UDOM EMMANUEL: BEYOND THE VEIL OF POLITICS By Aniekeme Finbarr

Every society has its peculiar political sensibilities and leadership requirements. That is why every political community takes responsilibily for any kind of leadership it throws up. A leader is a fair reflection of his community and the political community can only get what it deserves. Therefore, Akwa Ibom State, an emerging state on a fast lane spewing forth cutting-edge developmental projects with huge investment opportunities
abounding in aviation, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, sports and much more requires no less a cutting-edge mind that can discern and analyze trends, inculcate core values and flow on the brilliant crest of the people's enchanting waves to a berth that is unique and economical viable and which stirs both individual and state growth at the socio-economic spheres. That leader for the umpteenth time is Udom Emmanuel, a thorough home grown mind with a comprehensive world view, backed by hard boiled years of professional competence with strong bias for profit maximization.

Development is a non stop phenomenon and it flows in stages. In the past 15 years, the administrations of Arc Victor Attah and Barr Godswill Akpabio have laid a sustainable foundation for the development of Akwa Ibom State with the sole aim of creating an empowered populace-prosperous, highly educated, technologically driven, ethnically harmonious and a private sector-driven economy acting as a catalyst to Nigeria`s industrial revolution. Both administrations have carved out various blueprints and strived to build basic foundational structures. What should the next phase be?

We are in the 21 st century ; an era of breathtaking technology and revolutionary growth in some parts of the world. The age calls for well prepared leaders (like Udom Emmanuel) who will think outside the box to maximize scarce resources. Models of development abound that can guide us in mapping a formidable trajectory of development. Reformist leaders in China set -up the first special economic zone and industrial park in Shenzhen near Hong Kong in 1980 , the Shenzhen initiative has since then unleashed a developmental revolution which has made China the 2 nd largest economy in the world and reduced the number of people living in poverty by more than 500 million between 1981 and 2007 according to a World Bank report . What is more spectacular however is that China achieved this feat through industrialisation policies that saw to the setting up of cluster industrial parks with special incentives where goods such as shoes , handbags, furniture, plastics , toys , clothes and other low tech goods are produced. These are not ideas vain politics can throw up. Ideas like these can only stem from minds like Udom Emmanuel who has been actively involved in the Nigerian economy and beyond, a background in accounting with decades of experience in one of the nation's apex bank.

Akwa Ibom cannot afford to play politics with its future with this rain of oil money descending increasingly. Certain discussions concerning 2015 should be relegated for the real issues of development to be discussed. Many politicians are naturally uncomfortable when these hard core issues are advanced. They would rather hang around successive governments, gained fabulous contracts, build a few hotels and filling stations, run them down and snoop around for the next opening. These are the class of people who say Udom Emmanuel is not a politician. Must Udom know the over 5 million Akwa Ibom people by name before he can throw his hat into the ring? That is most unfair for a man who grew up here, had his basic education at home and is constantly in touch with the government and his people over the years. How many of the today politicians had a voice in politics ten years ago? What does it mean when it is said a politician is not generous? That he should line up citizens in a crude fashion and physically distribute money? Or make fantastic donations from the treasury indiscriminately? This is a phase we must out grow. The world outside is moving fast, we cannot be left behind.

The next Governor of Akwa Ibom should be a man prudent with resources and not afraid to engage the best hands across all fields. I see Udom Emmanuel as that kind of leader who can shoulder the responsibility of assembling the best brains, experts and ideas to lead and drive the industrialisation and modernisation initiative . In that regards, he will fancy an economic development council that will oversee economic planning with emphasis on job creation, continous infrastructure modernisation and the setting up of special economic zones / self serviced industrial parks . The special economic zones / self serviced industrial parks will, in the immediate short term, aim for the mass production of low tech or soft- goods such as footwear/ shoes, bags , toys , furniture, beddings ,cushions , mattresses , baby carriages , clothing/ textiles , garments ,undergarments / pants , socks , brassieres , plastics , toiletries, pharmaceuticals , agro- allied products/ food processing and others for local consumption and export.

