By Torobong Ekpo
Since the emergence of Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as the governor
of the third highly indebted States of the federation (according to
print report), blackmail and character assassination appear to have
become a very lucrative venture in this state.
Anyone
criticizing the government of the day as well as those trying to draw
development closer to the nooks and crannies of the state is viewed with
an eye of discord.
It is common to listen to rejoinders from redundant politicians who perceive objective criticism as anti government.
From the day Senator Nelson Effiong bade farewell to PDP to recent
Obong Victor Attah's interview on Planet FM, the rejoinder hustlers have
been showcasing their talents, yet, none has disputed the facts laid
out by these men of valour.
After listening to a misconception
raised by one of the pro governmental agents, I was forced to believe
that if Jesus Christ tarry, our dear state may be entitled to a group
known as FORUM OF REJOINDER ELDERS (FORE).
I may not know who
will emerge as the chairman of the group, however I believe someone
whose Ph.D certificate is like a used sanitary pad will either emerge as
the publicity secretary or the state coordinator of "mbuto idem
elders".
Aside from elders, there is proliferation of blackmail
agents channeled on respectable figures, who by virtues of their zeal
for developing the state should be highly respected and applauded.
These set of individuals, I am told gotten a sum of 100,000 naira from
an unknown source with a view of cajoling the progresses made by some
indigenous Federal government appointees.
Are we not aware of
some efforts made by a media aide to Mr. Udom Emmanuel to discredit the
construction work done by NDDC on Ukana Offot street as if it was the
brain child of the state government?
I had expected the aide to do same to Nsentip and Udoeduok dead traps which the commission (NDDC) has turned to street.
I may not know if the governor is fully or passively aware of the newly
bred blackmailers which stock in trade is to mar the achievements
lavishly bestowed on this state by indigenous federal government
appointees.
APC, though I am not and will never be a member as a
result of my profession, has done so much via appointment to natives of
this state. Also, our appointees have reciprocated these gestures by
thinking in the rightful direction.
Some months ago, Obong Umana
Okon Umana devoid of party affiliation approached the state government
for the sake of beautifying the state with oil and gas site.
Recently, the NDDC under the watch of Obong Nsima Ekere doled out 60
jobs to Akwa Ibom State for bidding. I am told that more are coming.
I am aware that the entirety of internal roads in Abak Road federal Housing estate is under construction courtesy of NDDC.
Such service delivery may have been the reason why the senator
representing Udom Emmanuel, the House of representative member
representing the birth place of the governor's wife had to defect.
It may have been why all the past state chairmen of PDP, (exception of
Uwem Ita Etuk) the then political leaders of Uyo and Etinan, Dr. Maurice
Ebong and Otuekong Sunny Jackson respectively had to renounce PDP.
No need talking about Barr. Dan Abia Jnr, Effefiong Antigha, Baba Otu to mention but a few... Their defection is known to all.
But could we enumerate a single job the oldest deputy governor, PA
Moses Ekpo brought to this state while sojourning as a federal
appointee?
No let's look at someone he empowered. Could we find
any? I guess an answer to these questions will proffer solutions to why
an elder statesman was chosen as Deputy Governor, may be, in order to
give him a second chance to correct the first impression...
Unfortunately, Pull Him Down has seeped through the pores of our healthy
bodies and it's gradually becoming our uninvited culture.
Anyone found trying to change the life as well as transformed our dear state is perceived in the eyes of being an aspirant.
In 2008, Oil mogul Akanimo Udofia while doling out free medical
services to his people was asked this question, 'Akparawa are you vying
for any position? ' by a political stakeholder in this state.
It is assumed that if one is bent on transforming this state, such is vying for a position or is looking for accolades.
This is what has befallen Mr. Nsima Ekere, who has been in the front burner of blackmail for quite some times.
There have been deliberate efforts by some disgruntled members of the
society, trying to assassinate the highly tested, proven and revered
character and integrity of the Managing Director of Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, whose efforts in
developing the state has caused a kind of sleepless night to some
renowned sycophant within the government of the day.
Sometimes
ago, personal view of an objective public affairs commentator, Obong
Iniobong John was attributed to Mr. Nsima Ekere in order to draw the
latter at logger head with the public, yet the populace insisted that WE
KNOW HIM, HE KNOWS US.
I may not know the rationale behind the
baseless raw blackmail channeled on an innocent man, who through his
benevolence and that of other members, the commission has enumerated 375
jobs across the Niger Delta States, OF WHICH 60 HAVE BEEN CHANNELED TO
OUR DEAR STATE for bidding.
However, a clearer view of their
antics shows that, movers of false stories against NDDC boss are afraid
of his rising antecedence knowing fully well that if electorates mandate
him to contest in 2019 governorship election, the same heartbreak that
befell alleged failure Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2015 may extend its
hand of fellowship to Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, whose led government
sacked 5000 eligible voters under the aegis of SACKED RECRUITMENT
TEACHERS.
So far, Obong Nsima Ekere has not indicated interest
to contest gubernatorial election, yet all sorts of blackmail have been
labelled against him.
Some media agents have assumed the role of
Federal Road Safety Commission by knowing how his drivers beat traffic,
yet FRSC is not aware of such act.
I may not know if the governor is applauding these blackmail prowess. I may not know if he is sponsoring them.
However, it will be better for him to clear the doubt in the heart of
PDP members by inviting Markafi to the state, coz you can't claim to be
pro Markafi, yet on Akwa Ibom day, you brought Sheriff to show Akwa
Ibomites... In such a significant day! Who is fooling who?
It is ridiculous for one to claim that NDDC is re-awarding completed roads, whereas such incident has not occurred.
Needless using blackmail to capture the mindset of people regarding
2019 election. Udom should understand that the forthcoming election will
go beyond party logo.
Electorate will likely vote for individual, who will not call them fools and illiterate after taking oath of office.
Politicians will assemble their support base to vote for someone who
will remember them, not the one who will sent them parking from State
Executive Council and replaces them with Lagos hustlers under the
pretence of professional in politics.
Groups will vote for
someone who will sustain them, not one who will ridicule them like ACA
(meaning IT HAS GONE) is being cajoled in the physical and spiritual
world.
Off course, those 5000 sacked teachers will cast their votes same with Pa Inokon Inokon of Awa Iman.
It is left for the leader of PDP, Deacon Udom Emmanuel to sit up just
like the leadership of the party is working day and night.
But could one work with empty stomach and produce a palatable result?
Could a Chapter Chairman of PDP, devoid of official bus, Could State
officer of the party devoid of official car, after Akpabio has set a
standard work and still produce a good result?
Could an aide to the governor without official vehicle work and produce a good result?
I bet you. An answer to these questions will showcase why there is mass
defection from PDP to APC and why blackmail has mounted its headquarter
in our dear state since May 2015.
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