Bassey Albert with Senator Effiong Bob after the visit
The
immediate past Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan, on May Day 2014
paid a private visit to the former two-term Senator of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria representing Uyo Senatorial District and current Pro Chancellor and Chairman,
Governing Council, University of Benin, Senator Effiong Bob in his Ewet Housing
Estate residence, Uyo.
Mr.
Albert who was accompanied by about 30 distinguished sons and daughters of Akwa
Ibom State told his host that his visit was as a result of his deep respect for
the distinguished Senator. Even though people will be surprised and read
meanings into his visit, Albert noted that he has come to the realization of
the fact that the only thing that is constant or permanent in life is change.
The
former Commissioner told Senator Bob that men of his type were rare and emphasized
that his visit was in recognition of Senator Bob’s place in history and described
Senator Bob as one of the greatest sons of Ibibio.
According
to the former banker turned politician, “I see myself as your younger brother
and someone who looks up to your leadership. Men like you are rare and my being
here shows that you are one of the greatest sons of Ibibio.” Albert continued
that the experiences he has garnered as a result of his association with
Senator Bob can last him for a lifetime. One of his greatest regrets Albert
noted was not having the likes of Senator Bob in the National Assembly today.
Mr.
Bassey Albert whose remarks were punctuated by applauses reminded the Senator
of his earlier promise to apologize to him publicly whenever the opportunity
would offer itself. He pleaded with the Senator to forgive him whatever wrongs
he had done him and pointed out that one’s greatest enemy yesterday could be
one’s greatest friend today noting that one of the several lessons he has
learnt from Senator Bob was his belief and abiding faith in God Almighty.
Speaking
on his years as Commissioner for Finance and somebody who had worked very
closely with the Governor, Albert said that he can say without equivocation
that if there is any Annang man that believes in Akwa Ibom State is his boss
and mentor, the Governor. “If he never believed in Akwa Ibom and loved me as
his son, he would never have kept in his cabinet all these years. The Governor
knows that I love him sincerely but where I find myself today is in God’s hands
and a subject of destiny.
While
thanking Senator Bob for his magnanimous reception, Albert concluded that he
wants to see himself on the positive side of history because he believes that “tomorrow
will always come.” He used the occasion to pledge his loyalty to Senator Bob’s
leadership of Uyo Senatorial District.
Responding,
Senator Bob thanked God for giving Mr. Albert the grace to serve the State
distinctively for seven years and quitting gracefully adding that not all
public office holders would be given the kind of reception that Mr. Albert got
on the day he left office. He asked Albert to take the fear of God as being
critical and also to pray for life because nobody knows tomorrow.
On
the issue of forgiveness, Senator Bob said that he holds no malice against the
former Finance Commissioner. In the business of politics, Senator Bob said that
“there would be no space to do good if you hold malice against people”.
Senator
Bob used the occasion to drum support for President Goodluck Jonathan and
re-echoed the position of the stakeholders in the State for Jonathan to contest
the 2015 Presidential elections. On Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bob cautioned politicians
to play down the ethnic card as this was capable of unnecessarily heating the
polity. Senator Bob said that he was a firm believer in God and that he fears
no one. He advised Albert to thank God for everything and convert his exit into
something positive. “Anybody who tries to stop your destiny would have God to
contend with”, Bob concluded.
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