Date Published: 07/25/09

Sir,

Gov Liyel Imoke is cool-headed and loving

Under the prevailing circumstance, one expects Governor Liyel Imoke to be deeply occupied with how to solve the problems which the ceded oil wells to Akwa Ibom is impacting adversely the running of Cross River government. But here is a man seen recently, on the pages of newspapers, presenting state honour to a musician of the state origin named Sunny Nneji. In nook and crannies of Imo State, the government erected many billboards with Onyeka Onwenu’s portrait as one of the new faces of Imo State. Today she is recognized as Chairman of government (cultural) parastatal.

The reverse is the case in Akwa Ibom. I recall that Obongawan Christy Essien Igbokwe, received many national and international honours. In 1998 the federal government of Nigeria also honoured her with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), but that was not through the recommendation of (any) Akwa Ibom government. The same unsolicited MFR award was to be upturned by Obasanjo administration for reason later discovered to be Christy’s role (as one of those whose actions contributed) in the abrogation of the obnoxious on-shore-of-shore oil dichotomy, a good gesture started by Babangida, which now benefits all littoral states. The act was given further bite by the democratically elected National Assembly. If these presents did not be, there would not have been oil wells to be fought over by sister-states (Akwa Ibom and Cross River); both would have remained non-oil producing, thereby cheated by the federal government.

Looking at the above closely, I feel ashamed that instead of (any) past and present Akwa Ibom governments to honour this illustrious daughter; the present one (and I understand she played important roles in her Governor’s life), is allegedly trying to kill and run her family down. But the plot will fail. To our sister, Christy, I say peace of the Lord shall always be with you. Majority of your people love and appreciate you.

Chief Okon Emerson

95 Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.