Vigorous training programs would be undertaken for youths to acquire relevant skills for the mass production of goods . Its a step to create jobs. In the long term, high tech goods such as machineries, electrical , auto parts and others will be integrated into the industrialisation initiative. Thats better than mere cottage industries flung around the state. The economic development council will be made up of seasoned experts and technocrats to be chaired by an expert and technocrat of high repute. This formidable team of technocrats will formulate policies and drive initiatives on all spheres of development. Governance is about strategic planning and excellent application of resources. And in no less a time, we are heading towards China.

Udom Emmanuel is a thorough technocrat with the welfare of his people at heart. He will fancy too a fundamental approach to tackling poverty and youth unemployment which must begin with social engineering. This implies the biometric registration of all unemployed youths between the ages of 18 and 45 years of age who are neither in school , apprenticeship or self employment and who are resident in the state , and the setting up of unemployment offices in each of the three senatorial zones . Registration will make it possible for the government use some of the youths for purposes of direct labour , while some will be sent for vocational training programs and those who might have had some apprenticeship training will benefit from grants which will help them to set -up business in their area of training . Registration will also make it possible to mobilise resources by appealing to international aid organisations , private individuals , the federal government , religious organisations and other charities and philanthropists that will help to fund the training programs , provision of grants and other initiatives that may be undertaken to address youth unemployment . As part of the strategy to tackle youth unemployment , the government would urgently set up vocational training centres in all the local government areas of the state to facilitate vocational training programs in different skills for youths across the state . The skills will make it possible for the youths to go into employment or to become self employed.

At a recent seminar organized by the Bureau of Political and Legislative Affairs, Udom Emmanuel said: “the action word should be a sustainable development. What will interest me to park like ten cars in my house while a lot of people in my community are trekking? So we need somebody that has the interest of the people at heart. Let’s try to remain focus. We need to change certain equations. I want to see this state in the next few years where our graduates will leave school and a petrochemical industry is somewhere for them to work. I want to see one or two industries somewhere.” That is the kind of man we need.

I submit that Udom Emmanuel deserves to be assessed fairly on the basis of his competence, character, disposition, track records, deep faith in God and the sacred fact that it is the turn of that part of the state to produce the next Governor. 2015 is beyond mere politics.

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REFLECTIONS ON WHY NSIMA EKERE FOR GOVERNOR by Osondu Ahirika .

After my last piece on Obong Nsima Ekere and his exemplary riposte on the smear campaign mounted against him, I got a surprise caller online. He was Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency and Chairman of the all important House Committee on Appropriation and Finance. Incidentally, this is one Lawmaker to emerge from Akwa Ibom that has earned my deepest respect. The other two are Hon. Eseme Eyibio and Senator Ita Enang. I share their passion, outstanding excellence and stellar performance in parliament, but that is for another day.

Hon. Luke called to appreciate my piece on Nsima Ekere. on a hilarious note, he began, why should you ask me to TEXT NSIMA EKERE TO 2015? That was also the topic of the script in question. Then he went ahead to make his comment. "I love the piece you wrote he said. You are objective. For me, the Press Statement by the former Deputy Governor was impeccable, devoid of name calling, accusations, or hateful anecdotes," Luke said. "You failed in one area though", he continued. "You should have gone ahead to project and recommend his example to all politicians to emulate." I promised to do so. I was not surprised because Barr. Luke himself has issued Press Statements before on unfair press reports against him. Unknown to him, he had challenged me to reflect on what I wrote simply on the spur of the moment, I was enraptured by Ekere's ideal Press release.
Barr. Luke's opening comment compelled on me, a recurring 'mental belch' to ponder, WHY NSIMA EKERE SHOULD BE GOVERNOR. This piece is my answer to Barr. Luke.

Before I proceed, let me allude to a movie I saw in 2007, LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE, starring Fantasia Barrino, Debbie Allen and Lorretta Darwins. It is a true life story about  a poor girl who overcame sexual abuse, illiteracy and other setbacks to become winner of American idol in 2004. If you ask me, I would say Politics is NOT a fairy tale. When you examine the long walk to heroics of any leader, statesman or politician, say like the Obama's, Mandela's Obasanjo's Goodluck Jonathan or Godswill Akpabio of this world, you will agree with me, Politics is NOT a fairy tale. The same can be said of Ekere to recommend him for governor of Akwa Ibom come 2015.

