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| Engr. Ben Ukpong |
TOROBONG EKPO
Just yesterday, I heard announcement of two prominent Oro natives into various political offices in the state and nation at large.
The All Progressive Congress led Federal Government appointed a former Deputy Governorship candidate, Mr. Ben Ukpong as board member of Nigeria Population Commission, a seat Pa Moses Ekpo occupied before becoming the oldest Deputy Governor of our dear state, while the People's Democratic Party led government in the state bestowed on a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rotarian Akon Eyakenyi, the position of Board Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osura.
Prior to her elevation, Eyakenyi has been a serving commissioner and a state board Chairman of Technical Board.
During Udom Emmanuel gubernatorial race, she was the eye of the governor in Oron Local Government Area, while Victor Antai was his ears in Mbo. I didn't hear of Emmanuel Onwudikut, who is now a commissioner.
While trying to analyze the two appointments, I realized that, it is not the first time PDP has belittled the integrity of politicians.
It will be recalled that, Chief Senas Ukpanah, a former Minister of FRN was "demoted" to a position of AKIPOC board Chairman during Godswill Akpabio led government.
Off course, Assam Assam, a senior advocated of Nigeria took over from Ekpeyong Ntekim (an oro man) as Commissioner for Justice. So, when I observed these anomalies, I had to hurriedly call myself to order.
One other disparity I noticed between PDP and Oro people is that, it appears the governor is still grudging the nation as a result of the stunt the natives pulled during town hall meeting, where they barred the governor ( then an SSG) from making vote of thanks.
Yea, any thinker, after empirical study of the entire political landscape as it affects Oro nation in Udom's led government may likely think in this direction.
During Obong Victor Attah and Chief Godswill Akpabio days as governors of the state, Oro nation used to go home with three functional commissioners. Today, only Victor Antai and Emmanuel Onwudikut could be counted as commissioners from the region.
At the party level, during Obong Attah days, Oro natives headed the leadership of the party in the state. In the days of Godswill Obot Akpabio, Nse Ekpenyong was the Deputy Chairman of the party before he was promoted to the House of Representative.
Unfortunately, today, not even one native has been appointed into the State Working committee of PDP. On the other hand, a son of Oro nation named Chief Ita Awak Is the state publicity secretary of APC.
From my own perspective, Oro nation, despite standing on the tripod with regards to Akwa Ibom State creation has been deceived, cajoled and deprived of various political openings.
It is no more news that the intention of Obong Victor Attah, who singlehandedly ceded the governorship seat to Annang (not Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District) was to ensure that, an Oro native succeeds Annang, so that the three majority ethnic groups can have a feel of Hilltop Mansion.
This may have been the reason why Obong Umana Okon Umana, prior to his election, in several fora, claimed that, if power was given to Oro, he won't aspire for governorship seat.
After the injustice meted on Oro nation, Umana in his wisdom decided to carry them along by choosing one of her own as his running mate. Today, Ben has been appointed. I am in the know that, fifteen other natives of Oro will follow suit.
We have objectively observed that, Oro is the bedrock of oil in this state, yet, indigenes cannot point finger on any good road constructed in that area under PDP led administration.
If all these analysis as given to me by my brother and colleague, Hon. Essien Ndueso is anything to go by, it therefore means that, Udom is taking Oro nation as MMS...Mugu Money Spender.
Yea, the current leadership of the state looks like a government, which doesn't like Oro nation, despite the money accrued to the State via the five LGAs. The governor, via his body language, is just taking Oro nation as maga where don enter...
Have we care to ponder on why their only Mega project, Ibaka Seaport, situated in Oro nation has not reach "lintel level" after eight years? Have we noticed that, despite Hon. Samuel Ufuo's advocacies on damages caused by sea pirates in Mbo, the State government is still showcasing non challant attitude?
Oh Oro nation, it is glaring, the present government is undermining your integrity. The governor sees you as Blacks in the then Apartheid South Africa and Caribbean Society. It is left for you to go back and read the ovation speech of Washington to the blacks in Caribbean society and as such stay where your attention is needed.
Isn't it amazing that, in the present government, the Deputy Governor is an Annang, Governor, Ibibio, Dean of Commissioners, Annang, head of Civil Service, Ibibio...I won't mention others, it behooves on Oro to analyze and crosscheck if their interest is protected in this government.
However I must commend the governor for appointing Bishop Andrew Uwanta as Chairman Assembly Commission. At least, it shows that he is sensitive to the plight of the clergy after one year and four months he brought him into power via ACA.
If someone who spearheaded the campaign of Udom is remembered after one year and four months then Oro will be carried along two months to the end of this administration.
I am so disappointed that, despite the unalloyed loyalty rendered by Oro nation, the area, up till this era cannot boast of any nylon tarred roads, like one found in Awa Iman.
I wouldn't be distracted by the activities of ndito edidia nso, who are aimed at mocking and ridiculing the revered integrity of Oro nation.
I am so optimistic that, someday, if not 2019, Oro will be inculcated in the main stream of governance in this state. They don't deserve the treatment meted on them by the present administration.
How many Oro indigenes are SAs and PAs to the governor? How many of them are included in the party? An answer to these questions will expose reasons why a former State Chairman of PDP, Chief Otu Ita Toyo, a former South South vice Chairman of the party, Chief Mkpubre defected and stayed in APC till date.
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