One cardinal principle among courtiers in the power game and other very serious businesses is that “there is no second opportunity to create a first impression.” And some people just know how to bring this on in trail blazing effects as witnessed on Thursday 16th October 2014 when it was announced that Barr Effiong Abia among others was one of the few aspirants to have purchased the governorship nomination form EO1. Soon calls started coming in from everywhere to confirm, some people even accused yours sincerely of not telling them that “the man of the year.” By mid day Akwa Ibom Airport was an Olympic stadium. People from every corner of the state converged to welcome the man: Barr. Effiong Abia.
Of course, he did not demure to appreciate their solidarity gestures by thanking and felicitating with them and confirming to the concourse the success of his visit to Wadata Plaza, Abuja. What followed next was a triumphal procession to the state secretariat of the PDP at four lane, Uyo where the party structure was consulted. The party house turned out a very electrifying atmosphere as the mammoth crowd rose to an elating spiritual tune of “covenant keeping God” even the PDP Chairman and his executive members rose in awe compliance. Both the PDP Chairman and the man seemed to be of kindred spirits in their address, each stating clearly his position. According to Obong Paul Ekpo. the party state chairman, as far as the party at the state level was concerned it was barely rumors that other aspirants had purchased their forms because Effiong Abia was the first to make it official by his well planned consultation and visit to the state party secretariat to for due presentation of his intent form. To him the governorship nomination form was not a household ware to be acquired and kept at home. He congratulated the gentleman for his aptness and encouraged him to proceed in his consultations.
Barr. Abia on his part acknowledged “The Transformation Agenda” of Obong Victor Attah during his tenure as governor of the state from 1999-2007. He also appreciated “The Uncommon Transformation Agenda” of Obong Godswil Obot Akpabio so far and stated that his was a covenant to serve the people of Akwa Ibom State which he intend in his characteristic rectitude to fulfill with humble consolidation of the extant streaks. Thus, “a covenant project for common transformation.”
Incidentally, one of the most inspiring moment at the secretariat was when the state party chairman acknowledged Barr. Effiong Abia as “the only candidate that has not hurt a fly since the buildup of his ambition and through out his service in the present administration!” While this may be received with great exultation like those present at the event did it would be recalled that even His Excellency. Obong Godswil Obot Akpabio had on different occasions publicly testified to Barr. Abia’s integrity and resource capacity one of which was at the swearing in of the distinguished aspirant as commissioner on the 18th April. 2012 as follows “Your appointment and swearing in as commissioners and special advisers today is a call to duty. You must abhor corruption. When I was commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, I spotted some of you – incorruptible, honest, loyal and intelligent persons. One of you is Effiong Abia, please stand up for recognition…”
Hence, it suffices to state that in view of the foregoing and with the present developments in the state Effiong Abia as a person amongst others has satisfactorily put to rest the propaganda by some elements that the Oro nation does not have any person qualified and/or able to assume the scepter of governing the state. This is nothing but pure lies and cheap blackmail bearing in mind that somebody like Effiong Abia is a qualified educationist, accomplished scholar, seasoned lawyer, public administrator per excellence, peerless politician and distinguished public servant of 21 years experience. His contributions to the unity and progress of the party is unequalled especially with the integration policy he practices. At least it is not too long ago that he pulled out the charismatic Chief John Esin a running mate of an ANPP Governorship candidate back to PDP to ensure the smooth re election of His Excellency in 2011. Though this is not a piece to externalize the many achievements and contributions of Barr. Effiong Abia (Authour of : “The Big Umbrella – Chronicle Of PDP’s Success Story In Akwa Ibom State.” A landmark publication on PDP nationwide.) it is imperative to note that while many people throw blanket promises of a better Akwa Ibom under their leadership, only Effiong Abia has been intelligent and intrepid enough to lay bare a detailed manifesto of his blue print themed the covenant project. This include if I may mention some in brevity :
· Develop the agriculture sector by investing and in commercial cultivation of sugar cane, palm oil, cassava, fisheries and others.
· Actualizing the industrialization need and dream of the state by creating cottage industries across the 31 local government areas of the state, establishing continental auto assembly units, development of state refinery, local manufacturers(e.g rubber) and modification of IT parks etc,
· Introduce the “employments solution” of eliminating contract staff syndrome by private companies in the state, introduce waste recycling industry, facilitate micro and small scale enterprises etc
· House the people of the state sufficiently by implementing realistic and affordable housing schemes, building cultures, bricks building, affordability and availability of building materials etc,
· Upgrade the infrastructure development of the state by constructiong new and commonly used roads, maintaining old roads, develop intergral mass transit scheme involving road, rail and water as well as state owned commercial airline and improve our drainage system.
· Upgrade the education policy of the state by reviewing the free and compulsory education policy as practiced to add more quality, extend it to tertiary institutions by paying tuition fees for the indigenes in lieu of bursary and harmonize curriculums, etc.
· On information he proposes to activate a vibrant and up to date data base system on the indigenes, citizens and properties in the state as well as a 24 hours free wireless internet access to mention a few.
· Add greater value to the health sector through exchange training programs for the indigenous medical professionals with world class bodies, facilities, drugs etc
· Make water available and affordable for home, industrial, commercial and agricultural consumption and/or utility as the case may be.
Details of the above proposed projects are contained in the learned aspirant’s manifesto brochure titled “inspired to serve” already in circulation in the state and available at the campaign office. Like a supporter claims “if you see any of these elsewhere, na copy right!”
Now, still on the event of consultation of the state party’s structure on 16th October 2014 the Abia train thereafter proceeded to the covenant project campaign office at Oron road where refreshment was given and the family dispersed without a single soul demanding for money as it is in the habit of hired crowds which they were not.
It is believed hereof that the people of Akwa Ibom State who en mass thronged out to identify with the Effiong Abia campaign train have more than ever before come to terms with the trite fact that since Oro in conjunction with its kindred minorities produce about 99% of the oil wealth of the state as number one in the country, corollary the largest oil producing community in Africa and considering her supportive and resourceful role in the emergence of leadership regimes in the state right from creation as well as the fact that the state has always rose on the tripod of Ibibio, Anang and Oro ethnic groups where of the first two have hitherto held reins of state power thus the people of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large will do the right thing, stand up for the truth that Oro have rightfully earned the opportunity to govern Akwa Ibom State and make the amiable representation of Barr. Effiong Abia the man for the much needed justice!
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