Bassey Albert Akpan: A Clarion call to serve BY AMOS ETUK

Like little seeds of an acorn, the success story of Akwa Ibom State has grown to a harvest as a destination of an economic, political and social hub. 

Governance in Nigeria has taken a reference of excellence from the Uncommon Change which Akwa Ibom State under the administration of Chief Godswill Obot Akpabiio (CON) JP, has charted. 

As Akwa Ibom State prepares for a new chapter in our political lives with few months to the end of this administration, the time has come for the people to make a choice. 

The path to a process of succession, with path to the sustenance of the vision of a quality leader, the path to look inwards irrespective of tribe or zonal inclination has come, the path to the future is here, the path of the new mandate lies with the people, the moment where history will once again propel Akwa Ibom State to excel on its present successful ratings. 

The mandate of leadership has revolved on team work, patience, effective communication, patriotism, transparency, sincerity and the focus to succeed as we work together setting new standards in service to the people and leaving memorable case studies for generations to study on quality leadership.
Over the years, we have come to appreciate the dynamism and amiable characters of certain leaders whose exemplary leadership qualities have stood them out as person(s) whose call to a higher service would transform the abandoned opportunities of this endowed state. 

Today, Akwa Ibom State indigenes have come to identify with the symbol of change. The youths have come to adopt him as the catalyst to mould the future. The elders have seen the vision of the future in him and with wise counsel have shown him the path to walk to greatness. 

We celebrate a Team player in the Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration. We celebrate the longest serving Finance Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State history. We celebrate an enigma, a bridge builder, a philanthropist, a sports lover, a humble personality, a technocrat with quality years in the financial sector where he resigned and was called upon to serve his father land leaving as a Vice President of one of Nigeria’s reputable banks.  

We celebrate a young Turk, the future face of Akwa Ibom State, the  face of a fresh breath of ideas and policies that would make our beautiful state a choice destination.
Behold, a new dawn. We herald the champion of the new cause of Akwa Ibom State, Bassey Albert Akpan, the altruistic servant, the choice of the people of Akwa Ibom, the pride of the youths, the good son of the people of Akwa Ibom State, the power behind the success story of the Uncommon Transformation in Akwa Ibom State. 

When he worked as the Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State, Bassey Albert Akpan worked tirelessly with positive results in line with the vision of Governor Godswill Akpabio on good governance employing the best known financial strategies which increased the state’s Internally Generated Revenue from when he joined the government compared to when he left office. 

   
An astute administrator whose quest for excellence has always been his driving force, Bassey Albert Akpan has ensured that there is concrete and practical guidance for policy makers on government actions and programmes in order to expand the provision and usage of financial services by individual and self employed entrepreneurs, thus helping the government to work effectively and efficiently by managing and distributing fund appropriately. 

Perhaps, we can boldly state that in the discharge of his duties as the Commissioner for Finance, the economic growth witnessed today in Akwa Ibom State can be traced to the improving structure of investment which has enhanced entrepreneurial skills and financial guidance to the state’s economy as investment opportunity beacon on the state. 

One of his greatest success story as the Commissioner for Finance was the implementation of the much lauded Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Projects which positively touched every village in Akwa Ibom State.
From the renovation and construction of schools, health centres, multi-purpose halls, electricity, water projects, Bassey Albert Akpan’s exemplary and astute leadership drive ensured that every project executed at the Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Project was followed according to specification with close monitoring as set by the government. 

Today, these laudable projects have continued to receive rave reviews across the country.

As a core economist who excelled with a second Class Upper, from the prestigious University of Uyo and a Masters Degree at hand, Bassey Albert Akpan ensured the timely preparation and presentation of the state budget as it guided the state effectively in the implementation of its policies throughout the years.
His dexterity and core depth of carefully and well detailed breakdown of the budget have stood him out as a shining star of intellectual genius whose commitment and patriotism to develop his state continues to endear him as a man with a vision to succeed.  

The success of the budget under Bassey Albert’s tenure as the Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State ensured the development of the sectoral linkages which include health, housing, education and other key sectors which has further ensured that a strong fiscal regime has been built through the expansion of the revenue base of the state which has encouraged investors and an efficient public service which has developed the state. 

His experience as Commissioner for Finance over the years has endeared him to the hearts of civil servants in Akwa Ibom State over his commitments to the implementation of the welfare packages to drive the work force of the state to greater productivity.

His awards of excellence in the civil service especially the Golden Public Service Award given to him in November 2013 by the Nigeria Society of Engineers has distinguished him as a focused and patriotic administrator whose passion for service delivery has been his driving force of excellence and success story over the years. 

Today, Akwa Ibom State beckons for a new dawn into the next democratic dispensation and the mandate has fallen on a man the people have come to know over the year and trust.
The people of Akwa Ibom State have seen and felt the tremendous impact of Bassey Albert Akpan in the success story of the Uncommon Transformation of the state.  

The people of Akwa Ibom State have felt his benevolence which breaks religious and ethnic barriers not only in the state, but across the country.
The youths have come to see in him as a leader whose shining examples  of sterling strides has laid the foundation to the unanimous clamor and clarion  call for Akwa Ibom State to arise and live the dream for a prosperous future for generations. 

His track records and intimidating credentials have shown the level of confidence and trust the people have in his qualities to steer the ship of governance in the state. 

A grassroot mobiliser and bridge builder, Bassey Albert Akpan represents a paradigm shift in the political terrain of Akwa Ibom and as often stated, “whom the cap fits, let him wear”

The platform of the change of baton at the 2015 general elections represents a consolidation to the foundation of the modern Akwa Ibom and that is why the moment of history beckons for all Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to support Bassey Albert as Governor of Akwa Ibom State at the 2015 general elections.
In the words of John Quincy Adams, the Sixth President of the United States of America (176-1848), “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more; then you are a leader”.

The time has come for the servant leader Bassey Albert Akpan to take his rightful place at the helm of the succession throne. Truly, it is the Lord’s doing and you have found favour in the eyes of the people of Akwa Ibom State as a worthy choice, overwhelming by accepted and endorsed. 

You remain the pride of the people, tested and trusted.