As I stand on the precipice of a new chapter in my life, I cannot help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and determination. With great honor and humility, I step into the role of your elected representative, your bridge to the government, and your voice in the corridors of power. My heart swells with the responsibility that lies before me, and I pledge to you that I will be the steadfast bridge connecting you to the governance that shapes our lives.
On this momentous occasion, as I prepare to be inaugurated into the Federal House on the 13th of June 2023, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose. The trust you have placed in me, Rt. Hon Bassey Akiba, to be your advocate and champion, is a sacred bond that I will honor with unwavering dedication. From the humble corners of Edim Otop to the hidden creeks of Enion Abatim, I assure you that this time will be different.
I understand that I am not merely one member among the 360 individuals who grace the green chambers. No, I am acutely aware that within me, within my voice and my actions, lie the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of thousands. I carry their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs within me, and with every decision I make, I do so with their voices echoing in my mind.
I pledge to be attentive, to listen intently to the pulse of our people. I will be obedient, not in a submissive sense, but in the sense of understanding that I must foster the growth and progress of our community. I am here to be a catalyst, a conduit for change, and a proponent of your interests. Your concerns will be my concerns, your victories will be my victories, and together, we will rise.
Today, as we commemorate Democracy Day, let us not just reflect on the journey we have undertaken, but let us also look forward with unwavering determination. Our collective goal should be a system built on trust, a system crafted by us, for us. With every bill and every policy I sponsor, I will strive for productivity, for progress that permeates every corner of our constituency. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our collective voice is heard, that our needs are met and that our dreams have a chance to flourish.
Together, we will overcome obstacles, bridge divides, and build a future we can be proud of. I humbly ask for your support, your guidance, and your patience as we embark on this journey together. Your hopes and dreams are my fuel, and I promise to dedicate my time, energy, and expertise to bring about positive change in our lives.
As I take my oath of office, I do so with immense gratitude, a deep sense of purpose, and an unshakable belief in our collective strength. Together, we will shape a better future, for our children, for our communities, and for generations yet to come. Let us unite and march forward, knowing that with dedication, perseverance, and unity, we can create the change we yearn for.
Thank you, and may our shared journey be one of triumph and progress.
With utmost sincerity,
Rt. Hon Bassey Akiba
Member-Elect, House of Representatives
Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency
