AKWA IBOM 2015 GOVERNORSHIP: NOW THAT THE ORACLES HAVE SPOKEN by Joseph Okon

Akwa Ibom State is among the states in the Federation that is currently in search for a new leadership that will occupied the state seat of power as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will soon render the position of number one citizen of the state vacant following the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Governor Godswill Akpabio come May 29, 2015.

In order to get it right, there must be a direction to be shown by someone who is competent and in authority to give such direction that can lead to a better and prosperous future for the state.

Even in the olden times, certain oracles were consulted which acted as seers who give directions on who should be chosen to lead the people because they see the future and can authoritatively predict what will happen since they have proved to be the conscience of the almighty.

It was the tradition of the children of Israel to consistently consult the oracle of God in making any important decisions, they enquire first into the future and know the mind of the almighty God concerning a particular circumstance, most especially in going to war and selecting a leader that should lead them.

The biblical ark of covenant that was prepared by Moses on the instruction of God served as the oracle for the children of Israel which they make enquiries about all the things they intended to do. They had to inquire from the ark which was the oracle to know if God will be with them at the battle field, and in those days, God spoke through his oracle which was the ark of covenant and gives them directions concerning what they should do to win any battle.

An oracle can be a person considered being a source of wisdom and direction, who can speak authoritatively about the future. A typical example of an oracle speaking concerning the 2015 Governorship election in Akwa Ibom State was the remarks of the National Chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu who was in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital recently to perform the ground breaking of the secretariat of the party.

His remarks and comments were very important and have gone a long way in giving directions to the people of Akwa Ibom state who can now see clearly the direction of the party and follow same. In recognition of his sterling leadership qualities as a competent and excellence administrator, the National Chairman could not just ignore, but acknowledged the Secretary to State Government, Mr Udom Emmanuel which he described as a younger brother and friend, and a fine gentle man that is committed to sustain the uncommon transformation of the PDP government in Akwa Ibom state.

He said, “SSG, gently gently we are going, we will soon get there”. The PDP boss message was very clear and direct to all the participants at the event who were full of hope that at last a better future is beckoning on Akwa Ibom people. As he was invited by the Governor to speak, the National Chairman politely said with humour,” the Godswill Akpabio did not speak for himself but has spoken my mind. Godswill Akpabio is a very hard working person which we in the PDP are very proud of, and he will continue to work for the party. All you need to do is to support him to work, if you do not know what good things are; please don’t try what is bad. If you do not appreciate what you have, don’t pray to have a substitution to what you have already. You need to appreciate and support the Governor to give you a successor that you will be proud of”.

Believe it or not, as far as 2015 is concerned, Mu’azu is an oracle that must be consulted, and his directions must be strictly followed since Akwa Ibom state is a PDP dominant state. Since he has spoken and called on all Akwa Ibomits to support Godswill Akpabio who he said is ready to produce a credible successor for the party, then all well-meaning Akwa Ibom persons have to support this noble course. 

Before the visit of the National Chairman of the PDP, an oracle have spoken which Mu’azu came to confirm that he was truly the conscience of the party, and is very competent to give directions to the people of this state having seen what the future holds for the people as they will adhered strictly and follow his directions.

Like Jesus Christ said that he did not come to condemned or destroy the law but that the law might be fulfil in him, the visit of the National Chairman was not to counter what the first oracle have said but to confirm and put a seal on it that truly Udom Emmanuel is the way, the truth and life, and that there cannot be any sustainable uncommon transformation, real economic growth through industrialization, educational transformation, youth empowerment and manpower development, and excellent healthcare delivery in the state without him.

When the oracle speaks, nobody go against it because is always the mind of the almighty God. Any attempt to go against the oracle always resulted in mass destructions.

As a crown Prince, Obong Uwem Ita Etuk stands today as an oracle that sees through the future and can speak authoritatively on what will happen, and also gives direction for people to follow. Back in his days as the state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, one thing stood him out among other politicians which were his integrity and the courage to stand by his convictions even though he had to stand alone for the truth.

He was always known for his uprightness, equity and fair play he initiated. Little wonder he was always revered to as the conscience of the party, his ability to see and do what is right made him a seasoned politician in this state. In the midst of all the political controversies that arose after his emergence as the state chairman of PDP in Akwa Ibom state by Obong Attah’s faction, he remained strong and committed to the party and do right to all manner of persons, and that made Akwa Ibom people love and respect him till today because of what he stands for, not speaking from both sides of his mouth. It could be recalled that Uwem Ita Etuk started the agitations that the governorship seat of Akwa Ibom state should move from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to Eket Senatorial District in 2015 with strong emphases on Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as the next governor of Akwa Ibom state.

He has made himself abundantly clear that there is no zoning without a candidate; as such people should not rush to contest any position simply because it has been zoned to their area since it is always zoned to somebody, which in the case of Eket Senatorial District 2015 is for Udom Emmanuel.

Today Akwa Ibom state is at the cross road, either to make or mar their collective future and destiny as a people which Udom Emmanuel stands at the very centre being the saviour and only option that will guarantee a brighter and prosperous future for Akwa Ibom people and generations yet unborn. It is true that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word and covenant be establish, we have had the first witness by Prince, Uwem Ita Etuk, Godswill Akpabio stands as the second witness while the National Chairman of PDP, Adamu Mu’azu is the third witness that Udom Emmanuel is the answer for good governance and sustainable uncommon transformation through industrialisation of Akwa Ibom come 2015.

The SSG’s manifesto for Akwa Ibom state is very simple and clear, his intention to create wealth for the people of the state through industrialization, this noble vision for Akwa Ibom can only be achieved by Udom Emmanuel who have been in the private sector for years, and has handled national and international business relations with mega investors around the world. He knows that government cannot build and maintained industries; hence his industrialization process is strictly private sector driven while government provides the enabling environment that will drive the industrialization such as infrastructural development and putting in place the enabling laws that will protect investors and their investments.

Talking of industrialization, it is a familiar terrain for Udom Emmanuel being the master. He has world class business connections with investors who have respect for him being an honest man, his integrity have come under test over the years which he proved himself.

I make bold to say very loud and clear that no investor will want to invest his or her money in a place he or she cannot trust. It is over two years now since Akwa Ibom state government came up with the idea of industrialization of the state, they made available loan facilities, but none of the investors have come to take advantage of this opportunity.

It takes integrity, trust, and confidence to bring investors to invest in a particular place. The long standing business relationship Udom Emmanuel have had with mega investors around the world will be the driving force that will metamorphous into industrial renaissance in Akwa Ibom. They are only waiting for him to take over as the governor of the state so that they can be assured that their investments are in a safe hand.

Udom Emmanuel’s government will guarantee all citizens the right to food, housing, healthcare, job creation, retirement benefits, and healthy working conditions; thereby reducing the upper or lower classes, and guarantee equality and economic justice for all.

The SSG is very convinced that the only way to eliminate poverty among Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians is industrialisation, and establishment of a social economy that will be people’s friendly, accompanied by an educational system which will be oriented towards social goals. He understands that in such an economy, the means of production are owned by the society itself and are utilized in a planned fashion. This will adjusts production to the local needs of the people, and the work to be done will be distributed among all those able to work in the industrial (manufacturing) factories that will soon flood the state, and that will guarantee livelihood to every man, woman, and child.

The education of the individuals in addition to promoting his own innate abilities, will develop in them a sense of responsibilities for their fellow-men in place of the glorification of power and succeed in turning this state into an industrial hub of Africa, and bring prosperity in quantum to it people. 

Akwa Ibom state has come of age to move away from petty politicking by politicians who have nothing to offer the state apart from embezzlement of funds meant for development so that they can bring it out in the next election and splash on the people, like what is happening today in Akwa Ibom where politicians divert monies meant for development of the state into their private use in preparations for next election. It is true that politicians think of the next election while a leader thinks on how best he can serve the people.

Governance is too serious a business to leave in the hands of petty politicians; it takes professionalism and world class experience to ensure good governance driven by industrialization.

It is important we join the global movement of bringing professionalism into governance so that Akwa Ibom will not be left behind to wallow in political Wilderness while the whole world has moved into Canaan. It is time to think and act right, and Udom Emmanuel is the answer. Choose the right, Udom is right.