A group of villages in Etoi, Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have solicited votes for what they termed a ‘Ranking Member’, a legislator on a committee, who belongs to the majority party and by virtue of seniority, ranks first after the committee chairman.

On this note, they have risen in one voice to drum support for the Member representing Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA), Hon. Monday Eyo Okon popularly called Murray, for second term in office come 2019.

They passed the vote of confidence during a general meeting in Ifa Atai on Saturday where all ward leaders in Etoi confirmed their readiness to support the second term ambition of Hon. Monday Eyo.

Setting the tone, political leader in Etoi Ward 5, Hon. Donatus Udoh, noted that Etoi people are not desperate, and that they are ready to support Murray till 2023. He urged the people not to vote for someone who will use and dump them.

On her part, Hon. Rose Archibong stressed that “Zoning is sacrosanct. We need a ranking member. We have checked all the candidates, only Murray is found fit to represent Uyo State Constituency. As soon as his tenure expires in 2023, Etoi will take turns.”

Also speaking, Deacon Martins Sampson, Hon. Imeobong Bassey, Mr Nse Joseph, Obonganwan Justina Effiong (Woman leader), Obong Bassey Edem Akpan, Mr Francis Emmah, Elder Edehekudim Okon Etim, Mrs Grace Edet Jeremiah a.k.a Mma Ediye, and Youth Leader of Itiam Ikot Eba, Mr Andikan, thanked Hon. Monday Eyo for all he has been doing for the people of Uyo, saying: “Since in the history of Uyo politics, there has never been a man like Monday Eyo.

“His doors are always open for everyone to come in. He has concluded plans and all arrangements have been made for his constituency briefing/empowerment ceremony coming up in few weeks where buses and other materials including cash sum of money will be donated to people.

“This has never been in the history of Uyo. We have been voting people into different positions but constituency briefing is alien to us. Amazing this is that Hon. Monday Eyo does not sound his trumpets. He does his things quietly. He deserve a second term to continue his good works.”