A fairy tale, you should well know is a story told children of myths. Incredibe and fictional stories meant to amuse but deceive them. Pushing for Ekere for the plum job of taking Akwa Ibom forward in the next dispensation is not for sheer stage talk. A look back as several events and their signification resists any temptation to dismiss the reality of the project as mere wishful thinking. I shall accordingly revive, review and resurrect some of them
Coming off a stifling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primaries with 55 other aspirants ion 2007, Governor Godswill Akpabio in January 2007 chose Obong Ekere who placed fourth in the standings of that Primaries as his preferred running mate. He must have figured out something in Ekere among his legion of competitors, those who made him come as second runner up saw. It was not however to be. Board room political intrigues aborted that dream ticket and fate thrust it on Ekere's kinsman, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu.

Assurances that he will be accommodated as Minister, Ambassador, or other top jobs for the sacrifice did not happen. Ekere never whined or complained. He supported the administration as Chairman of Akwa Ibom Industrial and Investment Promotion Council, AKIIPOC.
Four years later, he was again presented to Akwa Ibom in January 27, 2011 as the running mate of Governor Akpabio for his second term bid. It was destiny delayed, but not denied. However,  a picture struck me on that occasion. It is that of Governor Akpabio raising Ekere's hand to the delight of thousands of admirers and supporters. He is about the only one Akpabio has so raised his hands on the soap box of his own volition. It was an election they went ahead to win.

Obong Ekere was to make history again when Gov. Akpabio proceeded on annual leave on 24 June ,2011.
He was given the nod to assume the designation ACTING GOVERNOR.
In a letter to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Governor Akpabio wrote, "I write to communicate to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly my intention to embark on annual leave of one month and my DESIRE to have Obong Nsima Ekere my able deputy to act on my behalf. "
In the words of Patsung Abang, "THIS IS NOT ONLY A MARK OF TRUST AND DEPENDABILITY BUT ENDORSEMENT OF OBONG NSIMA EKERE AS GOVERNOR." I aver, Abang said so because it was an unprecedented move. This was the only officially gazzetted Acting Governor following Constitutionally ratified procedure.

Again, when you weigh this against the hesitation of sitting governors to invest such power on their deputies, you can better appreciate the feat. Enugu state governor has left his State for months on ill health, yet resists every pressure to name his deputy, Acting Governor. Even with debilitating health, Governor. Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State is fighting to rid his Deputy and now Acting Governor, Alhaji Garuba Umar that revered appellation. How about our dear President Goodluck Jonathan. Consider how he sweated to be inaugurated as Acting President. Folks, let's give it up for Akpabio, and Ekere. It was destiny at work in his still unfolding political odyssey.
 
To validate that history, it bespeaks of the fact Obong Ekere has the requisite experience and will not find that seat a strange one or suffer any "culture shock" occupying it. Can it also be a divine orchestration that  as Acting Governor of Akwa  Ibom State for one month, Obong Nsima Ekere's first assignment was receiving members of the  Justice Uwaifo led Presidential Fact - Finding Committee on Pre -  and Post - Election Violence in Akwa Ibom State. Rewind that the state was lurched in violence that made March 22, 2011, a Black Day in the State's political dozzier. This is a man not known to habour political bitterness or feud and for whom power is not a do-or-die affair. He did enunciate thereat, what he posits an idesl elections should be. One, he is currently tirelessly working to achieve and triumph in.

Finally as I wrap this up, let me bring on TEAM NSIMA EKERE, a Youth Group at the vanguard of working for his 2015 Project as they make a case for him. Here, they declare, "If we need a calm gentleman with credibility and integrity as our governor in 2015; If we need an accomplished professional who will consolidate and improve upon the achievements of the present administration; If we need a governor who will not tribalize the governance of the state; If we need a governor who has built, oiled and sustained relationships and affiliations with different classes of people over the years; If we need a governor who will not come and send politicians on forced retirement; If we need a governor who is well vested and rooted in the politics of the state; If we need a governor who will not pursue a policy of vendetta in the state; If we need a governor with a large, loving heart; If we need a governor who will pursue a policy of economic prosperity among the people of the state, then the choice and only choice is H.E.OBONG NSIMA EKERE. Join us in inviting him to come out and take the state to the next level"

On this note, let me with the brimming optimism of a teenage lead speaker in a Debating Session say, I hope with this few points of mine, I have been able to convince Barr. Luke and indeed all people of goodwill that Obong Nsima Ekere will fit the bill as Governor of Akwa Ibom come 2015 and this is not a fairy tale. Curtains Fall.

