Tuesday 30 September 2014

That historic endorsement of Nsima Ekere by APCOTMA BY KENNETH JUDE

That historic endorsement of Nsima Ekere by APCOTMA BY KENNETH JUDE
It is not pretty easy in contemporary times to have   people unanimously root or align fully with others perceived by the society as ‘those that matter’ or these persons identifying ‘intoto’ with the proverbial lay-men on the street. Before one enjoys the overwhelming goodwill and approving nod from the masses irrespective of the person’s financial muscle or standing on the social milieu, it is either such a person is projected with the believe that they will be benefit immensely from the path they have chosen to toe in the long run or they believe that identifying with such will either propel them in life or bring them blessings in no small measure.

In another perspective, it is somewhat easy to sing the praises of someone that is in control of the machinery of power; either in the political field, corporate environment, social circuit etc. This is so because in paying unfettered allegiance to the powers that be, one is not only entitled to the crumbs that will fall off the master’s table but is also guaranteed the pomp, affluence and alluring aroma that oozes out of the VIP lounge. Another lacuna that have continued to rear its ugly head is that the fear of the unknown have gripped the people so much that one wonders the effect Christendom have had on those who abide by its teachings. It’s either one is afraid of his next door neighbour or is not at ease in his place of work. This is borne out of the notion that it’s either to cut short the life of another or thwart their effort to make headway in life. So, these negative feelings and mindset have had etching effects on the way and manner we frolic with people no matter how well we know the person or how strange he is to us.


Yet, in all these, it is different strokes for different folks – each of us is entitled to our opinion – how we perceive issues is in contrast from the way another perceives it. Our interpretation of motives varies according to our understanding and upbringing. Even in prayers, it is not uncommon to hear that: “as our faces our different, so are our problems and worries”. The foregoing further corroborates the little differential nuances that exist among us. It is a natural phenomenon that no man can really do anything tangible to modify or alter as the case may be. Some people behave strictly in accordance to their dogma as instilled in them by their religion, cultural beliefs and the like. But in circumstances like this, one is better off not being confrontational if what he believes in is in opposition with what another person professes. This is necessary because of the moral need to build a virile society where everyone will live in peace and tranquillity. Hence, no one should attempt to scandalise anyone that holds a contrary view to his position in matters of interest and choices.

The political season is here again. Politicians will employ diverse strategies to outwit one another in the battle of who takes the prize. Many had long dusted and oiled their political arsenals in readiness for the fierce challenge ahead. Many groups are also springing up all over the place bearing diverse messages that reflect in clear terms where their heart lies. They do so without qualms and pay little or no heed to what the other person feels as regards where they have pitched their tent. The political juggernauts are rolling out promises of a better life for the people, provision of employment for the army of unemployed youths, improved welfare for the people, provision of constant power supply, good road network and what have you with so much glee and scant abandon.

Doing all these is in no way wrong or out of time with the times. No, not at all, it is germane as it forms, to large extent the fulcrum of what will turn the masses against you or for you. It is normal to sell your manifesto to the voting public to win their support and brighten your chances in the marathon race ahead. But while some candidates for different offices make such promises with a sincerity of heart, others merely engage in vain and non-realisable targets that they know within the inner recesses of their heart they won’t fulfil if give the mandate, all in a bid to sway the minds of voters in their direction.

While the former may have a somewhat swell ride to the Promised Land, the latter is surely going to face a brick wall on the way because the hitherto apolitical folks and uninterested population are wiser now. They know those that mean well for them. They have been blessed meritoriously with the spirit of discernment so much that it is almost impossible to easily hoodwink them in matters of choice. They have been well domesticated the political way, excellently schooled in the power their vote carries and have become highly sophisticated to be led to the gutters or deceived with a piece of bread. Hence, when some uninformed folks glory in peddling falsehood, distorting genuine support by groups for a particular candidate, they should know that such misconception and misguided thoughts cannot in any way make meaning in the road to a society brimming with highly intelligible folks.

