The GEJ Presidential Campaign Rally In Cross River BY VENATIUS IKEM

I have faithfully kept off making comments on Facebook since December, 8, 2014 for obvious reasons. I have nevertheless posted some materials I share or which amuse me once in a while to the irritation of some people, but largely to my amusement. I have decidedly not responded to any comments arising from my posts either for good reason.

Yesterday’s Presidential campaign rally in Cross River State has drawn me out. The attendance in Cross River State was great. Mobilization seemed unprecedented. As a mobilizer I was impressed.

I cannot however say the same of some of what I listened to at the rally as I watched it on my TV screen. I don’t intend to score people’s speeches here. I know how difficult it is to address a rally because I have experienced it.

I was alarmed that the Governor however thanked the President for coming to our rescue when our oil wells were taken away! And worse that we applauded that!

I was, nevertheless consoled that former Governor Donald Duke rescued the day with his diplomacy but pointed criticism of what has been denied us and a request for redemption. Of course there was more genuine applause because he spoke our minds.

I want to pretend that I did not hear the Vice President, Namadi Sambo trying strenuously to name the projects they executed in Cross River State including the Calabar power plant which the present Governor executed as Minister of Power 8 years ago!

Grovelling sycophancy is never going to help us nor win us any respect in the Federation if we remain timid and refuse to be bold!

We will continue to wind up with portfolios like Minister of Culture and Tourism and a presidential visit every four years during campaigns only.

Our state is bankrupt and a failure to attract adequate federal attention to our plight with a commensurate response to ameliorate our situation will spell doom for our aspirations as a people.

I am already sympathizing with my brother Sen. Ayade because the expectations of him are simply impossible and unachievable.

I am not a prophet of doom but the only industry left in our state is Government! Forget all the sloganeering about changing the state’s economy!