Democracy, tears and transformation FOURTEEN years back, Nigeria had a chequered history of governance. About 13 rulers rather than leaders have at different periods remote-controlled and swaggered the compass of the nation from the Sahara to the coast. The aftermath had been years of pendulum commands, staggered policies and corruption. In the circumstances of apathy, the nation and its people went through the valleys and mountains of confusion, segregation, marginalisation, imprisonment, torture and killings. Perhaps, the cost of sacking the colonial masters appear not as high as the cost of achieving unbroken civil governance in the last 14 years. The reality of that came to bear on Akwa Ibomites in 2007 as they, with prayers and tears, entrusted their fate in thehands of Chief Godswill Akpabio. Six years later, on May 29, 2013, they reassessed the situation and in joy, thanked God for their fortunes, so far. It was at an interdenominational serviceheld at Ibom hall grounds. Thousands of Akwa Ibom people at home and the diaspora gathered to acknowledge God’s hand in Akpabio’s leadership. For them, it was not just acelebration of good governance but qualitativeleadership. The fact that Akpabio has not just been internationally acknowledged as a people-focused leader but one who has ensured good governance, has given thenation hope in democracy. For many, even in opposition, that is enough reason for them to celebrate. It was a happy day indeed in Akwa Ibom State. The bright weather and the songs of jubilation overshadowed the tears of the military years. It was the celebration of thesix years of uncommon transformation. Obviously, Akwa Ibom State has cause to celebrate in a grand style. The people in 2007 dared the principalities and powers of governance. They took the destiny in their hands, sought for additional independence and successfully enthroneda government of the people, for the people by the people. Down memory lane, Akpabio said: “We began an unlikely experiment to find out whether God still rules in the affairs of mankind and whether His will can serve as a compass in the journey of a people”. The process of uncommon transformation has remained ongoing. From roads that link communities, urban renewal and beautifications, tourism regeneration and the overhauling of transportation systems, Akpabio has created a newAkwa Ibom State. This is the state described as a destination of choice. In very clear perspectives,to the deaf, the blind, the opposition and the doubting Thomases, the blessings of the six years of uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom are nothing short of a big surprise. He has invested in education more than any governor before him in Akwa Ibom State. Challenged by the ignorance and poverty that had once ravaged the land and affected the psyche of the people, Akpabio is changing the fortune of his people through education. Similarly, the e-Library, the gas plant, the Ibom International Airport, the prisons built and handed over to the Federal Government; the construction of over ten buildings within the University of Uyo, a federal institution; the various contributions – structural and financial – to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, another federal body, all aid in rebuilding Nigeria.” To boost the economy, Akpabio has entered into negotiations with the Federal Government to build a deep sea port. The approval for commencement of work has been endorsed, as construction of water breakers commences soon as part of the state government proposal of anindustrial city project. It is estimated that it would boost positively the economy of the State, Nigeria and the entire Gulf of Guinea. Recently, as part of the Democracy Day commemoration, the Akpabio administration signed a management agreement with the Hilton Worldwide Group for the supervision of tourism and hospitality service of the Tropicana Entertainment Centre. In that agreement, the Hilton Worldwide Group, a brand in global hospitality service, has arrived to start the Uyo Hilton Gardens. At the Gardens, awet and dry park, a world-class conference centre cineplex, a galleria and shopping mall. Moreover, the state has completed the 191 mega-matt power plant, a gas processing plant, completed the phase one of the international airport, empowered 4500 women, undertaken construction of over 305 roads with fly-over bridges. The list is endless: from sports, agriculture, security and workers welfare. No section is left behind. The cause for celebration becomes clearly justified. In the committed efforts of Akpabio, the good people of Nigeria have nicknamed him an uncommon transformer. But to Akpabio: “Akwa Ibom people are more thantransformers…for whatever we have achieved we did for you”.The real aspect of the Akwa Ibom State celebration of the 14th Democracy Day and the sixyears of uncommon transformation is that thedestiny of people can change where the people believe in God. The rest of Nigerians havea duty to ensure that theexample of true leadershipset by Akpabio is replicated in their respective states. That way, Nigeria will change and regain its position as agiant of Africa. We can do it together. Mr. USEN AKPAN, a journalist, wrote from Uyo,Akwa Ibom State.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:45:21 +0000