The people are now more knowledgeable, not just on how to cast their vote but who to vote for.
The governorship aspiration of a former deputy governor of the State, Obong Nsima Ekere received another major boost in recent times from well-meaning Akwa Ibomites – joining the mix of numerous groups that have endorsed the Ikot Abasi born politician. The unique endorsement came from Akwa Progressive Commercial Tricyclists, Taxi and Motorcyclist Association (APCOTMA) when the erstwhile deputy governor consulted the State executive council members and chapter chairmen of the association in Uyo. This latest endorsement by this group of persons under the umbrella of APCOTMA is another eloquent testimony to Nsima Ekere’s popularity and general acceptance by the people. It shows clearly that he has the mandate of the populace to ascend the highly coveted governorship seat come 29th May, 2015. 

They see in him what many others before them witnessed before giving him all-clear to contest in the next polls as governor of Akwa Ibom State. It is a clear testament that the man who once occupied the number two position in the State is the overwhelming choice of the people to drive the State economy to an enviable level. Having experienced his managerial sagacity and unique ability to run the affairs of government during his short stint as acting governor, they are in no doubt whatsoever of Nsima Ekere’s leadership acumen.

These qualities, he has shown in equal measure throughout his private and professional life. This endorsement, among other things is a pointer to his great personae. He bears all the attributes a leader should posses.

It is more apt at a time the society treats some folks as mere appendage in matters of urgent importance. Nsima Ekere’s decision to consult this group is a clear testament to his humility and accommodating nature. It shows that he loathes discrimination and subscribes fully to treating all manner of persons equally irrespective of their means of livelihood or what the larger society thinks of them.

One will be living in a fool’s paradise to write off the immense influence this set of group wields in the determination of who becomes the governor of Akwa Ibom State. Their instrumental role towards the election of former governor Obong Attah and Chief Godswill Akpabio is still reverberating through the walls of the political firmament. In a way, it reveals further that Nsima Ekere knows the right knob to tab as he marches in grand style to the Hill Top mansion of the State.

He knows the system and the system knows him – little wonder he could hardly be found wanting in his daily conducts and dealings. He is one man that knows where to be at the exact time he should – little wonder the litany of friends that swarm around him almost all the time at every fora.

His humble and inviting mien remains exemplary in this part of the globe to an extent that many are falling over themselves either to emulate him or identify with the former AKIIPOC boss. Those who have had the privilege of working at close quarters with him are testifying daily of his welcoming disposition and warmth. They insist that if the people of Akwa Ibom State vote en masse for him, there will be a massive turn around in fortunes for them. Others have not seized echoing this position as they continue to beckon on others who are still doubting the rich credentials of Nsima Ekere to decide with dispatch where their allegiance is since the ball is solely at their feet.

APCOTMA did not endorse the candidacy of Obong Nsima Ekere out of nothing. They did so because of what they see in him. They know that he has the Midas touch to change the landscape of the State through people-oriented policies and infrastructural renaissance. Before they came in unanimity to agree that Nsima Ekere is the right man to be handed the baton after Chief Godswill Akpabio, they have seen something spectacular in him that is daring to do the unimaginable for the good people of the State. It is also instructive to note that of all those angling for the topmost office in the State, only Nsima Ekere has shown unequalled humility by incorporating the support of APCOTMA. This in itself explains why the people have been let in awe of a man blessed with features that he turns his head with so much ease wherever he goes.

It is also cheery news that even some of those jostling for the hill-top mansion have been dazed by the growing popularity of Nsima Ekere and have thus resorted to gazing at him with mouth-agape. 

APCOTMA is not a pushover as far as the success or failure of any political aspirant is concerned. One will be spitting himself by treating this group with levity. They remain a huge voice in the scheme of things so much that it is almost impossible to knock any candidate they decide to join forces with off the ring. Hence, in this solidarity, they have re-affirmed the longhead view that Nsima Ekere has all it takes to pilot the ship of Akwa Ibom State come 2015. Let’s go there!

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