Moreover, politically, Oro seems to be drifting everyday. Our political
life is characterised by selfishness, greed, opportunism and blackmail.
In Oro, nobody speaks and acts on behalf of others and even those who
attempt to speak, act and negotiate on our behalf don't consult.
The meaning is that Oro has serious leadership problems. Our politicians work at cross purposes and this makes it very easy for Oro to be neglected and marginalised by the present government.
Of all the investment projects initiated and embarked upon by the present government, none is sited in Oro. It is very disheartening that none of the five state owned tertiary institutions is located in Oro.
In fact, it is believed by many that Oro has significantly lost its political and cultural identity and may fade into complete oblivion if self appraisal is not done and fast too. Is it not difficult to believe that this same Oro produced giants like the Late Senator Victor Akan, Late Chief I. U. Iyanam(Ikpoto Oro), Late Chief Ambe Bassey etc.?
It is regrettable and in fact worrisome that Oro seems to be the only ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State that does not have a political agenda.
While others are scouting for good candidates to contest the positions purportedly zoned to them ahead of 2007, Oro people do not agitate for anything but are simply waiting to pick the crumbs after the Big Brothers have satisfied themselves.
But must an Oro man become so cosmopolitan in a country where even the leaders and the Elder Statesmen are selfish, tribalistic, nepotic and are never tired of playing the ethnic cards or whipping religious sentiments for their advantage?
(STAY TUNED FOR THE CONCLUDING PART. PLEASE DON'T FORGET THAT I WROTE THIS IN 2004 AS AN UNDERGRADUATE)
Omen Bassey.
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