Selective Criticism: A Closer Look at Senator Eteng Williams’ Achievements

It appears that critics of Senator Eteng Williams have chosen to remain willfully blind to his achievements. No matter what he does, they refuse to acknowledge his contributions, while applauding others for similar efforts.

For instance, they praise his colleagues for facilitating grants of ₦100,000–₦150,000 to their constituents but conveniently ignore that Senator Eteng provided the same support to over 1,000 constituents between November and December last year. (See pictures attached).

They commend the installation of solar lights in the South but pretend not to see the Light Up Central project, where Senator Eteng has installed over 2,000 solar-powered streetlights across the Central Senatorial District. (See pictures attached.)

Similarly, while they celebrate his colleagues for organizing medical outreach programs, they fail to recall that at least 10,000 people benefited from Senator Eteng’s free medical outreach last year. (See flyer and pictures attached.)

When another senator facilitates foreign scholarships through the NDDC, they hail him. But when Senator Eteng does the same via PTDF, they attack and discredit his efforts. (See list of beneficiaries attached.)

Infrastructure projects? They praise his fellow first-time senator for bringing development to his constituency but conveniently ignore the ongoing Mkpani road project, the solar-powered boreholes in over 10 communities, and the distribution of educational materials to more than 30 primary and secondary schools under Senator Eteng’s watch. (See pictures attached.)

Last year, he provided financial support of ₦100,000 each to 21 law school students from his constituency—yet, for some, he has done nothing. (See flyer attached.)

He was among the first to distribute fertilizers to farmers, yet the so-called National Association of Eteng Haters (NAEH) downplayed the initiative. (See pictures attached.)

Just last week, 15 police constables were recruited into the Nigeria Police Force through his facilitation, yet it barely made a dent in the conversations of his critics. (See flyer attached.)

They applaud other senators for their well-thought-out bills and motions but rarely acknowledge that Senator Eteng has at least four bills to his name, including one advocating for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ugep, along with several critical motions. (See list of bills and presentation dates attached.)

During the last Christmas season, he extended support to various groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), paramount rulers of the six LGAs, all security heads in the district, and all 66 councillors. But because he did not gather people in a hall to distribute cash and rice like their fave, they dismiss his efforts.

It is surprising that some critics, who should understand how the National Assembly operates—including how committee placements affect a lawmaker’s ability to attract projects—choose to feign ignorance. But perhaps it’s all just politics.

May God help us all.

©️Samuel Rajunor writes from Abi LGA.