OKPOLUPM ETTEH: THE AUTHENTIC PARTYMAN

OKPOLUPM ETTEH: THE AUTHENTIC PARTYMAN

By Darlington David

“Today, I feel greatly honoured to address all of you, great colleagues and outstanding men and women, on this auspicious occasion, marking our exit from the Fifth Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as true and faithful representatives. Let me use this opportunity to thank you all for your contributions and support to this House.” This was how the motion for the last sitting, the valedictory sitting, of the Fifth Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly was set rolling by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.

It is difficult to express one’s innermost feelings on the enigma, statesman and partyman par excellence, Rt. Hon. Etteh, as he ends his record-broken tenure in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. It is even harder, for me, to attempt to express an opinion in a single narration. There is always something missing no matter how hard I tried in whatever storyline I picked.

Etteh, a marketer and administrator of note, leaves no one in doubt about his stands and beliefs on issues that have to do with the state and its people no matter how complicated. He stood firmly to be counted when it concerned the welfare of state civil servants. This was seen in the laudable role he played on the Pension Reform Bill of 2006. His unwavering commitment to the ideals of his party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and statehood has been unparalleled, even when he was pushed to the wall to have jumped the boat. He was a member and Chairman of several House Committees and notable among them was the House Committee on Special Projects, Monitoring and Implementation. He was Chief Whip and later Leader of the House. As a leader, he radiated intelligence and exemplary conduct in all his leadership positions, particularly in the House of Assembly.

During the constitution of the leadership of the Fourth and Fifth Assemblies, Etteh, more than any other person, played a key role in the emergence of its Speakers and was also very committed to resolving every impasse. He is such a team player that gives meaning to teamwork hard work.

Etteh, who has been severally described as a go-getter and an unrepentant soldier and defender of the common people, informed all the people that gathered that out of the 35 Bills received by the Fifth Assembly, 23 were passed. He said the House also made 75 Resolutions. As a lawmaker, he was astute and one of the brightest and fertile minds in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

I recalled his show of maturity in the December 8, 2015, Governorship primaries of the PDP that eventually showcase Governor Udom Emmanuel as it standard bearer. A situation he said will never deterred him from the party he loves and believes so much in, one he has worked tirelessly to make sure its structure remains intact. I was deeply touched by this singular act.

He remained an authentic party man who has been consistent in all he does. He has been steadfast and resolute, even to the end of his tenure as a state lawmaker. This is how one of his colleagues and bosom friend described him: “Etteh is a very blunt, frank courageous and fearless lawmaker in this hallowed chamber. Those of us that are really close to him know that he is a leader of leaders. This is what the Sixth Assembly will miss.”

For someone to get such applaudable testimony from a colleague is a confirmation of the fact that in Etteh, a great Iroko stands. For his successor and those who see him as a role model, a huge standard has been set for them to keep abreast.

Aside lawmaking, Etteh is a consummate and passionate man who is always doing his bid for the peace and progress of Akwa Ibom State. In all he did during his stay in the State House of Assembly, he pursued the course for the adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights. As a lawmaker who represented the people of Esit Eket and Ibeno, he has proven himself a worthy son of the area and the state.

After a solemn outpour by members, the Leader of the House wrapped it all by saying “Respectfully, Mr. Speaker and Honourable members, today, I want to do my last assignment in this Assembly. I want to move that this House do adjourn sine die.”

No doubt his tenure in the House of Assembly has been very satisfactory. His contributions aided the many successes of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Assemblies, never given to dishonest political posturing and grandstanding. In all his actions, dignity, integrity and principle, he remained the guiding beacons. Indeed, he has left a positive legacy that the Ettehs of Upenekang, the entire state constituency and Akwa Ibom State will always be proud of. Soar higher, the authentic party man.

David, a media practitioner and consultant, writes from Uyo.

Why Not Onofiok Luke?

Why Not Onofiok Luke?

By N. T. A. Efo

        I had just one encounter and I knew that some legislators, including Onofiok Luke, a lawyer and member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, were in the House of Assembly for serious reasons – to represent their people in the scheme of things in the State; to make extant laws for the people of the State and make sure the executive arm of government performed at the dictates of the people’s conscience.

        It was the day newly appointed commissioners – some were returning – in Governor Godswill Akpabio’s first second term cabinet were before the House for screening. The screening was anything, by any standard, screening.  It was more or less a sing - song afternoon, the lead vocalists being the legislators representing the nominees who in their choruses asked for those they sang for, to be permitted to take a bow and leave.

