By Godson Obot
Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, a rare political breed in the political landscape of Akwa AbasiIbom State who smoothly mix with the rich, the poor, the men, the women, the youths, the elders, irrespective of tribe, religion, class, etc. meanwhile greedy leaders are playing "hide and seek" with the masses, thereby become an instant enemy to such at the grassroot.
Base on the fact that, when you run away from the people, you invariably turn them into your enemy as a public officer, but when you are friendly and brotherly by making your self available to them during the thick and thin, there won't be cause for an alarm.
It could be recalled some time ago when the name of Barr. Onofiok Luke, was written in the Guinness book of record in Akwa Ibom State by daring to pay a historic visit to the Ibom Plaza community, defied human thinking and security threat which no greedy and unacceptable public office holder can ever dare visit such spot, the den of highly fierce and unrepentant members of the opposition who are capable of eating someone raw.
It could be recalled, the magnitude of the tumultuous political tide in Akwa Ibom State during the elections, during the tribunal, after the tribunal, and when the captain to the ship of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly was to be elected which as at that time, the state and the divine mandate were heavily pregnant, (wrapped with the unknown) the sky wore a dark look, the faces of the majority: youths, women, elders wore no single smile, there was classical meetings hear and there, people divided themselves into groups, some praying, some crying, all clamouring for the man of the people as their most proffered choice .
God who is not an author of confusion, in his infinite mercy and wisdom, did not hesitate to answer the prayers of the greater majority, his children which as at that time the nooks and crannies of the State was busy with boisterous wind of celebration and jubilation.
surprisingly with an unimaginable number from the set of opposition who do maintain the principle of supporting a candidate and not the Party, also with a greater number from within the party line, who all sang songs of victory when Barr. Onofiok Luke was finally announced as the speaker.
It was not yet Uhuru for those who permute especially the speakers admirers from across the party divide, as the rule of the game was officially and unofficially spelt out to everyone, on daily bases thus: "if you love and support me, you must love and fully support His Excellency Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, most especially for his second term" there and then, a lot of tactical adjustment into the PDP and the divine mandate began which this piece was not conceived to step on toes, which a handful of such tactical returnees would have appeared here.
The philosophy of the philanthropic Barr. Onofiok Luke: "Charity that does not affect one's convenience is never charity, as love without sacrifice is not true" which through his benevolence, selfless and pragmatic leadership qualities, have empowered millions of people across the State even beyond his immediate constituency, Nsit Ubium LGA, in several areas, such as: sponsorship/scholarship award to students, material and financial support to farmers, several car donations to organisations, groups and individuals, business-start-up capital for entrepreneurs, paid series of medical bills, place many on a monthly salary/allowance(officially/unofficially), sponsorship and training of journalist, donation of lands and houses, brought succour to the handicapped, sponsored several live touching bills, carried out two non of it kind constituency briefing, and many more.
Another factor that endears him so well to the people is his down to earth leadership quality, he hugs people, he shakes hands with people, he visits the people at will, especially the less privileged and the common man at the grassroot, he attends every function, such as: marriage, funeral, birthday, naming ceremony, private commissioning, he mingles, eat and sit with everyone not until the time for the election which such quality and approach melts the 'rocky political ground' in nooks and crannies across the State in favour of the project, couple with his stringent policy on the support of His Excellency, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
#Godbless Gov. Udom Emmanuel
#Godbless Barr. Onofiok Luke
#Godbless the people of Akwa Ibom State
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