Date Published: 03/19/10

CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW: Akwa Ibom’s modest contribution By Usiere Akpan

Akwa Ibom State government recently played host to a powerful delegation of National Assemblymen. Specifically, about 44 distinguished Senators – members of the Constitution Review Committee - were in Uyo for an all important retreat expected to help deepen the democracy and reshape our constitution.  

As the excited lawmakers settled down to business in Governor Godswill Akpabio’s enclave, one of them was quick to observe that whenever a comprehensive  history of Nigeria’s political and constitutional development would be written, Akwa Ibom State must occupy a conspicuous place in the volumes. This, according to the Senator from one of the Northern states, is because Akpabio has elevated the once pedestrian state to a position where it can no longer be ignored in terms of infrastructure, peace, unity, capital development and self worth.

That assertion was confirmed by the  Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who added that the state was chosen for the retreat because of its serene and secure environment.  Indeed, he should know, as that was not his first visit to the state. A few months back,  Ekweremadu had led a delegation of about five senators on an oversight function to the state and similarly expressed the senate’s pleasure at Akpabio’s people-focused leadership style.

At the time, Akpabio had spent over N81 billion on the construction of Federal roads in the state, aside state intervention in other federal institutions. Moved by what he saw on ground, the Senate leadership had promised to ensure the relevant laws were put in place to enable the Federal Governor live up to its responsibility as it concerned refunds of Akwa Ibom money.

 “We have seen a lot since we arrived at the Ibom International Airport and the quality of work done there. We thank you for the judicious management of the financial resources of your state. We have seen the new governor’s lodge. We have seen new roads you are building, the various development projects in the different local government areas and are aware of the free education in the state”, he said.

Then, he thanked Akpabio: “We thank you so much for the good work you are doing. When a governor or government is doing well especially in an emerging democracy, it means a lot. The impressive performance is a good defence for our democracy. So, when people are aspiring for political offices, they should know what they are looking for and how they will live up to the challenges of the offices if given the mandate”, the senator added.

The governor, according to the lawmaker,  has written his name in gold because of the people-oriented projects executed and that Akpabio’s performance was a strong case for the increased revenue for the Niger Delta region. “For Nigeria, it is important because your state is making proper use of money allocated to her being a state in the Niger Delta region. By this act, you are making a strong case for increased revenue on derivation. In short, you will make it difficult for anyone to challenge your second term bid. When a government is not doing well you hear people proclaiming ‘Vision 2011, Hope 2011, Change 2011, Renaissance 2011, Decision 2011’ but you have done well and there is no need for such change”.

On the whole, the lawmakers, who completely felt relaxed throughout their stay in the state, agreed that by ensuring a peaceful and accommodating environment which now attract numerous cooperate and government businesses/ retreats to the state, Akpabio has indirectly contributed to the stability of Nigeria and the evolution of the next constitution.

With a promise to deliver a properly amended constitution that would help ti  engineer a process that will give the country a reformed electoral process, the Senate leaders, Teslim Balogun, joined in the praise of Akpabio for being a shining star among his peers. According to Ekweremadu:  “What you are doing in Akwa Ibom we believe is a very strong statement for enduring democracy in Nigeria, for the short period we have stayed here, we are not disappointed. We want to commend you for the effort you are making”, he told the governor.

Then, there was the repeated assurance of a good job on the constitutional review. “We will do a good job for Nigeria and at the end of the day, history will remember us for the role we are playing now to ensure that we deepen democracy”.

But Akpabio’s patriotism did not end with providing the enabling space for ideas to thrive. He went on to assure the Senate that state governors would work with the State Houses of Assembly to return the resolutions on the Electoral Reform and Constitutional amendment received from the Senate within one week.

“What the Senate is doing is to deepen democracy and of course we all are beneficiaries. There is no doubt the decisions of the Senate will stabilse the nation,we have not yet reached the Eldora do so we will still beckon on you sooner or later”, Chief Akpabio told the Senators.

The Governor who lauded the Senators for choosing Akwa Ibom as a destination to hold their retreat assured that the natural ambience , the peace in the state  and the hospitable disposition of the people  would enable them to have fruitful deliberations .

He expressed the hope that the Nigerian constitution when amended would helped to correct the mistakes of the past administrations in the country so that more dividends of democracy can be provided for the people noting that: “With the new electoral reform in place it means if every vote should be counted in Nigeria, election results will no longer be predicted, it means that the people can be held accountable. In every situation, it should be what you have done for the people, it should be the totality of your being that should merit you to political office and not the question of carry go”, he added.

Chief Akpabio mentioned that going by recent crucial decisions so far taken by the leadership of the Senate and the clean credentials of Senate Constitution Review Committee members, the people were confident that a functional document on electoral process would soon be evolved for the country.   

Indeed, the State Chief Executive alerted the Senators that what had been achieved came out of the determination to fulfil the programmes of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. The areas mainly mentioned as having been successfully met included the health sector with free health care services for the aged and pregnant mothers. Other areas of attainment for the people of Akwa Ibom mentioned by Chief Akpabio included the implementation of the Child’s Right Law, where, the future of the average child remains hopeful and guaranteed through education and empowerment of the parents.  

So far,  observers have agreed that Akpabio’s efforts aimed at reordering trends in development positively have recently attracted accolades and awards to his government in the past two and a half years. His modest contribution to the on-going review of the constitution has also been commended by political analysts.

. Akpan is a journalist based in Uyo