The Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. (Engr.) Udobia Friday Udo, has tasked Esit Eket Lawyers Forum, on strong synergy to fastrack development, peace and unity.

Speaking, at the flag off ceremony of the Esit Eket Lawyers Forum which took place at the late Prince Udo Edukere’s Hall, on October 5, 2023. Udobia said he will do everything possible within his reach to ensure the establishment of a Secretariat for Lawyers and assured them of financial assistance and relevant materials for law students who are due for law school to enable them come out top in the legal profession.

“My decision to partner with Lawyers and other professionals is in tandem with my determination to offer efficient representation by bringing governance closer to us”

He warned against all forms of vices, urging constituents to promote peace and set precedence through genuine ethical procedures, stressing that the entire indigenes of Esit Eket would be positively impacted with tremendous change through the legal clinic.

“As we all know, chieftaincy tussle, domestic violence and other social vices have caused disunity and equally hindered speedy implementation of corporate social responsibility by servicing oil firms due to series of court cases which forms major reasons I have decided to partner with the legal professionals to help enlighten and offer free legal services to members of my constituency in other to ensure our people do not waste in custody nor waste their hard earned resources in challenging issues that can be handled with dispatch. I will ensure through this legal structure that people with genuine cases are given the necessary assistance they need to gain freedom”.

The Political leader of Esit Eket, Elder Benjamin Udobia, who was represented by his Personal Assistant and Senior Legislative Aide to the State Lawmake, Comrade Godwin Elijah, expressed satisfaction over the initiative of the Lawmaker in providing legal framework to offer counsel to Esit Eket indigenes.

Also speaking, Mr Ubong, a representative of Frontier Oil expressed delight over the Esit Eket Lawyers Forum for taking upon themselves the responsibility of coordinating and offering legal aide and assured of continued partnership.

Elder Eddy Etangkanga, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chapter Chairman in the area, thanked the lawmaker for the wisdom and courage to partner with the legal professionals for the purpose of engendering mutual coexistence and driving home development.

On his part, Chief Etteudo Ikot, the Clan Head of Ekid Offiong who spoke on behalf of the Paramount Ruler, HRM, Edidem Ubong Peter Assam and the entire Traditional Rulers Council in the LGA, noted that legal clinic is a great opportunity for constituents to gain knowledge in alternative dispute resolution, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and other contending issues.

Barr. Aniefiok Ekwere, Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Eket branch, in his opening remarks, encouraged participants to speak out against any form of victimization and legal issues and lauded the State Lawmaker for sponsoring the Esit Eket Lawyers Forum Legal Clinic.

“This is historic and Engr. Udobia Udo will always be remembered for keeping to his campaign promise. His promise of building a legal resource centre for practicing lawyers and giving financial assistance to law students who are due for law school shows he is passionate and genuinely determined to offer excellent and unbiased legislative representation”

High point of the event was a break-out session which gave the people the opportunity to interact with the lawyers and seek counsel in areas they needed help and clarity.