OBA'S DEFECTION AND MATTERS ARISING

By Kenneth Jude

First, one can't understand the fuss neither the hoopla. He stays with you, you see no good in him. He is demonised with every oomph of energy you can muster. But he was squeaky clean in your eyes when the platform made him Finance chief, then senator. 

You can't do it alone, so you recruit hallelujah mob with lucre. They can't say no because of the scorchness of pocket, belly and all. So, anon, they suspend their senses for ephemeral freebies. This has become a potent tool to command unmerited loyalty.  

In life, we are told to be ambitious. But the ambition shouldn't make one bay for blood. Ambition is in order when done within the precincts of decency and recourse to humanity. 

But it baffles the mind when someone elects to be ambitious and he becomes, suddenly but unwarranted though, a target of dirty darts from every Tom, Dick and Harry. This however shouldn't be so in a clime where civility and respect are held high. But here, nothing, nobody is sacred so long as the palm is greezed. The Rev. Patrick Edet is one example this year. 

I refer to Obong Bassey Albert (OBA for short), a member of the Red Chamber representing Uyo Senatorial District, who has exercised his fundamental human right of freedom of association. He seeks the governorship chair of Akwa Ibom State after Mr. Udom Emmanuel next year. He aspired for it on the PDP platform; the field wasn't leveled for him and others to test their might. Now, to keep faith with that quest, he has elected to leave the platform for another in order to keep his aspiration alive. But this hasn't gone down well with those who have always wanted his neck. 

Of all those seeking the landlordship of Hilltop Mansion post 2022, the senator has faced the most sustained yet largely uncoordinated and clumsy vitriol from a camp that isn't at ease with his aspiration. They are unsettled by his ambition because they fear his weight and capacity. If the man was a lightweight, he won't be given any iota of attention. But when every other day, he is in the eye of a bitter storm orchestrated by people who can't imagine a serious contest that may put their days in government in jeopardy, you know he's a man to watch. Messi and Ronaldo get rough attention from opponents more than others. The reason is known.  

So, they have gone bananas. Not alone, but have clamped unsuspecting youths into a forum where the bad, the very bad and insipid meals as pieces as cooked for onward distribution and wide circulation, no matter how unsavoury it taste. This is not right, but yet again, for the sake of currency, these lads have little choice. Bills are mounting. There's a hair to cut, fix. A house rent to pay. A footwear to buy. For some, up-to-the-minute fashion fad to embrace. The things to cater for are elephantine, the legal tender for execution is dwarfish. 

Maybe the thinking, or shall I say belief is that one must not leave PDP whether mud is splashed on one’s face or not. In the Nigerian political firmament, political parties suffer from poverty of ideology. So, we say they are mere platforms to achieve goals. Why then should one think that to win a contest, only one party can afford one an opportunity? To think this way is wrong. Perhaps, we could have pardoned such thinking in the recent past. But the reality of today has rendered that thinking shallow, myopic. 

Some say a party represents a religion. This is wishful thinking, I must hasten to add. No party is a religion, anywhere. You can say a state is known to have always had a particular party in power, but never say it's a canon. No, it's not. It's the people that make up a party. It's the people that line up to exercise their franchise, not an inanimate thing called party. If a people, transformed of mind, unanimously decide to vote for another party other than the one they've always voted for, the party will make a bold statement. So, to link a party to religion is nothing but sheer fallacy. 

What a lot of dyed-in-the-wool party people have yet to come to terms with is that, Nigerians are no longer beholden to political parties. Their choices are now determined by the quality of individuals political parties put forward. What this means is that political parties who think they can present just anybody as option for the people to vote for, because of the seeming popularity of the party and not the quality of the candidate, are cocooned in fool's paradise. 

Things have changed. People have grown in reasoning. The herd mentality of yore is gradually giving way to a new paradigm. People are hungrier for good governance. They now know that getting this done is not about party but individuals. When people say they'll vote for individuals, they are not ignorant of the fact that the constitution today does not provide for an independent candidate. But what they mean is that where they spot someone that they trust can lift the burden of starvation and penury off their shoulders irrespective of the political party such a person decides to push his aspiration, they'll vote for the person in massive number. This is the new normal!

It is normal that the PDP in Akwa Ibom is startled by OBA's decision to leave the party. They'll claim they knew long ago he'll toe this line, but the truth is that, they know a key member of the party has moved on. In public, they won't admit,  but in their closets, they grieve. 