WHAT AKPABIO TOLD ME ABOUT 2015 By Aniekeme Finbarr

It was a Saturday evening, say 7.15pm, ( i didn't exactly check the time)
when my phone rang and i picked it up. My saturdays are usually very
crazy. I present a weekly Magazine on Radio Akwa Ibom; Medley
Showcase from 11 to noon, most times also, i have Mc jobs to deliver at
wedding reception ceremonies later in the afternoon before hurrying to
catch up with Sports Arena on radio from 5 to 6pm before Post
Production. Post Production is supposed to be a meeting after every radio
programme where the producer sits down with the presenters to review
and assess the day's programme, make corrections and inject fresh ideas
to make the programme more audience friendly. The late Ace Broadcaster,
Billy Bassy Ekot had however expanded the definition of post production to
include the drinking of beer, wine and spirits and the chewing of roasted
animals. The boys preferred the later definition. So, it was a vintage
saturday for me and i was an hour, 15 minutes into "post production" when
that call came in. I had removed my suits, hung it on the chair i was
seated. The tie on my neck was staggered. I had untied the laces of my
shoes and my belt had since been adjusted to fit the occasion.

The number that called me was not stored on my phone contacts and i'm
usually very sceptical about answering such calls. "Hello, Good evening"
the voice at the other end greeted. He neither sounded friendly nor harsh,
just straight. "Good evening sir" I replied with the best version of my radio
baritone voice, either to also intimidate him or to present myself as mature
and professional in case it was a client. "I'm i speaking with Aniekeme
Finbarr?" he continued. "Yes of course". "Your attention is needed
immediately", "where?" i inquired anxiously. "Government House, be there
as soon as possible" And he ended the call. At that point my countenance
dropped, my mind went wild, i was thinking about so many things at a
time. I immediately shared the conversation with my two colleagues who
were with me. One of them snapped , "i said it, i have always told not to
criticise Akpabio's government, you are too young for that. Imagine what
you posted the other day about 31 industries. Always inciting the people to
talk nonsense against government". I shouted back at him in defence, "i'm
i the commissioner for information? I'm i not supposed to say anything
again? Did i tell those guys to criticise government? You think the
Governor does not read the over 50 articles i have written in favour of his
administration? Why don't they see the good ones have done? In any case,
who said i have done anything wrong? You are just sitting here and
running your mouth. We barked and shouted for a few more minutes. My
other colleague calmed us down and assured all would be well.
My colleague who shouted at me offered to drive me to the gate of the
Government House and while on the road taunted me that this night i'l get
the reward of my bad mouth against government. My colleagues wished
me good luck and zoomed off. I'm sure they were heading back to "post
production". I didn't envy them.

At the main gate of the Government House, i met 6 men seated. One
plainly dressed man, a police officer in the black upon black uniform, two
other policemen with the new camouflage and two other mopol officers
with their pale Green coloured uniforms with the khaki trousers curved into
their boots that was still shining even at that time of the night. I greeted
them and briskly walked into the compound as if i were the owner. They
didn't ask any questions and i thought to myself, 'whaooo, how easy'. I
crossed the path leading to the banquet hall and down to the main gate of
the Governor's lodge. The policemen i met here were both healthy and
agile. 'Why would they be? Aren't they closer to the main source?' After
drilling me with Jamb standard questions, i had to call the number that
invited me and this time, a female answered and assured me she was
coming to pick me immediately. I followed her right in. By now, it was past
8pm. Nothing here suggested it was that late, the ambience of the lodge
was heavenly, the illumination very bright. The female police officer
leading me in was disturbingly fair, healthy, tall and beautiful. All her
"departments" were complete. She was walking briskly towards the main
door. I stylishly withdrew my steps to have a better view of her "brake
lights". 'If i were Governor, i would have more of these sort of officers
around. A peep at them would be enough to calm one's nerves and tension
as Chief Executive, hehehehehehehe'.

