By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Former member of the House of Representatives, Apostle Essien Ekpenyong Ayi, has urged politicians to cultivate the habit of giving and helping others, saying public service should be driven by a commitment to improving people’s lives.
Ayi, who represented Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency of Cross River State for 20 years, from 2003 to 2023, spoke on his 70th birthday while receiving journalists who visited his residence to felicitate with him.
The former lawmaker, who served as chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area from 1995 to 2002, attributed his political career and achievements to God’s grace, recalling his humble background.
“I am most grateful to God for allowing me to attain the age of 70, not because I am in any way better than others. All credit goes to Almighty God. For those years in the National Assembly, it was truly the hand of God,” he said.
Ayi added: “Everybody cannot be Essien Ayi, and Essien Ayi cannot be like others. But my emphasis is that everyone, especially politicians, should cultivate the habit of helping, giving and assisting people.”
The birthday celebration attracted prominent personalities, including the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who described the former lawmaker as a distinguished statesman whose years in public service had contributed to the state’s political development.
In a goodwill message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, Otu said Ayi’s decades of service reflected political resilience, commitment to community development and devotion to the common good.
The governor noted that Ayi’s experience in local government administration, legislative representation and sports development had earned him a place in the political history of Cross River State.
He described the celebrant as “an illustrious son of Cross River State whose life stands as a compelling testament to public service, political experience and an abiding commitment to the advancement of our people.”
Otu urged Ayi to continue sharing his experience and wisdom with the state and the country, noting that his wealth of political and administrative knowledge remained valuable to Cross River’s development.
He prayed for the former lawmaker’s continued good health, strength, peace and fulfilment in the years ahead.
