Hon. (Barr) Aniefiok Dennis: A Quintessential Lawmaker at 56

By Ekwere Paul

Without an iota of doubt, Hon. (Barr) Aniefiok Dennis is one of the most quintessential lawmakers in the seventh assembly. In Nigeria, very few public figures inspire others like Barr. Aniefiok Dennis the Honourable Member representing Etinan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. There is something utopian about how he carries himself. This is one politician who understands as a Lawmaker what it means to represent the interest of his people. As a leader of his generation, his exemplary trail in Akwa Ibom State is unparalleled. As a patriot, his voice of reason resounds with the force of substance.

Across all classes and ages, the name Dennis resonates as a model to be reckoned with; deep in intellect, vocal in articulation, firm in principles, fiery in advocacy, courageous even in the face of opposition and intimidation. His generous disposition speaks volumes just as his public relations skills is legendary.

Dennis’ life has shown that whatever a man sets his eyes on, so shall he achieve. He came into spotlight as a young aspiring leader and shone brightly on his generation, a light that has never gone dim. Akwa Ibom State in general has felt the warmth of his leadership flame, and the good people of Etinan State Constituency in particular have been privileged to own and possess this rare gem as their representative.

Over the years Dennis has succeeded in building a monumental image of patriotism that spurned out to his advantage and his penchant for delivering on assignments earned him the people’s confidence at the 2015 State Assembly polls. Subsequently, his lofty achievements and excellent representation easily earned him an “effortless” second term victory at the polls in 2019.

As we examine his scorecard, we must note that Hon. (Barr.) Dennis is out to fulfill his mission and to make a bold and challenging generational statement. From the cradle of Etinan State Constituency comes this vivacious, united and spirited mouth piece of the disenfranchised in the society. Over the years, farmers, traders, artisans, academia, market women and youths have discovered his voice to be a viable voice to rely upon.

Evidently, this is one unique representation that has roundly proven his mettle in both law making, oversight and political engagements, which has seen to a fledging and robust legislative engagement. In the legislative business, Dennis has never been caught “napping”. In law and policy making, Dennis has performed exceedingly well with more than 10 bills to his credit and still counting. His constituency projects span from educational empowerment, healthcare delivery, human capital development/empowerment and infrastructural development. Apart from attracting roads and other infrastructural development to an area that was once short of basic social amenities.

In recent times, he has constructed and commissioned water projects in over three wards. He also facilitated the construction of two (2) units of two-bedroom bungalow for indigent constituents. Currently, so many Etinan indigenes cutting across all wards in Etinan State Constituency receive monthly stipends from his office, he has placed some constituents on scholarship and sponsored skills acquisition training to fifty (50) youths across Etinan State Constituency.

The People Democratic Party structure in his chapter has received commensurate support, he has provided grants for women to enhance their trade and has built four stalls in the popular Mkpafi Market in Northern Iman Ward 2. He has also provided financial support to cater for the procurement of Laptop computers for over twenty Law Students of Etinan origin cutting across various wards, who were proceeding to the Nigerian Law school (NLS) between 2015 till date. Alongside, he also donated computers to St. Theresa Secondary School Edem-Ekpat to boast administrative, academic and information technology requirements of the institution. In addition, he also renovated classroom blocks in arrays of public schools across Etinan including Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Nte, Southern Iman Ward 2, Government Primary School, Ikot Ebo, Etinan Urban Ward 1, St. Theresa Girls Secondary School, Edem Ekpat, Etinan urban Ward 5, QIC Primary School, Ekpene Ukpa, Etinan Urban Ward 2 among others. To ease movement for the Iman Ibom Elders, royal fathers and Students, he presented two (2) 18-seater Buses for Etinan Traditional Rulers Council and National Association of Etinan Local Government Students (NAELGOS) Worldwide, amongst others.

Hon. (Barr) Aniefiok Dennis has made his representation a platform for the people to find justice in the most peaceful and civilized manner; a non-violent but progressive movement bringing succor to the subjugated populace, fighting for their infringed rights and bringing justice to the good people of his constituency. His recent victory at the polls is an eloquent testimony of his acceptability as a big political brand and the face of an emerging generation in leadership.

Barr. Dennis has grown over the last decade in leaps and bounds. He has added several badges to his shirts and feathers to his cap. He is one of such young leaders who deliberately oiled the wheels of intellectual development and expansion while also making bold strides in the slippery and unpredictable terrain of politics.

Undoubtedly, Palmer, as he is fondly called by friends and admirers has worked on all fronts; braving vilification, houndings, bashes, blackmail and controversies to stay afloat in his resolve to give his people the very best in law making. This he has achieved by passionately acquitting himself of mediocrity in the various bills and motions he has sponsored, which lends credence to his pivotal contribution to the verve of legislation in the sixth and seventh assembly.

In less than five years as the representative of the good people of Etinan State Constituency. The honourable member has exceeded expectations by rising to the dreams and aspirations of his people while addressing their concerns promptly. Hon. Dennis’s rich and inspiring pedigree, a life of significant milestones, can be encapsulated in a few words – A father to many; a political icon; an exemplary administrator; a youth leader; an accomplished lawyer; a worthy lawmaker, a rare and awesome phenomenon in the socio-political landscape and above all, an unrepentant patriot. Hon. (Barr) Aniefiok Dennis Akpan is a quintessential lawmaker.

A big congratulations as you clock 56 today. Take a bow!