Senator Bassey Albert is a nightmare to the PDP family and ruling government. This was clear from day one. It was his impressively massive Thanksgiving Service that led to the official anointment of Mr Umo Eno the next day. One would have thought now that OBA has left PDP for people who labelled him an integrate, for aspiring against the governor's preferred choice to pursue his aspiration, he'll be out of the misfiring line of people wielding hammer, cudgels, slings and all. But no. They have intensified effort that'll ultimately terminate in futility. 

I say so because I have not seen the fan base of OBA deplete despite the arrows that have been directed his way. The vain attempts to tar him with bad brush have all fallen flat. The man has kept his eyes on the ball. Taking strategic and well calculated steps toward actualising his ambition of becoming governor. He hasn't said it's a do-or-die or that he must be governor. No. But like every other eminently qualified citizen of the state, he has a right to go ahead with his aspiration without resorting to the antiquated thinking that if it's not PDP, you cannot breathe in the state. 

By next year, there'll be many options to choose from. Senator John James Akpanudoedehe is now of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP). We have Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok in African Democratic Congress (ADC), and others. The renewed optimism that a candidate who receives the highest number of votes and meets the constitutionally required spread, will emerge winner is driven by the reforms in our electoral system. So, what it means is that your vote will count. And the person the people massively vote for will win. No more allocation of phantom votes to undeserving people who, after enjoying such criminal benevolence, turn around to visit torture on the people. 

But you can't blame them when they misfire, because their rogue mandate didn't come from the people but a greedy cabal. That is the more reason candidates who emerge from the whims and caprices of a select few, whether elderstatesmen or false claim of  celestial seal must be rejected. Let leaders emerge from the choice of the people so that such a leader can be held accountable when he strays. 

For OBA, this writer is of the view that he has taken a bold step, a leap of faith that many won't. There are those not happy with goings-on in the PDP today, but can't leave for fear of the unknown. But we can't be doing the same thing always yet expect different results. Until you're ready to do what is uncommon, history can't be created. A place of comfort is no place to excel. Jesus left the comfort of His Father's abode to earth to fulfil a divine mission. It's still talked about to date. You can't make omelettes without breaking eggs.

The senator has left a party some think has the clout to dwarf any other party in the state. No problem with that. It was like this before the PDP crumbled in Abuja in 2015. There's a first time to everything in life. To think he'll lose is  free. But while at that, don't be deceived by making unhelpful comparisons on defections in the past. In defecting, he has not said his former party was evil or can't provide good governance with the right people, he is leaving because the party didn't provide a level playing field for him and others to push their aspiration. 

Whichever party he decides to pitch his tent with, one sure thing is that his support base will remain intact. Even those flaunting the umbrella will ditch it on ballot day and vote for a man they believe will meet their needs and aspirations no matter the party. In Osun, we saw a sitting governor unseated. So, let no one talk about empty structure. The people are the structure. And on election day, the people will decide their destiny beyond blind affiliation to party. 

The earlier one wakes to the emerging reality, the better. But you're also free to drive in the motorcade of delusion. 

A'IBOM NMA ELECTS FIRST FEMALE CHAIRMAN, VOWS TO TACKLE MEDICAL QUACKERY

A consultant opthalmologist, Dr. Emem Abraham has been elected the 18th Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Branch, with a promise to tackle the issue of medical quackery even as she assured citizens of quality healthcare delivery, both in the private and public health facilities.

The election of a new executive to pilot the affairs of the association was part of activities marking the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference (SC) of the association.

Others also elected as members of the state officers committee (SOC) from 2022-2024 include: Dr. Aniekan Utuk, Vice Chairman; Dr. Usenobong Morgan, Secretary and

Dr. Hope Ibanga, Assistant Secretary.

Dr. Ndifreke Ataide emerged the new Treasurer while Dr. Iniabasi Asuquo was elected Financial Secretary and Unyime Ndoh, the Public Relations Officer.

Earlier in the week, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi who chaired the opening ceremony of the AGM, commended Doctors in Akwa Ibom State for their selflessness even to the point of paying the ultimate price as it was during the Covid 19 rampage. She noted that Government at all levels will continue to make health care delivery a top priority and urged doctors not to relent in their efforts as the society is totally dependent on their professional expertise.

