Akwa Ibom @ 25
On this day 25 years ago, what we know now as Akwa Ibom state came into being.’Akwa Ibomites’ are celebrating both home and abroad especially on social media, including me.
While rejoicing and feeling a sense of pride and belonging, I reflected on what I know about the state and really tried to examine how far the state has come at least from what I know.
Needless to say, the state has come a long way.
Anyone who visits Uyo today will be in awe of the transformations that have taken place- compared to four years ago. Good road, an airport, e library to name a few. Many of these developments can be attributed to Godswill Akpabio, the present governor of the state.
But while we celebrate, let us not forget that this state still has a long way to go.
Good roads, a good library etc are not enough reason to ignore the evil also going in the state. Many of us deliberately refuse to acknowledge the evil(s) going on in the state for reasons best known to ourselves.
One of the evils that intrigues me is how a common citizen cannot even get justice. Many of us are aware of the recent court case filed by Frank Okon against the election of Godswill Akpabio. The court asserted that Frank Okon had no locus standi to sue Akpabio and furthermore, the court has no jurisdiction over the matter. Did the court just realise this? Why allow the case to drag on if the court has no jurisdiction anyway. I am no lawyer but this made no sense to me.
Furthermore, we are not ashamed to praise a governor with so much blood on his hands. We’ll much rather say “at least he is building roads” or “who has clean hands?”. Many assassinations and kidnaps have been associated with Akpabio’s regime, some of which are: Madam Philomena Udonwa; Chief Paul Inyang; 3 brothers from Nkari namely: Charles, Joseph and Emmanuel; Miss Faith Udo and a host of others. In fact before her death, Christy Essien Igbokwe commented on how Akpabio’s government had continuously eliminated and kidnapped members of her family. It is a shame that people do not speak up when they should because they want to be favoured by the government.
I urge us all not to keep silent in the face of evil. And while we celebrate, let us remember that we still have a long way to go and we all must join forces to rid Akwa Ibom state of evil governance!!!.