Comr. Joseph Inyang
Undoubtedly, Okobo L.G.A. is one of the most calm and peaceful place in Nigeria. These however are civil dispositions that should be sustained.
The home truth is that, over the years, these attitude have metamorphosed into timidity, muteness and indifferent in participating and reacting to issues that have to do with our collective destiny. That's why today we have been engulfed in an hopeless, helpless and precarious situation. All is not well.
Though Okobo is strategically located and endowed with both human and material resources, yet she is barely struggling to survive. And the big question is "How did we get here?"
An inward assessment of this devastating status of Okobo can be found that we have squandered many opportunities, time and resources at our disposal. Unfortunately, the consequences have been spread to many innocent generations. It will take us much time and energy to recover. All is not well.
Our people are predominantly farmers, fishermen and traders. Vividly, for over 8 years of Gov. Godswill Akpabio administration, we had our people in the inner caucus of that government at the local, state and federal level. Yet, priorities were not given to the needs of our people. No good road, market, hospital, electricity and school.
In other places, I have seen roads constructed by the government to people's private residence through goodwill and relationship.
But then, despite the great influx of people all over the country into the popular Ataobong Beach Crayfish Market, the road still remains a as death trap. Even when Gov. Akpabio promised to construct the road, nothing was done about it.
Does it means that our people did not have goodwill, reputation and relationship with the Governor they were serving to enable him attend to the plights of Okobo people?
Even the Nsie -- Urue-Ita road was havazardly done below standard unlike in other places. That road has not been able to serve Okobo people for even good 5 years before the breakdown and dilapidated condition it is today.
What a waste? When will we have such opportunities again? All is not well.
Our markets are nothing to write home about. Our schools are in the state of extinction, fading away gradually.
The few hospitals have been taken over by weeds and lizards. For over 6 years, Okobo was thrown into perpetual darkness but thank God for the intervention of Hon.
Attah Okon Attah led transition committee. Who was able to restore light to significant parts of Okobo. Every deeds are recorded accordingly.
Succinctly, successive leadership in Okobo have maintained a parasitic relationship with Okobo L.G.A. It is obvious that these leaders came and took their own share from 'Okobo Wealth Basket' and left Okobo dried and stagnated. These have been the common and popular trend.
That is why Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, Transition Chairman, Okobo L.G.A. stated it outrightly that, this is not the first time we are having a Chairman of Council and House Member, when I dare to state the obvious.
Respectfully Sir, time have changed and we cannot do things the same way and expect different result. All is not well.
A wise man once said, "Those who donot learn from history are bound to make the same mistakes, if not worst" History have shown that, the trend that has been is obsolete and myopic which should be aborted immediately.
So much have gone down the drain, there is urgency for reawakening, passion, commitment and collective efforts to the Okobo project because all is not well.
Critical conditions need critical measures. One of the greatest Activist and Advocate of all time, Rev. Martin Luther Kings once said "Our lives begins and ends the day we become silent about the things that matter".
So we must shout it out "All is not well". It is hypocritical to be smiling and cheering in the midst of misery, stagnation and servitude. I rather cry out for help than die in silence. All is not well.
My position has been misconstrued, but like Barr. Omen Bassey rightly stated " My ultimate ambition is to be part of a culture of effective, service focused, people oriented, sensitive and accountable political leadership in Okobo L.G.A, Oro Nation, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria". God is my witness, this is my paramount interest and drive.
I don't have the financial muscle, but I have my voice, to speak for the voiceless and the helpless. So I am passionately committed to say it out, All is not well. Stand up for Okobo.
Our massive land was taken for Ibom Airport project, but our people have been shortchanged from it benefits.
The road leading to Ataobong Beach Crayfish Market needs urgent attention.
The state of our hospitals and schools is pathetic.
Like Rev. Martin Luther King, say it loud, all is not well.
Like Nelson Mandela, shout it, all is not well.
Like Mother Theresa, echo it, all is not well.
"If you see something, say something and make Okobo better"
It's a New Dawn.
Abasi Odiong Okobo.
Comr. Joseph Inyang
_©Okobo New Dawn Crusader.
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