Samuel Udokoh: A man beckoned by history

BY OFONIME UDOTU

Like Prophet Samuel in the Holy Book of books who had a message of liberation for Israel, Barr. Samuel Udokoh has a mission and vision for his people – a date with destiny. Indeed, Ukanafun is his cradle and humanity his constituency. He is inspired and directed to make a difference in the lives of Ukanafun people who have been incapacitated by some complicated political plagues and pangs of penury, to herald momentum of progress and development. Of course poverty is no disgrace, but it is a great inconvenience as the devil dances in an empty pocket.

Barr. Udokoh is deeply perturbed by the lot of his people that has done a collateral damage to their political psyche. At different fora, he has appealed to his people to close ranks and work together for a better Ukanafun. Under Udokoh, the waifs and strays, the vagabond and other idle minds have been gainfully engaged by the council as they work on breakneck speed to ensure projects-delivery on schedule.

As soon as he was sworn-in as the Transition Chairman of the agro-cum-oil rich local government area, Udokoh who is decked in the costume of humility and respect for people expressed his determination to invest his robust commitment and youthful energy to the service of his people. He hit the ground running by giving a fresh sense of decency to the council headquarters which hitherto was overgrown with weeds. Thus giving credence to the fact that cleanliness is next to Godliness. In the same spirit, he has completed the plastering of the perimeter fence of the council headquarters complete with protectors as painting is underway.

As if that was not enough, the Transition Chairman has assured the staff that the backlog of their entitlements which have not been paid for about three years will be paid soon. The casual workers have been audited to ensure that they smile home with their dues.

At the maiden meeting with the staff of the council, Udokoh had reiterated his resolve to work with them as partners in progress, to enhance harmonious working relationship which would engender dividends- delivery. Speaking on Monday, September 7, during solemn assembly, the Transition Chairman emphasized his administration’s commitment to make a difference – some development projects to be pointed at. He assured the staff that during the once-in-a-month event that the council headquarters and its environs would soon enjoy steady power supply. This is even more melodious as the council under him has acquired brand new transformers to bid farewell to era of “dark light.” He maintained that regular power supply would improve the economic fortunes of the people who are on transition to a period of Industrial Revolution, wealth creation and sustainable development championed by Governor Udom Emmanuel administration. It is hoped that the “Japanization” of Akwa Ibom State would replicate the wonders of the “Asian Tigers” in the state and “trafficate” the path to the prospect of prosperity as equitable solution to economic doldrums which has characterised the daily existence of the majority.

Besides, Udokoh has repeatedly pledged his unflinching loyalty and support to Emmanuel administration, just like the good people of Ukanafun, who have not diluted their commitment to the state chief executive.

As a man of purpose and goodwill, Udokoh who is fashioned on the fortress of forthrightness has synergized with well-meaning youths, women groups, elders and political stakeholders in his all-inclusive administration for auspicious manifestation of his epochal vision. He has advised his people to discard their differences, real or imagined, and turn over a new leaf so that the needed peace and unity can prevail; adding that to achieve this, the people have to pray more and generate peace within them even as he called for seismic spiritual surgery on satanic sierras. He assured them that the Triple Prayer Team of Udom Intercessors for Christ, Intercessors for Annang-land and NULGE Solemn Assembly would receive the council’s support as they continue to draw the government and the people to God. The clerics also prayed against pull-him-down syndrome and clannishness that have impeded the holistic emancipation of Ukanafun people from the bondage of pervasive parochialism. 

In an interaction with this reporter, the Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ukanafun Chapter, Comrade Monday Abaak described the Transition Chairman as a man of the people who is sensitive to their plight, explaining that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice and expressed the readiness of NULGE to maintain industrial harmony with the labour-friendly Chairman.

The Transition Chairman cut his political wisdom teeth in 2012 when he was appointed Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Natural Resources by Ukanafun Local Government Council. An administrative Officer with the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), Udokoh obtained a degree in Law from the University of Uyo, Uniuyo in 2010 and was called to the Bar at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. He had his early education at Bishop Clarks Central School and secondary school at the prestigious Holy Family College, all in Abak. Udokoh was born at Nkek, Southern Ukanafun Clan in Ukanafun Local Government Area; he was the National Secretary, Annang Law Students Association of Nigeria in 2008. In 2004/2005 academic year, he was the Assistant Secretary, Law Students association of Nigeria, Uniuyo and Director of Socials, Udo Udoma Chambers of the faculty of Law, Uniuyo. A member of the Nigerian Bar Association and Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators, Udokoh plays football as his hobby.

According to the Transition Chairman, his career objective is “to work assiduously towards the realization of the goals of the organization and thereby attaining professional excellence and personal development.” Udokoh emerges an unbeatable shining star in the political firmament of Ukanafun – a beacon of hope with giant leap to keep an appointment with history for more and more, meritorious service to the people.