Sunday February 8, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, paid glowing tribute to Distinguished Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, describing him as his “Political Guarantor” and a model public servant whose career exemplifies dedication to grassroots politics and national service.
Governor Eno spoke at the launch of Senator Bob’s book, “The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria,” held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
The high-profile event attracted eminent political leaders and policymakers from across the country, with Governor Umo Eno and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, serving as Special Guests of Honour, while former Senate President, Senator David Mark, chaired the occasion.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, alongside a galaxy of members of the National and State Assemblies. Other dignitaries included the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekoerikpe Ekpo; a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Emem Usoro, SAN; as well as other top government officials, legal luminaries, and stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, the Governor congratulated the author, noting that despite his position as Governor of the entire state, he remains deeply rooted in Uyo Senatorial District, which he shares with the former lawmaker.
“Even though I am Governor of the whole of Akwa Ibom State, I am, first and foremost, from Uyo Senatorial District,” the Governor said, underscoring the personal and political bond he shares with Senator Bob.
Governor Eno praised the reviewer of the book for thoroughly distilling its content and structure, while highlighting the author’s illustrious political and legal career spanning decades of service at various levels of government.
He recalled that Senator Bob’s political journey began at the grassroots as Councillor for Works and Transport in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, before his election into the State House of Assembly during the Third Republic, where he rose to become Deputy Speaker. He later served as Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
The Governor further noted that at the dawn of the Fourth Republic, Senator Bob was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice by former Governor, Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, before being elected as a two-term Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East, also known as Uyo Senatorial District. He also served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Benin.
According to Governor Eno, the wealth of experience accumulated by Senator Bob has been effectively deployed in the book, which he described as a valuable guide to understanding the complexities of legislative representation, public expectations, alliance-building, and the delicate balancing of interests required for effective lawmaking. He emphasized that such documentation is vital for preserving institutional memory and strengthening democratic governance.
He added that beyond his national contributions, Senator Bob has remained a dependable pillar of support to his administration, offering candid counsel as the Akwa Ibom State Government works to advance the ARISE Agenda and expand the frontiers of development.
Governor Eno also announced the State Government’s intention to purchase copies of the book for students of Political Science and Public Policy in tertiary institutions, describing the publication as a rich resource on both the burden and fulfilment of legislative service in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the author, Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, thanked guests for honouring his invitation and shared insights from his years of legislative service, which he said inspired the publication of the book. He described the work as a painstaking effort spanning many years, aimed at documenting the realities, responsibilities, and demands of legislative service in Nigeria.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, who expressed appreciation to all attendees for honouring his father and celebrated the enduring legacies of Senator Effiong Bob, whom he described as his benefactor.