From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
As part of this year’s Christmas festivities and in a rare show of cross-cultural affinity, the Nzuko Ndi Abia community in Cross River State has honoured a Cross River State lawmaker, Hon. Bassey Akiba, representing Calabar Municipality and Odukpani Federal Constituency.
The award presentation, which took place at the lawmaker’s residence, attracted prominent members of Nzoku Ndi Abia.
The honour was aimed to further cement the ties that exist between the Abia community in Cross River State in particular and the greater Igbo community in the state.
Speaking during the presentation, the “Nna Ndi Abia in Cross River State”, Eze Fergustine Iro Eme, said the award was based on the lawmaker’s track record in public service.
“We decided to honour him because he knows how to control, save, guide, knows how to work with people and has character.
“Akiba has been accepted as a strongman who always does the right thing and this is why Abians in Cross River State gave him this award,” he said.
Dr. George Uwaeke, the president-general of Nzuko Ndi Abia, Cross River State, justified the award, saying the lawmaker has done a lot, created impact and also shown grace to the underprivileged.
He said thisthe award was to acknowledge his positive contributions to society and human development and would spur the lawmaker to do more.
In his response, Akiba thanked Nzuko Ndi Abia for finding him worthy to be so honoured.
“This means a lot to me. Coming here on Christmas Day to give me this award shows that you are in sync with what I am doing.
“For us to get to where we all desire, we need to work together and support each other. The business of governance needs our collective efforts and I promise to carry everyone along, irrespective of tribe, at all times,” he said.