Following the election of Chris Ekpenyong to represent Akwa Ibom North-West at the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his hands of fellowship to senator-elect, urging him to work with others in the task of taking Nigeria to the next level.

Buhari’s plea to Ekpenyong and other elected members to the 9th Senate were contained in a letter addressed to the National Assembly members at the end of their orientation workshop held in Abuja preparatory to their inauguration in June, 2019.

Ekpenyong, former deputy governor (1999-2005), who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated incumbent Senator Godswill Akpabio of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to clinch the seat.

And President Buhari, apparently elated at the feat, commended Ekpenyong, noting that his years of experience in politics and the private sector would go a long way towards the ongoing rebuilding process of Nigeria.

“It was with great delight that I leant of your victory in the just concluded general elections into the National Assembly as senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Your victory is no doubt an attestation of the confidence and trust your constituents have in you as a committed, dedicated and visionary leader who will strive to realise their aspirations and effectively represent them at the national level.

“I have no doubt that the Senate will benefit immensely from your rich experience, ability and wisdom. I look forward to your joining hands with me as we collectively strive to put in place enabling laws, policies and programmes that will uplift the economic and social wellbeing of Nigerians”, the President said.

However, Ekpenyong, founding member of the PDP since the return of democracy in 1999, thanked President Buhari and assured that “I will work with other members of the National Assembly, the executive and other agencies of government in the drive to reposition the country”.