across age, class, faith, and ethnicity. The excitement was palpable and the air was thick with overwhelming gratitude. This was not merely a gathering, it was a people’s festival, a historic convergence of hope and unity.”
Long tables overflowed with sumptuous meals, while assorted drinks flowed freely, symbolizing abundance and inclusivity. Cultural troupes, associations, and ethnic groups took turns performing, each dance and drumbeat telling a story of unity, identity, and collective pride. Songs of praise and spontaneous cheers rent the air as the crowd roared in approval of a leader whose heart beats in rhythm with the people.
Just a day earlier, Rep. Bassey Akiba had stunned the constituency by disbursing a staggering ₦55 million as a Yuletide gesture, an act of generosity that sent waves of relief, gratitude, and renewed faith across homes and communities. The Christmas fete, therefore, became not just a party, but a grand exclamation point on a rare brand of people-centred leadership.
Moving through the mammoth crowd with grace, the federal lawmaker exchanged pleasantries and acknowledged cheers. He described the celebration as a token of appreciation and a reaffirmation of his commitment to shared progress. “Christmas is a time to share, to give, and to show love. It is not just about material gifts but the message of hope, unity, and compassion. My greatest joy is seeing smiles on the faces of my people,” he said.
As the celebration drew to a close, Rep. Bassey Akiba’s Christmas fete stood as a beacon of hope, joy, and selfless service. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” On this historic day, Rep. Akiba embodied that truth, leaving a lasting legacy of love, unity, and inspiration for the good people of Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency.
*THE BRIDGE MEDIA*
