Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has paid tribute to former lawmaker Effiong Dickson Bob, describing him as his political guarantor and an exemplar of disciplined public service rooted in grassroots engagement.
The Governor spoke on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Abuja launch of Senator Bob’s book, The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, held at the NAF Conference Centre. He said the publication underscored the importance of documenting political journeys to preserve institutional memory and deepen democratic governance.
The event drew senior political figures and policymakers from across the country. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Eno served as Special Guests of Honour, while former Senate President, David Mark, chaired the occasion. Also present were the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, members of the National and State Assemblies, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, former Nigerian Bar Association President, Emem Usoro SAN, alongside other senior officials and professionals.
Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno congratulated the author and highlighted the personal and political bond they share through Uyo Senatorial District. He commended the reviewer for clearly articulating the book’s themes and praised Senator Bob’s long career in politics and law.
The Governor traced the author’s public service record from his early role as Councillor for Works and Transport in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, to his tenure in the State House of Assembly during the Third Republic where he served as Deputy Speaker, and later as Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. He recalled Senator Bob’s appointment as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under former Governor Victor Attah, followed by his election as a two term Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East. Senator Bob also served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Benin.
Governor Eno said the book draws effectively from this experience to explain the demands of legislative representation, public expectations, alliance building, and the balance of interests required for effective lawmaking. He described the work as a practical guide for current and future public office holders.
He added that Senator Bob has remained a steady adviser to his administration and a supporter of the ARISE Agenda. He announced that the state government would procure copies of the book for students of Political Science and Public Policy in tertiary institutions.
Earlier, Senator Bob thanked guests for their presence and said the book was inspired by his years in public office. He described it as a long term effort to document the realities and responsibilities of legislative service in Nigeria.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Otobong Bob, who expressed appreciation to attendees and acknowledged the enduring public service legacy of his father.
