Onofiok Luke; be careful of ‘accident!’

BY GIDEON EKERE

I’m greatly worried. Be cause our society seems  hazardous for commoners. But I’m not in terms with our dubious leaders. They play politics of revulsion, but carry a decent face. We know them by their names; ability and capability. They’re the reason why Akwa Ibom is the consistent land of promise; but none has been fulfilled.  I’ve been forced to cast a stone; whoever becomes the victim may be liable for treatise. But we must know that whatever happens this day will surely replicate itself next day.  

Last Monday was a very unserious day. I mean for our leaders and dreamers alike. From the party primaries, we knew the kind of leaders we would have. Their garments have suddenly torn, even before assuming office. The controllers and mixers are all waiting to get their reward, but for how long? 

Hon. Onofiok Luke; the skinny but tidy politician have gotten and contributed enough in politics. Formerly, a loyal Personal Assistant to a Local & Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner and replicated same to the same man who later became a governor. He plays politics of soldier ants, but very skilful. But his loyalty was no more needed for reasons yet to be known. In the fifth assembly, he was the breast of legislative business; the air of sensitivity. He knew nothing about the minds of those insensitive politicians, even though they manipulated the electoral method in his favour. He has a relaxed relationship with people. 

I purposely refused to witness the inauguration. The sixth assembly in Akwa Ibom I mean. It was a show of sham from a popular stand. A disgraceful drama in acting and distasteful in reality. I wouldn’t concur to the idea of a governor choosing a speaker for legislators, but here it has become a tradition.  

Sometimes the most obvious thing is the most unnoticed. I find myself thinking this week about the destructive force of selfishness in our political life. This common failing is the source of such woe! Politicians call themselves public servants, so they should be expected to be less selfish than the average Joe; their views and actions should be assumed to be more keenly directed toward the broad public good. But no one expects that of politicians anymore, and they know it and use the knowledge to justify being even worse than they’d normally be. “If I have the name, I might as well have the game.”

Onofiok Luke was the matter to be considered. Though elegantly sidelined, but he chose the better way of managing his strategies. He attracted eighteen lawmakers to his side, while the remaining seven formed a ratio of opposition. That’s the reason the inauguration was delayed. Jubilant youths had taken over the assembly complex because they expected Luke as the next speaker. Their expectations tarried. 

I’m told why Onofiok was dropped is because the last two Speakers came from his Federal Constituency. Inconspicuously arranged! In that case, I will launch few questions: Where did Obong Attah’s deputy come from? Where did the last governor come from? Where did the current deputy governor come from? Where did the current SSG come from? Aren’t our leaders selfish? They are the locus of selfishness in the modern world. Choosing who becomes the speaker is a blatant immoral assault against every citizen of this state. I am so sick and tired of blood sucking, looting politicians who espouse taxing the rich in order to get them to pay their “fair share.

We’re in a season where gun and bullet no longer in use by miscreant politicians. You dare try them and you’re pushed to the world beyond through mysterious road accident. Your car may not need to be damaged when you will definitely cease to breath. Even if million of people had travelled with you, none will be affected. Only the targeted makes the deal. That’s how it goes. I wouldn’t try go deep into the story. So now the Left has a new line of attack. Let’s tell the public that our few leaders are intrinsically flawed. After all, that will justify killing from them. The way you prove this is to accuse them of being “deadly.” because everyone agrees that killing is bad. 

Onofiok Luke, listen to my advice. Forbid me not that I may see you again in the nearest future. Though we’re friends from a distance, but seeing you healthy and hearty gives me joy and happiness. I’m not interested in case you fail to acknowledge my receipt. You’re a great talent, a political figure of real and natural gifts every aspiring young person would loved to associate with. Don’t feel flattered because mine is a true sense of it. 

Don’t just be weary of these selfish politicians. Whether as a speaker or not; you could as well make a great speech about yourself. Forget about what they did, they played it like a vanity production and made a speech about their selfish selves. That wasn’t a major sin; it’s only politics, not policy. But it fit in with their effusive embrace of their godfathers. Try to avoid unnecessary relationship and loyalty. You need commoners and not mightier anymore. Remember, the closer you become, the more chances of grabbing you into their web.  Avoid the avoidable and desert the desertable. 

We had experienced mysterious road accidents in recent past. Those fellows were the engine room why most of our leaders came into power. They tried to make their voice heard in the wilderness, only to be grabbed in such a mystifying manner.  They tried, just as you did. Fought the same battle you’re fighting. Used their energies, just as you’re doing, but ended up being a prey. The axiom of the whole show is that you’ve been with them and had agreed to their terms and conditions, but would intervene that you deliver yourself from their dungeon.