MR MOSES EKPO: A STABILISING FACTOR IN AKWA IBOM POLITICS. The well-orchestrated nomination of Mr. Moses Ekpo MFR as the running mate to Elder Udom Emmanuel in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Akwa Ibom State becomes very commendable when considered from the prism of harmonious and cordial relationship between the governor and deputy. The choice of someone who though not totally apolitical but at the same token not politically ambitious means that the operations of government in the next dispensation will be smooth and productive. To political novice, the nomination of Mr. Moses Ekpo MFR as deputy governorship candidate came as something from the blues whereas keen political strategists regard the nomination as a masterstroke. Those of us who had expected our principals to clinch the slot were somewhat particularly downcast when the news first filtered in, but as true party men, we and our respective principals quickly dust ourselves up and appreciated the supremacy of the party over individual’s aspirations. The incumbent governor of the state and the party (PDP) should be commended for this insightful appointment because the combination of Udom and Ekpo will create the needed synergy to take Akwa Ibom State to the next level. This assertion is predicated upon the historical brouhahas involving governors and their deputies. This nomination is therefore intended to rid the state of those bickering and create conducive environment for the government to operate. The persistent fracas between former governor Obong Victor Attah and his deputy Obong Chris Ekpenyong provides a case study in the quest to avoid acrimonious relationship between governors and their deputies. Similarly the incumbent governor of the state Dr Godswill Akpabio suffered same fate in the hand of his erstwhile deputy Nsima Ekere. It was the nomination of Lady Valarie Ebe that brought needed balance to the government. The implications of tension created by incessant squabbles between the governor and deputy are numerous. Chiefly among which is the distraction caused to the business of governance. Having a strong personality as governor and an ambitious deputy is likely to up the ante of tensions between the two offices as they say, when two elephants are fighting, the grass bear the brunt. The Akwa Ibom people have seen the phenomenal development of the present government and such development can only be feasible when there is a peaceful co-existence of relationship between the governor and his deputy. Putting things in perspectives, the nomination of Mr Moses Ekpo MFR is essentially to balance the political equation and correct the past anomalies to ensuring that the government of Udom Emmanuel coasts plainly without rancour till it berths in its final port in 2023. In addition, the choice of Mr Moses Ekpo MFR will provide the governor with the necessary skills and technical expertise needed for a smooth running of government. Mr Moses Ekpo MFR has been around the corridors of government for quite some time. He has always operated at the very heart of the establishment both at the state and federal levels and those experiences will surely become handy for achieving the goals and objectives of government. For a man who has worked as a diplomat, journalist and administrator with a career spanning several decades, his immense professional experience is an asset to our state. Information at my disposal upon interviewing several people confirms that he is a man of impeccable characteristics and professionalism. It is therefore expected that upon assumption of office comes May 2015, his exposure would come to bear. In view of the above, there is need for everyone to join hands and vote massively for the PDP, vote massively for Udom/Ekpo at the gubernatorial polls on 28th February 2015. A vote for the PDP at both the state and federal level is a vote for continuity, a vote for development and a vote for prosperity. The devils you know they say is better than the ‘angels’ you know not. Adede Stephen Sam Akpan is a public affairs analyst and commentator. He writes from London.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:46:48 +0000
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