We live in troubled times. We are currently besotted by multifarious happenstances that call for urgent and immediate attention. The challenges are such that leaves one in a state of dilemma as to which one to give precedence to and which should be attended to at a later time.
At times like this, the recurrent question in the lips of discerning minds is how we got to this sorry pass. Many are driven to wonder if our maker has abandoned us due to our selfishness, greed and lack of love for our neighbours. Others have resorted to watching events unfold with mouths agape while another significant number observe proceedings from afar with arms akimbo. In the mix of all these worries that have only kept us in a state of excruciating retardation, only a fraction of bold, courageous and patriotic few have been able to summon good enough guts to face these challenges headlong.
But God is no man that He should descend low on account of mere bread. He knew that a greater glory lay ahead if He completed the mission of the father. He said no to ephemeral gratification for an enduring legacy that would bring salvation to mankind and eternal glory to God. Today, it is His sacrifice and tortuous journey to the old rugged cross that has brought healing to our land and paved the way for us to savour the endless gifts of nature that has taken firm root in our existence.
Alas, these virtues have been lost on us because of our propensity to cheat and condone double standards for transient gains. We are quick to employ guns, thugs and gadgets at the slightest provocation. We want to be the Lord of the manor. We want people to deify us and humbly pour libation to our feet every now and then. We want every other person to catch cold when we sneeze. We want to be the final arbiter in every discourse of public interest no matter how illogical they may be. We want every person to listen while our voice is the only one that is heard. No, please! It is not how leaders operate. Leaders are supposed to be role models for their people. They should be seen at all times getting involved in struggles and arguments that will improve the welfare of those they lead.
They should be pacesetters and must be persons of high moral rectitude whose actions and decisions fall in line with the dictates of the law. They should not be overbearing and high-handed in matters that demands courtesy and magisterial comportment.
A leader should be the sun that shines for all without any iota of prejudice or discrimination. Do we have such leaders in our time? Where are they, if at all they exist in this terrestrial path? Are they hiding away ostensibly afraid to 'show face' because of what could befall them? Have their minds been overwhelmed by the misconception that there's no room for a good politician in this clime? Even though they do not throw their hat in the ring, couldn't it be wise if they offer advice and ideas on how we can solve this conundrum? What really is the way out of these daunting challenges?
Crisis is brewing everywhere like a torrential downpour. The hapless citizens are wearing long faces – they are distraught and defeated. Some have callously resorted to committing suicide in order to free themselves from the clutches of stinking poverty and squalor.
Others have left the shores of the country in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece. Many others have turned to prayer warriors hoping that Heaven hears their lamentations and bring succour to them. Fear of the unknown is walking on all fours in this part of the globe.
Brothers no longer feel at ease in the presence of one another. There's palpable tension in our land that calls for alertness and sustained prayers irrespective of the faith you profess.
Folding our arms as if all is well is counter-productive. We can't deny the truism that insecurity anywhere is a threat to peace and harmony everywhere.
The northern part of the country may have been one cauldron of blood and tears, but if we must tell ourselves the truth, we are not better off or totally safe! Before I am branded a purveyor of evil or disaster, have we forgotten in a hurry the fear that gripped us when reports made the rounds that some persons suspected to be members of the notorious Boko Haram sect were apprehended en route Akpanandem market with explosives stuffed in-between tubers of yam? How about the over 486 persons rounded up by the military recently who claimed they were on their way to Port Harcourt in search of a job they never applied for on a convoy? What of the twin bomb that was quelled by our security agents at Winners' Chapel in Owerri, Imo State recently? We live in desperate times that make it absolutely necessary to be vigilant and conscious of the company we keep while keeping tabs on those who live in our neighbourhood.
In a bid to preach peace, equality and fair play for all and sundry, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, a socio-cultural organization in the state organized a one-day Solemn Assembly to pray for peace and unity among the ethnic blocs in the state. It was a gathering that attracted high net worth individuals both from the political firmament and social milieu and, like-minded persons who came in unison to condemn in no uncertain terms the blood-letting mayhem and hostility that engulfed the state during the 2011 General Elections. While some interest may read ulterior meanings to that prayer summit, yours truly is of the view that the idea of coming together to pray for peace is apt especially considering the uncertain times we have found ourselves.
It is on that premise that I commend the organizers of that Solemn Assembly, especially the cerebral Ntisong Ibibio III Obong (Dr. Essien U. Ekidem who contributed in no small measure to that high-octane gathering. Rather than cast hateful eyes over that auspicious gathering, it's pertinent for us, as a matter of necessity to join hands to fight terror and politically-motivated killings in our dear state with the next round of elections looming very large. The time has come for us to sheathe our sword and embrace peace so that our state can reach the heights it deserves in the scheme of things.
Those whose stock in trade is to maim and crush anything in sight must desist forthwith or risk the wrath of God. Of what use will it be for you to fill your camp with assassins, blood sucking brutes and demented outcast and yet lose the race for which you employed them? We have too many pressing issues to contend with than get ourselves embroiled in needless exchange of fisticuffs and brains.
Those who want to circumvent the system to navigate their way must begin to have a rethink for the proverbial rainy day. We may be at the helm of affairs today, but let's not forget that no one holds the wheels of power ad-infinitum. Power is transient just as every other thing in life except the word of God which will not be blown away with the passage of time.
Hence, let no one think that he/she is a god that should be worshipped. All manner of hatred, diabolism, prejudice and ethnic sentiments must be done away with for us to enjoy a prosperous future. Let's not forget that the evil we sow today will in the long run affect our children and generations to come. Let's not capitalize on the fact that we are in power to plunder the public till. It is not a cow that should be milked dry. Justice and fair play should form the bases of our existence day in, day out. Anything short of this is highly reprehensible.
All well meaning Akwa Ibomites must rise against barbarism, imposition and suppression of any form if our match to the promise land must not be halted. No single individual can decide the destiny or fate of over 3.9million people. The time has come for us to tell those who are adept at fanning the embers of disunity and war that there's no room in Akwa Ibom State for such insanity.
This time calls for patriots and citizens with egalitarian hearts to lend their voice and contribute their quota to salvage our state from those who are bent on stifling progress and planting seeds of discord and disaffection.
Our lawmakers may have goofed on the highly rumbustious pension law; they still have time to redeem whatever is left of their image. They should make laws and legislate on people-oriented policies that will change the face of our state and add value to the lives of the citizens who voted them in. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. Will they listen?
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