As a partner in the Akwa Ibom state project, and to maintain social justice, equity and fair play, Oro voluntarily conceded the 2007 gubernatorial race to its Annang brothers.
It is in the public domain that the leadership of Oro Union, COTR and other critical stakeholders in Oro, wrote to the them president, Olusegun Obasanjo, intimating him of Oro's resolve not to partake in the PDP's primaries, to the build up to the 2007 general elections.
Oro leadership of then took that critical decision with the mindset that other parts of the state would support it, when it's its turn to produce the governor in 2015.
To lend credence to this understanding, Oro was the first place ex Governor Akpabio Godswill visited. This was done despite the fact that he isn't an Oron man.
He came to thank the people for the show and display of love before and during the elections, most especially, because of the decision taken by the Oro Union.
THE 2015 ELECTIONS:
The people of Oro were taken aback when then Governor Godswill Akpabio began singing a discordant tune as it related to the governorship elections. They felt insulted, humiliated, and what have you because of the new position taken by the governor.
The insult heaped on them by the actions of Akpabio made the people to leave the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in droves, and finding solace in the All Progressives Party (APC).
In other to pacify the Oro people, Akpabio came up with another tune, this time around, an Ibibio man in the person of Udom Emmanuel, the current governor of Akwa Ibom state, would do a one term of four years, from 2015 to 2019, then hand over to an Oro man.
In order to foist his lackey and hand picked puppet gubernatorial candidate on the people, in Oro, he found willing tools in the persons of Victor Antai, then Chairman of Mbo LGA, Princess Felicia Bassey also a former chairman, of Okobo LGA. Osung Tom, former chairman of Urue Offong, Kenim Onofiok, Udung Uko LGA chairman, Orman Esin, then Oron LGA chairman. In order to get the support of the youths, Eweme Asukwo, then chairman of the banned Esu Nlap Oro was the willing tool.
It should be known that these betrayers of Oro's course were duly compensated after the controversial elections that brought Udom Emmanuel to office.
Amongst those that conspired with the ex Governor to thwart our collective wish, it is only one of them that has refused to continue wearing the slavish tag. The reason being that he retraced his steps and toe the paths of the Oro people. Others have continued putting on the caps unashamedly.
Osung Tom, the former chairman of Urue Offong Orugo can never undermine the powers of a determined people anymore.
ESSENCE OF POLITICS:
It beats my imagination that these betrayers of Oro's course in 2015, their pay master and ultimate beneficiary of the conspiracy against Oro still do not know that political power isn't sought for, for the sake of it. In case they don't know, power isn't an end in itself, but is a means to an end.
Government exists for the people and not the other way round. I will advice they take a tutorial class in Pol 111 in the hands of professor OkonEminue, or they can equally consult Associate Professor I.F. Esikot, of the department of Philosophy so they can appreciate the essence of government as an institution and as an act of governance.
THEIR SLAVISH MENTALITY:
I am still at a loss as to what would have warranted these betrayers of Oro's course to once again, congregate in their "coven" to contemplate selling Oro's right as they did in 2015.
Does it mean they are blind to the fact that the first two years of Udom's administration has been a complete disaster to Oro? Those it mean they have no regard and love for father land? When will these group of persons start reasoning? If they lack sense to reason, can't they go and borrow some?
I wish they knew that the essence of public life is to affect the masses positively, and not the vain primitive accumulation of wealth.
Don't they know that Akpabio was able to transform Essien Udim LGA, from an obscure rural community to one of the best places in Akwa Ibom state because he called the shot at the Hilltop Mansion as the Government House is being called?
Can't they ask themselves of what becomes of the 4/4 ( i.e. Udom Emmanuel doing four years and an Oro man doing the rest)formula formulated by Akpabio before the 2015 elections? Does it mean that party affiliation is greater than tribal affiliation to these betrayers?
One thing is peculiar about these betrayers, and in it their bond could be traced. They are all failures in public life. None of them has a distinguished record of public life. Is it the convener and Deputy Speaker of the AKHA? Her tenure was a complete failure as the chairman of Okobo LGA.
As the D.S of the AKHA, no meaningful Bill can be traced to have been initiated and sponsored by her. That of Akon Eyakinyi is a sour taste in the mouth.
As a minister she couldn't empower anybody, apart from the gigantic house to herself, what else is there to show that she was once a minister of the federation? Orman Esin, this was someone without any political relevance. If not for Providence, he wouldn't have been known.
Is tenure as the chairman of Oro LGA saw to the escalation of social vices. No meaningful projects can be traced to him. There is no point writing about these failed politicians.
I have a word of advice for them " loyalty isn't slavery" apologies to my friend and brother, John Ntekim.
The question begging for answer is, why settle for the less when you can get the greater part of it? If I may ask, does it mean none of them at the "coven" is qualified enough to be the governor of the state?
Plus or minus, Victor Antai as been in the public scene for about 10 years or more, does it mean he can't also vie for the office? Is he afraid of being defeated or what? Don't tell me he's only good at being a yes man to those calling the shots in the government house.
LAST WORD FOR THEM
In case these betrayers and yesteryears politicians of Oro origin whose stock in trade is to endorse those from other tribes don't know, the youths of Oro are well prepared for them.
There is a whole lot of difference between 2015 and 2019. Four years is long a time for a radical and fundamental change to occur in the life a people.
If you guys were able to trade the collectivity of Oro's interests for your selfish gains in 2015, we tell you, such can never happen again. The level of political consciousness exiting among the youths of Oro is unprecedented in the history of Oro.
I tell you, we are now better equipped intellectually and otherwise to defend our collective interests.
Never again will the interests of some political bourgeoisie over ride that of the generality of the Masses.
ATAI JOHN JOHN
MEMBER
ORO LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESS ROUND TABLE AND CONVENER
NEW OKOBO MOVEMENT (N.O.M)
WRITES FROM
UDUNG AFFIANG, ATAK-ORO,
OKOBO LGA.
08102433538
No comments: