By Emmanuel Ndon
“Critics do not determine how bright a star decides to shine”
– Matshona Dhliwayo
Many might be tempted to believe that Governor Umo Eno’s decision to move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a political disaster essentially because the PDP has held sway in the state since the return of democratic rule in 1999. The party has had this favourable cloud, cult followership and unprecedented electoral fortunes.
Whether in or outside of the PDP, there’s no doubt that 90 percent of the big guns in our political terrain made their fortune from the PDP – and that can provide veritable grounds for critics of the governor to vent their anger and frustration.
But there’s time for everything. While the PDP has been able to galvanize and consolidate its stronghold in Akwa Ibom State, the same cannot be said of its national architecture. During the years that the party controlled the federal government, with its vast grip on 90 percent of the states, it had such a formidable structure that they boasted at the time that the PDP will rule the country for as long as 60 years, describing it as the largest political party in Africa.
From when it lost the presidential election in 2015 with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as candidate, the PDP has been writhing in self destruct largely due to inordinate selfish ambitions. It has failed the country in its responsibility to play the watchdog role expected of the opposition – that of a bold, strong, courageous scrutiny – putting the ruling party in check and providing viable alternatives intended to streamline and strengthen democratic governance. Instead, they have slipped into irredeemable internal crisis that does not only jeopardize its political fortunes but thrown that of its members into an ocean of uncertainty
Now, Governor Umo Eno – just as other politicians in the opposition – has observed the pitfalls that is capable of denying him a successful second term in office and chose to avoid such. This certainly would not pass for any form of betrayal as insinuated in some quarters.
Beyond the sorry state of the PDP, the governor has also identified a good opportunity to align with the centre to attract meaningful development which has eluded the state in the past. One big idea about this is the deep seaport. This is a gigantic project that holds so much promise for the transformation of the state, and the governor himself has romanticized about the inability of seeing the project through without the support of the federal government.
There are concerns however about the seaport coming on stream due to conspiracy theories about it disrupting the Lagos ports. But the fact is that Akwa Ibom State had had its ruling party at the center since President Olusegun Obasanjo’s era up until Goodluck Jonathan without any tangible progress for the project. Now, with our own son as president of the senate, and the state flying the flag of the APC, there is nothing wrong in putting the eggs in the basket.
The APC as a party has the big benefit of its own by the automatic popularity of becoming the ruling party in a state as Akwa Ibom. From the early days of its vibrant opposition in 2007 led by Senator John Akpanudoedeghe, to the burgeoning Umana Umana leading up to the centre-aided, sophisticated Nsima Ekere, the APC in Akwa Ibom State has remained in the doldrums. Now is the time for them to enjoy the benefit of a ruling party because of PDP’s jinx caught in the grip of its internal wranglings.
What’s more, Governor Umo Eno, even before he defected to APC had extended the an olive branch through his inclusive leadership. Quite early, he chose to identify with and celebrate the first senate president from the state in the person of Chief Godswil Akpabio. The governor’s empowerment programmes have also been devoid of party lines- including even appointments. His deliberate style of politics without bitterness has benefitted the state by uniting all fronts devoid of ethnic or political sentiments.
The APC now has been presented with such a priceless gift even before going to the polls. Thus, in the local language, APC bó enó_ and will have to treasure this gift with all its accompanying benefits.
Governor Umo Eno has been celebrated within and outside the state as one of, (if not) the most performing governors in the country with massive road infrastructure and other development projects spanning all facets of the economy as encapsulated in his ARISE Agenda.
His empowerment programme ranges from farmers grants, traders grants, equipment support scheme and the MSME grant. The MSME grant is designed to empower medium, small, and micro enterprises across all the local government areas in the state. The focus is on key sectors such as agribusiness and its value chain, fashion and leather works, hospitality services, manufacturing and production, oil and gas services, arts and crafts.
On the other hand, the equipment support scheme is designed to empower small businesses with equipment to boost productivity and foster job creation. The scheme is intended to demonstrate governments commitment to nurturing entrepreneural spirit within the state.
In addition to these packages, there is also the Arise compassionate homes across different federal constituencies which provides decent housing accommodation to the widows in particular and other disadvantaged individuals.
It is on the ground of this superlative performance – that bó enó_ philosophy is woven.
The philosophy of bó enó and the choice of Pastor Umo Eno as its symbol expounds the need for the preservation of sanctity of government as an institution of honour. This means that the ethos for which government and governance is not desecrated irrespective of political affiliation. Thus, whether it is APC or whatever platform, the interests of Akwa Ibom State remains paramount in the eyes of the governor.
Akwa Ibom State has attained a refined status of a modern state with a responsible leadership and good governance. The _bó enó_ philosophy revolves around tradition – a tradition of preservation, a tradition of culture and honour. It’s a new consciousness of gifting intended to cement familiar bonds of relationships, an expression of love and brotherhood as well as expanding our social and economic frontiers. This is exactly what Pastor Umo represents. It’s devoid of party or using political platforms to settle personal scores.
There’s always time for everything. We need not get stuck just in the name of a party. Let’s move progressively.
Ndon writes from Uyo.
