By Nsibiet John
The news broke out
that the nation’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has jettisoned all pressures from
politicians and pressure groups from Akwa Ibom and then moved ahead to nominate
Senator Udoma Udo Udoma into his cabinet as a minister of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria in a manner that left many a Nigerian with great sighs of
excitement.
It is interesting and
commendable that Mr. President made this appointment. It is to a right thinking
person one appointment that has restored the deeply wounded confidence of the
people on the President. It was least expected that Udoma will return to the
service of the nation in the capacity he is being linked to as it is.
Given this nomination
of Udoma Udo Udoma by Buhari into the Federal Executive council, it appears
that the change the Presidency talked about will be a real change. It looks
like this era of change will bring positive changes.
Akwa Ibom people are
happy with the President owing to this appointment, the Niger Delta Region is
happy with Buhari and indeed the whole of south-South Nigeria views this
appointment as one nomination that will set the ship of governance into motion
and a motion that will accommodate all Nigerians from all walks of life.
So many people have
commented on the nomination of Udoma Udo Udoma by the presidency, while a vast
majority of the people has thumbed it up, people of very shallow minds, people
who have since perfected the art of lazy layers of reasoning are of the
negative opinions. They cite irrelevant reasons and excuses as to why Udoma Udo
Udoma should not have been considered into the FEC.
But then, President
Muhammadu Buhari, the nation’s leader at a time like this understands that
Nigeria needs to move forward irrespective of political colouration. The
President Understands that in as much as he belongs to a political Party, he
will not have to sacrifice merit on the altar of Politics and that defines his
choices of ministers.
A quick look at the
list as sent to the Senate and made to the knowledge of Nigerians show a mix of
politicians, professionals and technocrats. Senator Udoma Udo Udoma falls into
all of these classes. But the,n Udoma in this case should be seen as more
professional and technocratic than political. This does not mean that Udoma is
not a politician. He is. Otherwise how do you explain the fact that he served
Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District meritoriously as her distinguished Senator
for eight straight years?
The positives over
the appointment of Udoma by Buhari far outweigh the negatives. If one will have
to reason why the Ikot Abasi man was found fit to be so nominated by Buhari,
then the answer will be that Udoma’s choice is on merit. There is no right
thinking individual who can fault Buhari on this singular nomination.
The nominee is one
Nigerian whose honesty, dedication to service and commitment to duties are
legendary. This is a personality that has since carved an enviable niche for
himself; his tentacles are spread over everywhere and his footprints stands the
taste of time. To me his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari is divine.
This is because in this era of change where the President is shopping for a Pan
Nigerian person to help move Nigeria forward, Udoma because the answer. He has
been diligent in his work and faithful in his calling. He is never found
wanting. Not a new man to public service, set to demonstrate what he knows how
to do best.
Earlier, Udoma upon
the return of Democracy in 1999 had contested and won elections into the upper
hallowed chambers of the National Assembly where he represented Eket Senatorial
District for eight years. During his time, he fought whole heartedly and open-mindedly
for the resources of the people. He rallied and with the help of his
colleagues, he was able to attract Government attention to the predicaments and
the unfortunate situation of the people of the Niger Delta region. That was not
all. He aligned forces with former Governor of the State Obong Victor Attah and
Senator Ita Solomon Enang who was then in the House of Representatives,
together, the battle for resource control was won.
After this, Udoma did
not demonstrate greed and emptiness. He avoided carefully the temptation of
running for the Governorship of Akwa Ibom State after his eight years in the
Senate. He also avoided the temptation of returning to the Senate. He was
qualified to have contested the Governorship seat of the State but he
restricted himself. Some politicians would have, with the resource control
battle won ran speedily to contest so that he will be a major beneficiary of
the money that will accrue to the state. At least, he was going to be in
charge, the one to circulate and supervise, in fact superintend over the
allocation of the money.
But that is not the
style of Udoma Udoma. His style is quiet and compelling. His style is to stay
with the people, support the people, help the people, develop the people,
encourage the people and build bridges of unity across the divide. The allure
of capitalizing on his position to victimize innocent Nigerians is not related
to Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma.
These noble legacies of Udoma were quickly
identified by the Federal Government and other International agencies who
sought for the distinguished Senator’s services. We can recall he was invited
to head the United African Companies. He did excellently well. He delivered to
the impression of Nigerians and the whole of Africa.
Udoma Udoma have been and is and will continue to be
a detribalized Nigerian, a leader with the fear of God and a man who does not
rest until he gets something done. What Nigeria and especially Akwa Ibom needs
today is a leader that understands what leadership means. We need a man who can
stand in the gap for the people. For me, I see Udoma Udoma in this appointment
as a man on whose shoulders rests the aspirations of our people. I see him as a
model that should be studied. I am optimistic, I am certain the he will deliver
to the admiration of the people.
This is because the
Udoma’s appointment is one that has united the people of the state. This is an
appointment that has been largely celebrated by Akwa Ibom people of all walks
and life. We celebrate this nomination; Akwa Ibomites either in the PDP, APC,
Labour, Accord and other parties are standing up tall to celebrate this
appointment. Few ramblers notwithstanding, methinks it’s a Buhari’s first and
Akwa Ibom people are proud to be a part of his first.
We must be proud that
the President has identified the talent and sincerity in Udoma. We must be
proud that in this era where politics have since beclouded the sense of
reasoning of some of our supposed elites, someone in the mould of Senator Udoma
Udo Udoma has stood out as one of the many remnants that is now the Chief
corner stone for our state
We celebrate this
appointment and wish Udoma a sweet sail as he is expected to take a bow at the
senate during his screening. We are optimistic that Udoma Udo Udoma will as
usual make us proud. He needs to ignore detractors and his work should be of
the people, for the people and by the people. I am certain he will deliver.
CONGRATULATIONS SIR, AKWA IBOM AND NIGERIA ARE PROUD OF YOU
