HONOURABLE EMMANUEL ENOIDEM: THE MAN WHO SHOULD BE THE NEXT DEPUTY GOVERNOR In a recent post on his Facebook page, Mr Udom Emmanuel, the Akwa ibom State PDP’s flag-bearer asked for opinions on who should be his running mate. In this piece, I am presenting to Udom the quality of someone who is well suited for the demands of such high office. Hon. Enoidem is a cerebral personality and administrator who understands the workings of government like the palm of his hands. Now that the dust over the gubernatorial primaries in Akwa Ibom State is finally settled with Udom Emmanuel’s position as the PDP flag-bearer firmly secured, there is need to highlight the potentials of one man many people believe has the capabilities to become the next deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State. Without engaging in too much ding-dong, that individual is no other person than Hon. Barr. Enoidem. There are many reasons for this assertion, not least his political proficiency and dexterity, his performance precedence and loyalty to constituted authorities and faithfulness to the PDP. These are the core attributes of a leader and someone who has the ability to add real and substantial value to any government. Another key element why Hon. Barr. Enoidem is most suited for the job of a deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State is his acceptability among his people and his geo-political origin. His choice for the post would garner 100% votes to the PDP in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections. This is because Hon. Enoidem is held at a very high esteem by his constituents. Bestowing such an honour on Hon. Enoidem will bring unquantifiable political benefits to the PDP in Akwa Ibom State. There are not many people in Akwa Ibom State in the mould of Hon. Barr. Enoidem in terms of is sacrifice to the party. He has proven his integrity time and time again that he is a trusted servant and leader and in politics, trust and loyalty are everything. Hon Enoidem has shown what he is made off through his unalloyed commitment to the government of HE Godswill Akpabio and if he is given the opportunity to serve as the number two citizen of Akwa ibom State, he will exhibit similar loyalty and trust to Udom and his government. Equally, a joint ticket of Udom and Enoidem would portends something very great for our state. While Udom in one hand is an established technocrat with expansive and broad knowledge in corporate governance based on his long service with Zenith Bank, Hon. Enoidem in the other hand has been a core grass root administrator who is fully abreast with insightful knowledge of political governance. Barr. Enoidem knows the workings of government in-toto and such inside knowledge would be invaluable to the next government in Akwa Ibom State. Udom/Enoidem ticket will secure the governorship election in Akwa Ibom State for PDP without much sweat. This is the only ticket that is capable of putting Umana Okon Umana’s ambition in the shed. Another reason why Hon. Enoidem deserves to clinch the post of the deputy governor is predicated upon his service to the PDP in Akwa Ibom State. Barr. Enoidem has served the party impeccably well in different capacities since its inception and he has never falter nor found wanting in any position he occupies. The highlight of his service to the party and the people of the state climaxed with his appointment as the commissioner for Special Duties where he had the opportunity of midwifing the construction of the Akwa Ibom State International Stadium from scratch. This 30000 capacity edifice was recently commissioned to the admiration of all and to the greater benefits of Akwa Ibom people. For a man who has consistently shown patriotism and commitment to the development and sustenance of the state, there is no better way to reward him than elevate him to higher political position. While many people in the state are fair-weather politicians, indulging in selective patriotism, Hon. Enoidem has remained an epitome and quintessence of selfless loyalty and service to both the PDP and the people of our state. He has demonstrated in countless occasions that loyalty should not be condition precedent upon goodies and good time. His humane and generousity stand him out among his political contemporaries and his appointment as the deputy governor would surely attract many supporters to the PDP. With the defection of Umana Okon Umana to the APC, there is need for the PDP in Akwa Ibom State to file a very strong team who can effortlessly annihilate any political incursions from the APC. In fact, this is not time for sentiment and emotional inclination, PDP cannot take things for granted nor allowed primordial sentiments to becloud its sense of judgment at this crucial moment. All hands must be on deck to ensure Hon. Enoidem is given the slot of the DG. Similarly, he relinquished his senatorial ambition in 2011 to ensure that Senator Aloysius Etok was returned to the senate. He did to entrench equity and fairness in the political process of Ikot Senatorial District. Now is the time to repay him back for these sacrifices and it is obvious that if such opportunity is offered him, he would grab it with both hands and serve the people of the state with humility. He has the capability to partner with Udom and bring quality and responsive governance to the people of Akwa Ibom State. Adede Stephen Sam Akpan is a social critic and writes from London.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 11:36:36 +0000