Recently, the Honourable Member Representing Ukanafun State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. (Deac.) Otobong Akpan paid a surprise visit to his constituents particularly to patients at various Health institutions and Akpan Essiet Market traders and buyers, in Ukanafun LGA.
During the visit, the lawmaker doled out largesse to upset the bills of over 20 indigent patients in different health institutions as well as gave financial succor to the market men and women of the local government's owned Akpan Essiet Market.
At Ukanafun Health Center, the lawmaker paid 130.000 and 75.000 respectively for two patients suffering from bilateral hynia: Mrs. Nsini Joseph from Unen Abasi Atai and Mrs. Blessing Akpanudo from Ikot Akai.
Narrating her ordeal, Mrs. Joseph said she was operated of a bilateral hynia at the cost of 130.000 which she managed to deposit 30.000 for the operation to takeoff while her husband went looking for who to sell their lands for in order to get the balance but the lawmaker came as a ssurprise to her aid.
"As I speak, my husband is running to everywhere looking for who the sell our only lands in order to balance the hospital bill. I have been left all alone without food if not for the matron who has been comforting me. God will bless this man (Hon. Otobong Akpan ) for coming to my aid. I am very happy!", she said.
Mr. Douglas Sampson a native of Ikot Inyang, OrukAnam LGA, who was operated of Urine Retention said he was at the point in between death or alive when the lawmaker came to pay the sum of 65.000 balance for his operation and even went extra miles to give him another ten thousand naira for his feeding.
Mr. Sampson said he didn't hope of a miracle such that was performed by the lawmaker, adding : " I did not dream of this kind of miracle especially in this time of recession in our country. You are a rare politician and my Savior. God will bless you for me".
Another hynia patient in the hospital, Mr. Ekikere Amos Udoudom from Ikot Akpan Afaha, Ukanafun LGA and Mr. Mark Udoudo from Ikot Ewara in Ward 11, who narrated their stories amidst tears , rained prayers on the lawmaker for touching their lives positively.
Speaking in Vernacular, the duo said: " yak ata Awasi aliong House Member achid.
Sa anye anama uto mkpom ino gire ".
Expressing their happiness, they said that for the lawmaker to pay 50.000 each to upset their bills marks God's visitation for their lives and families, and further appreciated him for adding 10.000 each as 'pocket monies' for them.
On her part, Mrs Gift Udeme, a nursing mother at the maternity ward, from Uruk Ata 2, Etim Ekpo LGA said she was impressed to be a partaker of such visit, commending the lawmaker for the kind gesture, and described it as not only unique but unprecedented in her life.
She said: " for a whole House Member to come and visit me, I count myself lucky and blessed. God will bless this man for me ooo. I will tell my husband".
Speaking also, one of the matrons /nurses at the hospitals, Mrs. Paulina Ukafor Umoh said most of the patients in the hospital were neither struggling to pay their bills or left alone in their sick beds by their relatives.
She commended the philanthropist for the bold step, saying that the gesture will not leave their minds in a hurry as, according to her, such was unprecedented and unthinkable of a politician especially in this clime.
Mrs. Umoh who prayed God's continued grace for the lawmaker, described him as a Savior , a comforter and a friend of the poor /needy.
"I have been here in Ukanafun for over 17 years and I have not witness this kind of thing before, I am shock and happy. God will bless you for remembering the needy, the poor, and for coming at the point of their dire needs ", she noted.
The matrons, nurses, clinic workers were not left out in the spree, as they all went back home smiling gorgeously.
Meanwhile, the philanthropic show was suddenly taken to another dimension. This time, the stage was the popular Ukanafun local government owned Urua Akpan Essiet - the only economic hub of Ukanafun local government council.
The cerebral lawmaker, accompanied by legion of youthful entourage, was in Akpan Essiet Market to share a natural empathy with the market men, women (both buyers and sellers).
To share in their plight and to empower them by way of buying what ordinarily would go for hundreds and paying in thousands, thus in an unselective pattern.
Hundreds of Ukanafun constituents were empowered through this way. Pleasantries, banters and affection were shared also through the process, our reporter recounted.
Words of appreciation, goodwill messages and pats on the back were showered on the lawmaker by the benefiting market men and women.
Speaking at the office of the market's president, the lawmaker said he was there at the market to feel their pulses and presence by buying from them, paying and showing them love in his own special way.
"I just felt like coming to the market today to be part of you. To share in the activities of my constituency market and show love with you", he said.
The erudite lawmaker who however commended the management of the market for their effective management, especially for maintaining peace and order in the market, pledged to partner with the market management in bettering the lots of the traders.
Deac Akpan who gave at least 10.000 each to over a hundred of traders and buyers he met on his way, promised that he had decided to be paying them such surprise visit always.
Responding, the Market President, Chief (Elder ) Henry Harry Udom who gave the lawmaker and his entourage a rousing welcome to the market said he was impressed to witness such surprise gestures courtesy of the lawmaker.
Chief Udom averred that the lawmaker deserve kudos and a vote of confidence for the kind gesture, and appealed for more of such gestures.
Speaking in the same vein, the market youth leader, Comr Nsikan Harry said the youth wing of the market and indeed the local government were happy with the gesture and however moved a motion for a vote of confidence on the lawmaker.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker was accompanied on the visits by: Hon. Shadrach Ekpo, a supervisory councillor for Works, Adede Aniebiet Umohukoh (aka Simple ), Comr. Udeme Akpan Bassey, Comr. Ufokobong Owen, Comr. Endurance Johnson, Comr. Akanimo Udofia, Comr. Oku Udoetor, Comr. Mfreke, Comr.
Enobong Oliver, Comr. Kenworld Jumbo, Comr. Kingsley Jonah, Comr. Eyakndue Udoidung, Comr. Young Mark, amongst others.
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