Date Published: 03/20/10

2011: Why Governor Akpabio must go… By Uduak Edward

After a careful consideration of the various arguments, I have finally agreed with all those saying that in 2011, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State “MUST GO…”! There are several compelling reasons to suggest and actually work towards the actualisation of that position. And, indeed, some of the reasons have been canvassed by even non-Akwa Ibomites; those who genuinely love the state!

Akwa Ibom, a relatively young state in the nation, has had its fare share of leaders. Admittedly, many of them tried their best to move the state forward. Yet, the state remained at its relatively lower rung of development.

Yes, there are those who argue that in three years, Akpabio has transformed the state - infrastructural; but is that enough reason why he should not go? A majority of Akwa Ibom people have even insisted that he  has stopped the house maid syndrome in the state and elevated their self worth and confidence; so is that why he must not go? He has instituted free, qualitative  and compulsory education for our children, thereby attraction praises and awards from far and near. Yet, I wonder if that is enough. Medicare for children, pregnant women and the elderly is now free - reason for Akpabio to stay?

A careful look at Governor Akpabio’s programmes reveal that he has missed out something, hence should GO! It does not matter what his supporters think, but we can not understand a situation the governor would build so many churches, as if he’s trying to convert all of us. Somebody even said he’s trying to bribe God when he first donated N100  million to the Christian Association of Nigeria for the micro-credit scheme. Similarly, he donated N10 million to the small population of muslims in the state. Then, he annoyed many of us when he suggested that the poor of the poor can be found in churches and mosques. Tell me, why should a governor, who means well focus so much on God and churches? Isn’t it annoying enough that he subjects everything to God in heart-rendering prayers? This man must go, jare!

It appears Akpabio has not put the concerns of the people into focus. He has been a governor two and a-half years but never thought of empowerment. If not for his opponent and former junior minister of Federal Capital City, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, we would not have known that human and economic empowerment is as simple as granting press interview. In an interview with a local tabloid, the good Senator has promised to equitably share the state’s allocation. Very simple. He said he would give at least N1 million to each of the 3.9million population of the state every month! That is what we call economic! Before you know it, all of us would be billionaires…just before we wake from the dream! Consequently, for never giving a thought to such a simple economic model, Akpabio must go!

Similarly, we were told by another of his opponents by the easiest way to tackle kidnapping and other insecurity threats in the state is to encourage every adult to own a gun each! Now, why Akpabio never thought of that and why he has been preaching peace and unity, instead, baffles some of us. He even has the effrontery to attempt destroying key Ibibio business people by  engaging them with too many plump jobs at once. Hence, he must go!

It is indeed worrisome to see this young man completing inherited projects, as if he’s aiming for the Guinness Books of World Records. There is even the wild suspicion that he is trying to impress Akwa Ibom people by doing so many projects. In fact, it appears Akpabio is trying to rubbish the achievements of his predecessor. That is why he must go because somebody should have warned him earlier that it is an offence to surpass his boss. That sounds like the first law of power, though some people may argue that in this case, Akpabio is The Governor!

Still, he must go! It does not matter the applause he has been enjoying from  reputable national figures. True, there are those who believe Akpabio has surpassed Napoleon in his developmental strides. The Gombe State governor, Mohammad Danjuma Goje says Akpabio towers above all of them governors; the national president of Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Olu Akeredolu and the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Sunday Makinde, specifically said recently that Akpabio has justified the  mandate given him by the masses in April 2007; hence merits a second term. But what do these men know? Are they aware that Akpabio has destroyed Akwa Ibom with his fly-over bridges?  Are they aware that he has now inspired too many youths to aspire for political offices and even build houses and drive new cars. Are they aware that he committed an offence by giving micro-credit facilities to sub-groups?  What do we need hospitals for that Akpabio has refused to let our people die quietly in silence? Why is he trying to be a superman; providing everything at the same time? Akpabio must go, please! Who said we need e-library in this modern age? Why is he building the IPP and Tropicana? Has nobody ever told this governor that all those mega projects would deface the master plan of Uyo and other parts of the state? For instance, the master plan of my village has now been seriously altered to include tarred roads and pipe-borne water. The adjourning villages too is now one of the 480 villages recently linked to National Grid - in complete disregard to the master plan. And somebody had to gut to tell the masses that all these are happening because Akpabio hates master-servant model. We are also told that accounted for his free and compulsory education, so children would no longer be house maids, servant, etc. But the above excuses only justify why he must go!

Yes! In 2011,Akpabio Must Go… back to Government House, Uyo! At least, that is what the State House of Assembly said recently, when they handed him a key to the newly constructed Governor’s Lodge. That was what the Ibibio Nation said, recently when they endorsed him. That was what the Oron Nation and the Annang Nation said, too! That was what the traditional rulers said when they made him “Uko Akwa Ibom“!  Akwa Ibom people say, based on the above compelling reasons, they would again express it at the polls - against all odds -  that Akpabio must go…ON!

.Miss Edward,  a lecturer and journalist, wrote from Lagos