To the average Nigerian, politics is often viewed as a dirty game, while politicians are seen as habitual liars known for broken promises, deceptive campaigns, and disconnect from the realities on ground. Senator Eteng Williams has distinguished himself as one of the most decent figures in public life, never linked to fake promises, allegations of fraud, unexplained wealth, or self-enrichment. Despite his accomplishments, his humility remains admirable. He is humane, accessible, fatherly, and generous to a fault.
Another remarkable asset Senator Eteng Williams possesses is his impeccable and verifiable educational background. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1991 and later obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) in 1997, both from the University of Calabar.
In 2011, after years of meritorious service in the Oil and Gas industry, he voluntarily resigned to begin his political journey.
During his first stint in the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2011, he defeated an incumbent to emerge as the flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He subsequently broke the second-term jinx in Yakurr II State Constituency by becoming the first lawmaker since 1999 to be re-elected in the constituency.
His political journey was not without fierce battles. He faced a rerun election that shook the entire state, yet he overwhelmingly defeated formidable opponents in the then-ruling APC, including a former governor, a sitting minister, a Chief of Naval Staff, and several other political heavyweights.
In another unprecedented development, he secured his party’s ticket for a third-term bid against all odds, overcoming the same political forces that had previously sought to stop him. Not only did he emerge victorious again, but he also rose to become Speaker of the 9th Cross River State House of Assembly.
Still unsatisfied with merely making history at the state level, Senator Eteng Williams took the road less travelled by contesting for the Senate. In one of the most keenly contested, free, and fair primaries in the state, he defeated major APC stalwarts with national influence.
The victory was challenged in court, leading to the nullification of the primaries by the Appeal Court. Yet, he returned to the field stronger and won again with an even wider margin. It was no coincidence that Senator Eteng Williams had, over the years, endeared himself deeply to the hearts of the people since entering politics in 2011.
Ahead of the last general election, he was perhaps the most underrated among the three senatorial candidates. Many predicted his defeat long before Election Day. He was up against a former ally and political maestro, a third-term member of the House of Representatives, in a senatorial district widely regarded as the heartbeat of Cross River politics, with an opposition PDP governorship candidate heavily backed by a former governor.
Yet, when the results began to emerge, his victory was among the first to hit the airwaves, leaving many political observers stunned. Once again, he had done the impossible.
This is the man in the arena, an electoral asset, not a liability. A man whose political experience, integrity, achievements, influence, and unmatched political capital continue to define his rise.
Winning, for Senator Eteng Williams, appears embedded in his DNA. With him as a party candidate, supporters often go to sleep with confidence, knowing he will do what he knows best – win!
It is important to note that senatorial elections are not jobs for desperate political dreamers, running around with oversized ambitions and undersized credibility, the Senate is not a rehabilitation home for damaged reputations. The office demands experience, capacity, integrity and stability.
As the 2027 general elections approach, many believe that the personality best positioned to guarantee victory for the APC in Cross River Central remains the same man who has consistently defied political odds – the man in the arena, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams.
Hope Obeten