In a chat with newsmen in Uyo, shortly after her swearing-in, the new Chairman of the NMA, Akwa Ibom State branch, Dr. Abraham, said her leadership would strive hard to address issues affecting Doctors at all levels.

“The welfare of Doctors will be paramount and by God’s grace, my administration will pursue to a logical conclusion different needs of our doctors.

“We will work to broaden the financial base of the association by repositioning the present doctors mess to make it more public yielding,” she stated.

Continuing, Dr. Emem Abraham hinted that the issue of NMA Hospital will be pursued vigorously during her tenure, promising to revive the Cooperative of the body.

“I will pursue the unity of all doctors and will run an all inclusive government so that every Doctor would have a room to thrive,” she vowed.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the AGM of the association were a novelty football match with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Outreaches in schools.

The NMA 2022 AGM themed ” Improving Healthcare Delivery In Akwa Ibom State” began with a road walk on July 11 , 2022 and ended on July 17, 2022 with a Thanksgiving Service at Faith and Power Chuch, Ring Road 3, Uyo and a luncheon at the Akwa Ibom State NMA Secretariat.

Government Suspense Illegal Metal In Akwa Ibom state Company

The Joint team of the Ministry of Environment and Solid Mineral; and Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has ordered Golden Tripod International Limited Oz Production and Shoe Brake Manufacturing Industry Project, Uyo-AKS to cease operation with immediate effect pending when due documents authorising their operations are provided to guide further action. 

The order was handed down earlier today as the team paid an oversight visit to the company located at Ikot Ebido Oku along Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo.

On behalf of the visiting team, the Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Rt. Hon Mark Esset announced that the Company should be shut down immediately pending when they can provide necessary documents permitting their operations. 

The team also comprising the Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon Asuquo Archibong and the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Mineral, Mr. Charles Udoh, frowned at the action of the workers who attacked the visiting team and their vehicles. 

In a brief interface at the Ministry of Environment and Solid Mineral with the Managing Staff of Tripod International Limited, the team resolved as follows;

"For obstructing the official oversight duties of the Government by hoodlums and destroying our vehicles; For operating without official permit from the Akwa Ibom State Government; and posing serious health/environmental hazard to the workers and residents through your operations against all environmental standards, your operations should be stood down with immediate effect till further  notice pending when official documents permitting your operations will be provided for further action."

In his reaction, the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Mineral, Mr. Charles Udo said the company has not only violated the environmental standards which is in the concurrent list of the State Government but endangers the lives of residents around the area. 

The Commissioner said since the company started operation in 2018, they have never reached out to the Ministry about their operations as contained in the unauthorized Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the company.

Collaborating the claims of environmental hazards posed by the operation of the company, residents lament of dark coloured  rain water with black soot emission.

Further interrogations of the Managing staff who took over operations of the company after the death of the former MD, who was also a Chinese man, revealed that they have been evading invitations from the State Ministry of Environment; House Committee on Environment; and Environmental Health Workers who sealed the place at a time and sued them. These invitations were not respected by the Company with the excuse that the current MD, addressed as Mr. LTN 2Z was not around on medical grounds. 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Nsudoh Nsudoh said that by right the Company before operation should have provided Operational Permit, Health Safety Permit and approved EIA via the designated organ of Government.

The Ministry warned other Companies operating in the State without recourse to the existing environmental standards to retrace their steps and allow this to serve as a deterrent. 

Meanwhile, the MD, Mr LTN 2Z and his Marketing Manager, Mr. Peter Yuan are currently in detention by security officers pending proper investigation on the matter by the government team. 

OBA CAMP SWELL AS GROUP VISIT JANET AMBA, PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT

The residence of the former president general  of Oron Union Mrs Janet Amba was a beehive of activities today as groups thronged her home to declare support for Senator Bassey Albert

One of the groups Patriotic organisation led by Mr. Benjamin Umoh took through the memory lane to eulogise the immediate past Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Akwa Ibom State on Small and medium scale enterprises over her performance both in and outside the government.

Also speaking the secretary of the group Engr Uduak Edet said they were with the former President of police officers wives association (Bayelsa State) to show unalloyed solidarity with Senator Bassey Albert, promising to stand firm.