I was taken through the security door, searched and ushered in. The lady
officer took me through several lobbies and finally gave me a seat
somewhere that looked like a lobby. As i walked in, i saw very many
politicians and their aides moving around the lodge, some chatting heartily,
others just talking in hush tones, and a few others just moody and mute. I
sat for more than two hours without anyone saying a word to me. A young
man offered me coke few minutes to 11pm. The air conditioner was
wickedly cold, i had never felt anything like that before. Even my suit
couldn't come to the rescue. I didn't know where to put off the AC, neither
had i the boldness to ask anyone. Few minutes to 1am, i heard the voice
of the Governor across the room, he was in very relaxed mood and
discussing very happily. "Where is that media man i asked you to bring?" I
over heard him ask. Something told me that was me. "He is here, Sir" the
same voice that spoke to me on the phone initially responded.

The man came to me and took me out to meet him. I didn't know what to
expect. The Governor wore shorts and a very big T shirt with leather
slippers. He legs were so beautiful. Warm, hairy and full. I went and stood
beside him, my arms folded behind me. He asked again, almost angry this
time, "where is the man?' "Here he is" the frightened protocol officer
responded. For the first time, he noticed me. "Are you Aniekeme Finbarr?"
"Yes Sir, no, Yes Your Excellency" i wasn't sure which title will fit the
occasion. It was a David, Goliath scenario. By now i had already given him
a full 90 degree bow with my knees almost touching the ground. He
smiled, dispersed everyone and took me in with hands wrapped around my
neck. "so, you the young man causing all this trouble, whaoo, i'm
surprised" he couldn't hide his excitement. He took me into the room i
already sat down and sat beside me. "My brother, i have heard of the
things you are doing, I'm impressed. I heard you worked you worked with
Michael Bush" I didn't like that part about Michael Bush, i just wanted to
answer questions about myself. Thank God it wasn't a question. "I'm told
you are very intelligent, you have a very large following especially on the
social media and your views are widely read. I just want to share with you
a few facts that will help you. You know my administration has done a lot.
The stadium, the tropicana..." When he started mentioning projects, i
looked at the time, it was 1.48am and i knew i wouldn't leave soon. He
took about 15 minutes to run through his projects. "But you know the
government needs to land well." He continued, this time, his tone
increased. He was tapping the table with his left fingers. "My brother, i
have for seven years done my homework, i want Udom Emmanuel to
succeed me" That was the Bombshell! "Udom Emmanuel is doubly
qualified and shares my kind of passion. I didn't even know he will talk
like me. His drive to succeed speaks volumes of his desire to make it
happen in whatever he sets his eyes on. Look at his early background of
birth in the then rural Ukanafun Local
Government Area where his father was teaching. He schooled here, had his
secondary school education at Community Secondary School, Ikot Akpan
Eshiet in Onna Local Government Area. It attests to the fact that with
discipline and hard-work, one can be a success story irrespective of one’s
place of birth and early life. He is an Ibibio man and from Eket senatorial
district. Away from politivs, he has what it takes to continue. His
knowledge of the economy is an added advantage".

At that point, I mustered some boldness and asked him, "what about
UOU?" He sat up and held my hands, "my brother, governance is not easy.
It is not about what you want all the time. He would have been the man,
but how do i explain this zoning stuff. He is not from Eket Senatorial
District. In fact, the young Bassey, commissioner he is another wonderful
man but again, zoning. Away from zoning, Udom has very wonderful
ideas. I told him the other day, we cannot achieve all this things you have
said within this time left. He is a corporate strategist and will help build
on the infrastructure i have tried to put in place. He is God fearing. He may
not have been in politics but at that level at Zenith Bank, you are
politicking at the highest level. He is generous. Recently i even learnt he
gave a bore hole many years back to his community when there was an
oil spill in his area and the people couldn't have access to drinking water".
He talked on so many things enough to fill a whole book. When he was
done, it was 3.07am.

"So, just keep doing what you are doing, keep the young people informed.
God will reward you, we will also see what we can do to encourage young
people like you, how did you come?" That was the line I had been waiting
for the whole evening. In fact my whole life. He called on that protocol
officer and told him, "Give him 2.5 ..." At that point my sister, Idara gave
me a dirty slap, "You no wan go work? you don look time? My friend, wake
up". I'm still thinking, was this really a dream?

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