Oh! Godswill Akpabio
There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being chased away by those you once treated like brothers. Honestly, disappointment has quite a penchant for taking one by surprise. Who would have believed that the iroko tree once loved and cherished by all could suddenly become a stack of derision. With the current event. It has now been confirmed. That truly, something must kill a man. Either at close range. Distance apart. Or within. I never admire the person of Godswill Akpabio. Never for once did he get my attention. Though I’m not holding brief for the former governor, but I want to use this privilege to inform him. That he was nice to wicked people. While also being wicked to nice people. The indices explain his current political status.
Before 2006, the name Godswill Obot Akpabio only existed in the minds of few caring people. Just like a newly introduced product in the market. After clinching the PDP governorship ticket, he probably became a necessity before everyone. More groups, more friends. More admirers, more acquaintances. More commitment, more steadfastness. Jets were used to circulate his campaign posters. While dropping from the sky. People rushed, struggled in anticipation. Thinking they were money. It was funny, but endearing.
Godswill Akpabio’s candidacy was discussed at every spot. It was a clarion movement. Wherever two or more youths gathered, Akpabio, while passing-by must stop to announce that his government shall consider youth first. “This is a government of youth. Support me and we shall enjoy together.” That’s how the battalion of youths behind Akpabio began. And finally won the election, sworn-in on May 29, 2007.
Sooner or later, Godswill Akpabio shoots himself beyond his reach. From May, 29, 2007, Akwa Ibom became a dynasty of political evidence. Governance was operated at a different realm. Quite unusual from his predecessors. Money was made possible at every home. Even the jobless ones could smile to the bank. All the band-boys, motor park touts, urchins and the rest who followed him were given political appointments without educational qualification. They became millionaires overnight. Got married, built houses and established themselves. The train was so long. That’s why you heard of Personal Assistant to a Personal Assistant to a Personal Assistant. With endless train of PAs, money was made available to carter for them. Even those women who were married out, came back to get their own share. Godswill Akpabio made governance luxury, but simple. He was so generous. So open heartedly. You may say ‘was it his money?’ Yes, it wasn’t his money, but no governor, whether past or present is yet surpass his records. Oh! Godswill Akpabio.
Between 2007 and 2011, Akwa Ibom became a terror zone under Godswill Akpabio. There were fears and trembling. Because no one knew who was next. Guns were like biscuits in the hands of our youths. Number of widows was on the increase. While orphans increased tremendously. There were bloodsheds at random. Homes were no longer safe. Till today, no explanation has been given. According to him, he neither killed nor sent anyone to kill. He never kidnapped or sent anyone to kidnap. Who then could be held responsible for those heinous crimes? Time will be our guide.
For eight years, Akpabio’s family became an empire. Where politicians, both high and mighty go for cleansing and loyalty. Failure to register your brand, you’re tagged a racist. That’s how ‘Ukana gods’ came into existence. Till the last drop, few politicians were still servicing their vows. Akpabio’s brothers were kingmakers. No one dares them without receiving a bad signal. Failure to comply, your records are dented. They were feared in high places. Just because the man called Godswill regarded his family as a pillar to his achievements. One of the Akpabios even celebrated his first one billion naira. He was only a Personal Assistant to the governor. Others were rich at different frequencies. They were well established, well positioned courtesy of the Godswill man. Till this very moment, no antic-raft agency has beamed their search lights on any of them. But today, they’ve all turned their backs against the Godswill man. The same man who defiled all odds to register their names for recognition. They now join hands with strangers to ridicule the uncommon achiever. It’s a lesson learnt in a hard way. Oh! Godswill Akpabio.
Meddling with political appointments wasn’t his virtue. Close your eyes against any signal of tribal sentiment link to Godswill Akpabio’s administration as governor. Within 2007 and 2015, the richest Secretary to State Government in Nigeria served under his watch. And he was an Ibibio man. The richest Finance Commissioner in Nigeria served under his watch. Again, he was an Ibibio man. Three Deputies served under him. They were all from Ibibio. Others were evenly distributed. The richest Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Nigeria between 2007 and 2011 served under Godswill Akpabio. And he was an Oron man. The richest Personal Assistant to the Governor in Nigeria served under Godswill Akpabio. And he was an Oron man. How then was he ethnic bigot?
With the outcome of the last general elections, Godswill Akpabio now has a feeling of disbelief within him. His eyes are full of hot liquid. The event has disturbed the firmness of his lips. Because the air has been made so thick. At least, his first experience of defeat of this magnitude has made forces moving around him out of scale. Godswill Akpabio was the man with the thing in politics. And he was that thing that did the thing. What shocked him most was that he had no idea why he should be shocked. His immediate brothers took the lead. Others who had a name through his loins followed. They’re now happy. Because to them Godswill is destroyed. They buried him, not knowing he is a seed. Once there’s rain, he will definitely germinate. To them, he cannot become a governor again. But there’s something higher than a governor. To them, Godswill is weakened. But his appearances of late is showing more strength than weakness. He’s a man gifted in speech and strength. Oh! Godswill Akpabio.
My Name is Gideon Ekere
Akwa Ibom Deserves The Best!!!!
