For me the mantra of CHANGE is not new. Some believe it passionately and others hate it and me for even the thought.
The truth is, like it or hate it, or even hate me, the idea that there is a likelihood of change in the Cross River State political environment is a given.
The funny thing about it is that the issues and events shaping this change are self inflicted by those opposed to it.
Simply put: political change here is driven by sheer arrogance of power and the misread political environment that suggests that those holding temporary power hold a permanent franchise on how we think and behave politically.
Take the scenario that the powers that be are attempting to foist unpopular aspirants as the PDP flag bearers on the electorates in this age and end time of an almost eclipsed influence of a dying hegemony, then you get the full picture.
I cannot speak for the Southern Senatorial District but from interactions it is clear that the regime’s preference for a Senatorial candidate is symptomatic of a system bent on destroying itself.
I cannot think of a worst indifference to public opinion and a crass arrogance on how not to attempt to foist an unpopular candidate on a people. I don’t want to sound like I have an opinion on who should be because it is not my constituency.
The scenario at Central is a bit tricky, yet not entirely different. The challenger to Senator Ndoma Egba may be populist in outlook but people are beginning to think again about the reasons they are fed for why a prominent and capable representative like the Senator should be replaced because someone said he offended his sensibilities!
It is not helpful that this candidature is offending the sensibilities of the Party at the center which sees the senator’s challenger as at best a marginal PDP member who joined the rebellion against the party to form a cabal that has served their selfish interests in the House of Reps. amassing a huge fortune for themselves in public project patronage.
The Governor’s continued accommodation of this rebellious group in the state remains suspicious as his cozy relationship with the leadership of the rebellion has not gone unnoticed at the highest level despite his pretense at loyalty.
It is remarkable that the Speaker of the House has never missed an occasion in Cross River State, even if it is a football match or an innocuous declaration or empowerment program especially if organized by one of the members of his rebellious group who he has sufficiently empowered with juicy committee chairmanship in the House.
The question easily arises: is the governor one of the patrons of the rebellion or a mutual friend and sympathizer of it?
How loyal is a friend whose friends are your “enemies”? The answer my friends, is blowing in the wind. Only PDP National knows best.
When we as innocent citizens keep asking why our Governor, Chairman of the South South Governors’ forum from where the President comes, acclaimed bosom friend of the President and member of his kitchen cabinet, cannot influence anything to our state in four years, not even a symbolic solidarity visit, in the absence of any project for the President to come and commission, we miss this critical problem of doubtful loyalty.
The only citizens of our state who are loyal and playing at the center of the President’s attention are not just “enemies” of our Governor, they are haunted and if need be removed from office.
That is the calamity of the vilification of Senator Victor Ndoma – Egba, Leader of The Senate who must be stopped by fire by force and of Goddy Jedy Agba, Who he haunted out of office as GGM, Crude Oil Marketing of NNPC, before his eventual voluntary retirement. Others are too strategic for mention in these pages.
As our dear governor prepares to bow out of office it is clear that he does not want to leave behind any capable representative of Cross River State at the Federal level except those he has adjudged as owing personal loyalty to him and him alone.
Thus, Senator Otu is to vacate his seat for the Governor’s buddy Gershom Bassey; Hon. Daniel Asuquo for the Governor’s cousin, Dr. Emil Inyang, Hon. Essien Ayi for Dominic Oqua Edem, Hon. Nkoyo Toyo for Hon. Ita Mbora.
By this calculation Hon. Frank Adah and Hon. Bassey Ewa will remain as a mark of their meritorious service and Senator Ayade vacates for Hon Rose Oko.
Never mind that the Governor talks about second term being OK, but third term unacceptable!
Senator Otu, Hons, Nkoyo Toyo and Dan Asuquo are serving their first terms while Bassey Ewa is serving a second term already! Is it double talk? Think again! Some animals are more equal than others!
What a glorious Legacy of service our Governor wants to leave as a parting gift to us all.
For those who still think the struggle is not about them, when it gets to you there will be no one else left to fight for you.
Happy Sunday!
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3 commentsOn Redrawing The Cross River State Political Map: Design Or Accident? BY VENATIUS IKEM
Frank talk only u alone can tell d true picture of things I love u
Prolific analysis, Comrade Ikem. Let the truth be told that our docility and backwardness will harvest the worst of government officials to be sELECTED. The electorate will not see beyond the immediate satisfaction with bags of rice and cartons of beer. Ideology, national focus and what would benefit us and posterity are never central in our politics. Unfortunately, APC is not coming with clean hands either. We continue to be as they, “an onlooker is either a coward or a traitor.”
Pls let all concerns at the government house ,that people no longer need politic of extreme loyalty cross reverian needs freedom.thanks