Good Leadership: Ibom Mandate Crusaders, Etinan in ‘Thank You’ Romance

Indeed the topnotch socio- political organization “Ibom Mandate Crusaders” (a.k.a Shoe- Size 15-23) has become a household name in Akwa Ibom State. This can be attributed to the fact that anything built on a good foundation, motives and beliefs surely stands the test of times.
 

However, the undaunted efforts and zeal by the members of Ibom Mandate Crusaders (IMC) in visiting all the 31 local government areas in the state to say ‘thank you’ to her teeming supporters has espoused the notion that no duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.
 

To Alfred Painter and yours sincerely,” saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality”. And Ibom Mandate Crusaders (IMC) which have imbibed these attributes have proven that they are crop of upright thinkers, thoughtful and committed citizens who are aware that gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but parent of all others. They have set a standard that other socio-political organizations in the state will find intimidating and uneasy to follow.

Consequently, just like it is said “when the head is correct, body functions well, IMC is spear-headed by the great son of Iman Ibom. An intelligent man with a committed heart. He is a jolly good fellow, Hon. Aniekan Morgan Ekwere a.k.a Million Dollar. His believe in good leadership and effective representation lead to his vision in creating IMC which became a great mobilization machinery for the emergence of Deacon Udom Emmanuel as the state governor in 2015.
 

However, the “thank you” train has finally completed its voyage. The grand finale took place last Tuesday, 20 September at Etinan state secretariat in Etinan local government area. The home town of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obong Paul Ekpo. They turn out was emphatic. It was a classical moment wired with lofty inspirations. It wore the resemblance of a mega rally. They Hall of the secretariat was filled to its brims. They epoch making event was creamily graced by political class including SA on Transport, Mr. Udo Ekwere; S.A on Project Supervision and the Media Publicity of the group, Pastor Mike Akpan; Mr Udeme D’Maestro Etukeyen, SA on Project Monitoring ; Mr Uko Umoh SA on Local Media, SA on Education Monitoring, Mr. Udeme Udofia, S.A on Legal Matters, Barr. Andem Andem and other political gladiators from Etina, also BOT of IMC, Mr. Udoh Ekwere, members of IMC, including its coordinators from all the six geo-political zones in the country, grand patron of IMC and Village Head of Ikot Nya, Eteidung E. S Akpan, Director of mobilization, poliical and legislative affairs, Dr. Oscar Joshua amongst others.
 

Speaking, the PDP Chapter Chairman in Etinan, Hon. Inemesit Itina said he was happy with the group as it is the first to come back and show gratitude. He urged the group to continue to give their support to the state governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel. He also used the opportunity to commend Deacon Udom Emmanuel for his performance in Akwa Ibom state, especially in Etinan from reactivation of Peacock Paints Limited, Uyo - Etinan Road construction and other live touching projects.
 

He applauded the wife of the state governor, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel for commissioning of a 2 bedroom flat for a widow in Ikot Abasi No1 in Etinan and other live touching programmes in the area. He stated that Etinan people will partner IMC and will continue to wax support for the state governor to realize his goals for the state.
 

Also speaking, the S.A on project supervision, Mr Udeme D’Maestro Etukeyen, said he admires IMC for their courage while noting that their gesture is synonymous to the biblical leper who came back fo thank Jesus. According to him IMC is biblical, supporting it with the book of Ecl. 23:4. He however prayed the group to increased in strength and unity.
 

Speaking, the International President, Hon. Aniekan Ekwere (a.k.a million dollar), who was visibly elated thanked God for the strength and financial muscle for him to lead the group round the 31local government areas in the state with Etinan as the last. According to him, the essence of the August visit is to thank the Etinan people for their continued support and show of love during and after the last conducted gubernatorial election, and particularly for remaining on course during the hitherto judicial trying times.
 

Hon. Ekwere who is currently the Special Assistant to the state governor on Project Supervision maintained that the organization, having recalled how its members stood by the governor during and after his victory at the polls and in the appellate court decided to go back to tell them thank you. According to him, this is to show, when things will get better as it will, he will never leave any of his members behind. Reeling out benefits to his members, he said that members of the group stand a chance of benefiting from the zero interest and non collateral loans which will be given to them by the government through the group’s cooperative society “Shoe Size Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society’, as well as regular visit, mobilization from the group amongst others.
 

Speaking briefly on the history of the group, he said: “Ibom Mandate Crusaders (A.K.A Shoe Size 15-23) was duly registered in July, 2014 with the state’s Bureau of Political Affairs with membership strength cutting across the six geo-political regions/zones of Nigeria and it’s breaking frontiers into overseas like South Africa amongst others. He reiterated that the group shall continue to support to the state governor even beyond 2019 while noting that the August visit shall extend to the other geo-political zones in the country.
 

Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Etinan local government area, HM Edidem Ime Dickson Umoette, JP, who had received the International President, Hon. Aniekan Ekwere and his exco members earlier in his palace, commended the group for the respect accorded him. He applauded the unity content of the group and urged members to always stay united and hold fast to their goals, noting that a house that divides against itself cannot stand. While giving out his blessings, he equally charged the group not to be deterred.
The event also featured the donation of cash to Etinan chapter by the International President, Hon. Ekwere a.k.a million dollar.
 

Indeed, without mincing words, Ibom Mandate Crusaders have set the pace. It is left for others to follow. Like Daila Lama said “the roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness”.