Sen. Eteng J Williams honoured as best performance Senator
By Ali R. Ali, Dutse
The Coalition of Civil Society Group for Good Governance (CSGGG) has awarded the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District Sen. Eteng J. Williams with best performing Senator.
The groups also described him as an Emerging Pan-Nigerian Statesman adding that, his statesmanship defined the true meaning of statesman according to the Merriam-Webster, as a someone who is versed in the principles or art of government, especially; one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies (a wise, skilled, experienced and respected political leader or figure).
Speaking during the presentation of the award held in Abuja, the Leader of the CSOs groups, mr. Myke Ngbe said, the definition is a perfect match of what Senator Eteng Jonah Williams is fast becoming, in the political landscape of Cross River State in particular and Nigeria in general.
He added that the senator’s rising political trajectory, which follows his consistent contributions towards the process of our evolving government, alongside his sustained service to humanity, is fast earning him the admiration of objective stakeholders, as well as an opinion leader and respected power broker, in the ongoing political equation of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
"Here’s why! Eteng Jonah Williams who hails from Mkpani in Yakurr local government area of Cross River State, was a 3-term member who represented the good people of Yakurr II State Constituency at the 7th and 8th assemblies of the Cross River State House of Assembly, from 2011 to 2023.
Senator Williams served as chairman - house committee on finance and appropriation, vice chairman - house committee on business and rules, member - house committee on public account, member - house committee on health service, women affairs, social welfare and gender development - all at the 7th and 8th Assemblies of the CRSHOA.
While speaking on his wealth of legislative experience and leadership qualities, he described Eteng Jonah Williams was elected by his colleagues as Speaker of the 9th Assembly of the Cross River State House of Assembly and sworn in on June 11, 2019."
He also said that as speaker of the 9th Assembly of the CRSHOA, Eteng Jonah Williams shone like a million stars. On his watch, the House passed the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Bill 2020, the Judiciary Funds Management Bill 2021 and the Legislature Funds Management Bill 2021 into law.
"It is universally acknowledged that, ‘the reward for hard work is more hard work!’ This truism was demonstrated in February 2023, when Eteng Jonah Williams was rewarded by the electorates of Cross River State Central Senatorial District, with a resounding victory at the polls which saw him emerge winner of the Senatorial election, to represent the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District at the Nigerian Senate and he was sworn in to serve the people on June 13, 2023." Ngbe recalled.
"True to type, the distinguished senator indeed hit-the-ground-running at the Nigerian senate, quickly taking giant strides by way of lofty legislative contributions.
According to him, in his first year as senator, Eteng sponsored three bills including Nuclear Security and Safety bill - and also moved five far-reaching motions.
Ultimately, his towering legislative experience, political dexterity and public service pedigrees are so compelling and speaks to so much competence, that he currently Serves as the Chairman - Committee on petroleum resources (Upstream) at the current 10th senate.
Moreover, distinguished senator Eteng is also a firm believer in service to humanity, obviously because he has personally suffered deprivations and neediness from his Humble background.
Accordingly, Senator Eteng is blazing a trail in humanitarian initiatives, by empowering the less privileged and creating opportunities for indigent people." Ngbe stated.
He further stated that upon assumption of office as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in June 2023, the senator immediately embarked on social intervention programmes for his constituents, which includes doling out #200,000 scholarship grant to each of twenty (21) indigent Law School students, from across the six local government areas of Cross River Central Senatorial District.
"The senator’s benevolence and magnanimity also includes sponsoring free medical outreaches for his constituents, with beneficiaries running into thousands and counting.
He said, the Senator also provide agricultural interventions as well as human capital development initiatives, among other humanitarian causes.
The leader of the groups concluded by saying his parting gift to the emerging statesman – Senator Eteng Jonah Williams – is these words of the sages, ‘let your light so shine that all may see your good works and glorify your maker in heaven, who graciously gives abilities and opportunities to all who desire to serve with integrity!’Do not rest on your oars senator, keep on doing the Lord’s work.