BASSEY ALBERT: Hope for the new Akwa Ibom Since the creation of Akwa Ibom in 1987, there has been massive development in the political, social, economic and financial sector of the state. It is of note that the present leadership of the state under Chief Godswill Akpabio has uncommonly transformed the state from where it took over in 2007. For the transformation to be sustained, the service of an experienced technocrat who is vested with knowledge of problems faced by the people is required. There is need for Akwa Ibom people to look forward to more positive development in the next political dispensation. This can only be achieved when someone loved and accepted by the people across the state is given the mandate to lead the state. Akwa Ibomites deserves the best leadership owing to unprecedented strides recorded by the state in the past few years locally, nationally and internationally. The height, at which the state has reached since the return of Democracy in 1999, makes it difficult and unlikely for the people to consider settling for an average leader in 2015. It will be wrong for Akwa Ibom people to hand power over to an individual who does not understand the terrain and has no in-depth knowledge of the political scheme of things in the state, because such individual may need up to two years or more to understand challenges of the people. As countdown to the next general elections begins, politicians and opinion leaders have began widespread consultations and negotiations to weigh options as to who will take over from Governor Godswill Akpabio next year. One man that has enjoyed widespread acceptance across different ethnic divisions of the state is the immediate past Commissioner for finance, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan. Recent analysis by a group of researchers from a recently conducted opinion poll revealed that the Ibiono Ibom heavyweight is favoured to take over leadership of the state on the 29th of May, 2015. Against this backdrop, it is pertinent to critically analyze key issues to compliment reasons why Mr. Bassey Albert is preferred by many for the plum job and strongly referred to as the hope for the New Akwa Ibom. The ex-banker is a true reflection of how modern politicians should be seen. His ability to socialize and associate with people has placed him first in the minds of many and registered his name in the political dynasty of the state. True democracy is felt when an accessible, reachable, visible, available leader is saddled with responsibility of championing affairs of the people with keen interest in developing the masses to a height where they can independently stand and face life challenges through various capacity building options without depending on Government or white collar jobs. These and many more are what OBA stands for. Akwa Ibom people deserve to have a leader in Mr. Bassey Albert who they can feel, sense, touch and dream of. As we prepare to give our mandate to Mr. Bassey Albert, we should be rest assured that the future of our children will be guaranteed, because OBA having been an integral part of the Akpabio led administration already knows the loopholes and has outlined plans to consolidate on the free and compulsory education programme of the present administration to upgrade same to tertiary level through provision of state of the art infrastructures and equipments in the state’s College of Education, Polytechnic and University. Having being on ground with an understanding of key developmental issues facing these tertiary institutions, we are confident that OBA is in right position to address these concerns. Mr. Albert’s interest in Agriculture gives the local Akwa Ibom farmer hope that his leadership will guarantee total transformation of the sector with a view of repositioning the state from a consumer based to a production oriented economy. His desire to promote food security in the state and Nigeria at large has been seen as one of the fundamental reasons why he enjoys massive acceptability in rural settlements. Food processing, preservation and storage together with development of sustainable agricultural models will be top priority of OBA as a result of his love and involvement in rural farming. OBA represents the new phase of economic transformation of the state. His ongoing Research and Development program has been programmed and modeled in such a manner that when he assumes leadership of the state, he will begin proffering solutions to immediate needs of the people through provision of loans, business capital, basic social amenities and creating enabling environment to promote investment locally and globally. As an agent of positive change and social mobilization, OBA is seen by many as the bridge needed to link ethnic divisions in the state for continued peace, progress and development. This is evident in his acceptability across the three ethnic groups of the state. His coming will revitalize and strengthen institutions in the state with a view of restoring parity and social harmony amongst our traditional rulers. Akwa Ibom women acknowledge the fact that Mr. Albert is committed to their empowerment and welfare. This could be seen as key reason why hundreds of women groups and social organizations have thrown their weight behind his ambition to guarantee the future of their children. The name “Bassey Albert” rings a bell amongst women in the street, market, church, social and political gatherings. Interestingly, some of these women have not met him in person, but are already looking forward to have him lead them from 2015. The women are believed to be satisfied with testimonies brought to their domain by several individuals and groups OBA has empowered over the years. As a true democrat, OBA promised his supporters and admirers of continued support to the Akpabio led administration. He has not slipped from his words following his visit to the Akpabio family on the occasion of the burial of the mother of the state’s secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His sense of humility and commitment, despite his busy schedule has been categorized as an attribute of a spirit filled and God fearing politician, who places the feelings of others ahead of his personal interest. Akwa Ibom people, Mr. Bassey Albert is a true reflection of the sort of politicians needed to build the new Akwa Ibom. He is loaded with lofty ideas and programs capable of taking the state to a better height. His recent engagement of professionals to embark on breathtaking research across the state with view of setting up modalities for promoting public private partnership (PPP) and empowering small and medium scale entrepreneurs (SMEs) has won the heart of many. Repositioning the industrial sector is the major interest of any Government. Though it is often said Government cannot build industries, but we are positive the leadership of Mr. Bassey Albert will create the much needed enabling environment for industrial revolution of the state. Giving our mandate to Mr. Bassey Albert in 2015 will be the defining moment of Akwa Ibom’s political development, because he truly is very key to the realization of the new Akwa Ibom.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 08:53:29 +0000