In her response Mrs Janet Amba thanks the group for their solidarity and resolve for National building. She urges the group to go all out for voters registration, so as to solidify their support for Senator Bassey Albert. She assured the group that Bassey Albert will be the best Governor in the history of Akwa Ibom State.

2023: OBA SOARS LIKE AN EAGLE

By Richmond Benjamin

Despite the lies and blackmail, a dubious strategy recently employed by the opposition against Senator Albert Bassey (OBA), his reputation, popularity and rating soar everyday like an eagle. Clearly, the enemies are failing, because that can’t demonise the people’s preferred!

Blackmail and propaganda are crooked schemes usually deployed as weapons of political warfare by threatened oppressors mostly in the ruling leadership class. During elections, dubious politicians use them to skew opinions and suppress the acceptability rating of aspirants popularly embraced by the masses. 

In recent times, there have been unjustified attempts to dissuade the people from appreciating OBA’s  positive and remarkable achievements, as well as his sterling leadership qualities.

The negative minds are obviously afraid that with OBA’s overwhelming qualities and outstanding achievements, experience and competence, they stand no chance in the run up to the 2023 election. Sadly, rather than deal with issues, points and facts, they rather adopt a debased tactics of trying to discredit OBA’s  personality. But as usual, as God lives, they continue to fail!

Yes, as much as they try, they have not not and cannot erase OBA’s worthy footprints already imprinted in the sands of history. Except a few unsuspecting and vulnerable ones, informed electorate rather look at the records of his tangible achievements and keep shunning some “least qualified” aspirants  with obviously lesser value. 

OBA is the best aspirant across all the political parties, as far as the forthcoming governorship election is concerned. He has solid practical experience in both private and public sectors. His has unparalleled pedigree in public funds management, as the longest serving one-time commissioner of Finance. Here’s a man who left a remarkable banking career as a top level manager, specifically vice president of FCMB. So handling budgetary appropriation and federal allocations as well as how to excellently implement programmes to stimulate economic growth, physical development and citizens’ welfare should be considered a done deal under his supervisor as the state governor.

So you are right to believe that the economy would be robust, welfaristic and OBA’s political leadership people-centric,  thereby bringing massive dividends of good governance to citizens.

He won't be like some boastful supposed Harvard ex-students and suspected owners of banks, who  sadly mismanaged the people’s commonwealth, spreading  hunger and poverty to  bite the  citizens with impunity. 

As of today,  Akwa Ibom state needs help. Indeed,  the desire for redemption and restoration to the lost glory has been on the increase. Already, there is a gradual collapse of infrastructure, making nonsense of the positive global attention attracted to the state by the previous administration of Godswill Akpabio, through uncommon transformation.

Today, pretentious attempts at roads construction end in substandard or abandoned death traps. The state of infrastructural decay is critical and demoralizing, very shameful for the state that receives the highest federal allocation. Yet, while the state keeps burning, the government plays games with the people’s resources, betting in one national political game after another. 

Yet, there is hope in the offing,  as OBA has vowed to turn the situation around for good, when he assumes office as governor, next year. OBA will complete abandoned projects and upgrade the bad ones,  as well as maintain the good ones done by his predecessor.  OBA bases his commitment to completing unfinished works on the grounds that they were initiated with the people’s money and must be completed for the benefit of all.

Senator Akpan also sees government as a revolving wheel,  turning  round to give the deserved benefits to the people. 

As a politician,  he is very understanding, accommodating, forgiving and tolerant. Therefore, those who for whatever reasons or purposes think he would be vindictive to those who hurt him should nurse no such fear of payback. As a devout Christian, not a "political one", there is no room in the lawmaker's heart for such mischief. For,  a truly progressive leader bears no burden of  hate and vindictiveness.

For instance, even now, OBA still pays school fees for the children of some who betrayed him.  Some  of the wet blankets have remorsefully returned to OBA fold, admitting that with the senator,  they fare better than with those who only use them to attack OBA, then dump them afterwards. 

Ahead of 2023 elections, therefore, the masses must be careful not to miss the opportunity of boarding a dependable vehicle that is on course to rescue Akwa Ibom people. A new movement is coming, a positive revolution that will change the lives of the people for good. Soon, the train will leave the station on its journey to the land of fulfilment. OBA will be hour new dependable driver. Ignore the blackmailers and purveyors of lies;  jump into the people-centric train on a journey to a sure destination in 2023.