January 02, (THEWILL) — The member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, has urged constituents to avoid hasty conclusions and undue criticism over the siting of constituency projects, explaining that legislative interventions are driven by budgetary provisions, due process, and sustained lobbying.
Okon gave the advice during a breakfast meeting with media practitioners from across the constituency at his residence in Mbak Itam, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He noted that effective lawmaking goes beyond public visibility, stressing that experience and patience are required to attract people-oriented projects through legislative negotiations and engagements within government structures.
The federal lawmaker used the occasion to highlight key interventions recorded within the year, including a free medical and surgical outreach that benefitted over 1,000 indigenes and residents of the constituency.
He also disclosed that more than 300 undergraduates from Itu–Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency received educational support, alongside other community-impact projects spread across Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas, assuring that more initiatives are currently underway.
Describing the engagement as an informal gathering rather than a formal press briefing, Okon said the meeting was organised to foster fellowship and strengthen relationships with media professionals from the constituency.
“This is not a formal media interaction, but an opportunity to wine and dine with members of the media and reconnect with people from the constituency whom I have not seen in a long while”, he said.
The lawmaker, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, commended the media for their continued support and partnership, reiterating his commitment to transparent and people-focused representation.
He emphasised that legislative productivity improves with experience, which enhances the capacity to influence budgets and attract developmental projects that directly impact constituents.
Responding to some challenges raised by participants, Okon, who also holds the traditional title of Utenge Ibiono Ibom, assured them of his readiness to advocate for genuine community needs, urging stakeholders to consistently engage his office with constructive inputs.