        It was few days after the Senate in Abuja had screened ministerial nominees. In Abuja, there was screening in all the sense of the word screening.  Though some Senators amongst them were told to take a bow and leave, some of them were still asked some questions pertinent to their nomination.

        You could see how disillusioned. I and some great minded Akwa Ibomites were, to watch the charade called screening at the State House of Assembly. Few people, including Luke, tried to ask questions but were overruled by the Speakers, who most times led the refrain in singing the praise of some of the nominees. On more them one occasion, he had tod the nominees, before putting the vote to the floor; “I know you performed in your office last time.  This time I know you will perform better”.  Who would ever not get cleared before such an Assembly?

        Immediately the charade was over, I called Luke and Bassey Etienam, another lawyer and member representing Urue Offiong Oruko State Constituency.  They had just left my circle in the Forum of Personal Aides to the Governor and moved to higher grounds.  So, I could easily connect with them.  They both picked the calls – they still pick my calls anyway – and based on their answers to my complains about the screening, I knew the duo were in the House for serious business.

Luke told me he had prepared questions for each of the nominees.  He never had the opportunity to ask them. Ditto Bassey. Why? The leadership decided to conduct the screening in a manner that did not allow the House to function, and the public to calibrate the scales of those to secure them.

        There are cries already in the public domain about the quality of representation thrown up by the last election.  Some say most of them can not really point hands to any valuable experience other than God’s favour and political brinkmanship.  In such cases, some believe it is only an experienced, informed, articulate, creative, sound and intelligent leadership that will make the new set of parliamentarians change agents.  Change sweeps across the nation.  All Nigerians yearn for change.  All Akwa Ibom people whether in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, the All Progressive Congress, APC, the Labour Party, other parties and even non-political citizens, yearn for change.  The change we yearn for is not about a change in leadership – though it is very important – but mostly a change in the attitude of leadership – in the things they say; in the things they do and in the things they accomplish.  People keep questioning the rationale behind a new five star hotel in Uyo and the four star hotel in Ikot Ekpene.  Yet, we put money on them and I join in betting that in two years, the two hotels will go under.  Why?  The local economy cannot feed them – with the Le Meridian Ibom Hotel and Resort being in a prime location and unique point to keep floating – not swimming - if you know the challenges of power, management et cetera, facing them. It was the House of Assembly which could have advised the government against such investments but allowed it.  All the Hose needed to do was to set up a team of consultants to look at the pros and cons of such investments and report back to the Executive.  I am sure no team could have adviced them to praise the Executives for such projects.  Ikot Ekpene needed an international market, one probably around Ikot Umo Essien axis where goods from Aba could upload for people to pick them and move them into Calabar, Eket, Uyo and the interlands, much more than a four star hotel.  Who will sleep in those hotels?  Certainly not the local populace who struggle daily to keep body and soul together.  Certainly not also the back up tiny business clan and political heavy weights who will prefer the quiet of the Nwaniba beach front to the noise of the Ikot Ekpene Plaza.

        Anyway, this piece is not about the hotels and some other misplaced investments that have left an opportunity cost in our lives.  There is still poverty glaring in the wanton display of desperation to catch any cash that drops from the Executive table. Tell people money is being shared on Wellington Bassey Way end and see the multitude that will go queue to up sometimes forever.  Sometimes without making a dime at the end.

        The function of the House of Assembly is therefore, very important, in the management of our resources to make sure that the executive gives us our vote’s worth.  We give our vocies to our representatives once we send them to the House.  My voice is now literally bequeathed to Emmanuel Bassey Ekpenyong, member representing Ini State Constituency.  On the national scene, I need to pass all my thoughts to Engr. Iboro Ekanem who will represent Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency and, of course Chief Godwill Akpabio at the Senate.  That is how democracy works. The trio need also to be in constant touch with me and other constituents to feel our pulse on all areas germane to our progress and development.

        It is on this note that I support a vibrant House of Assembly in the coming dispensation.     We have played too much of politics.  We need to move on.  From my fore-arguments, I look forward to a legislator in the mold of Luke to take up the leadership.  Thank God for the rules in the House, Luke belongs to the group of five returning legislators eligible to be voted in as Speaker.  Those who talk of setting aside the rules to allow new members become Speaker do not know how the legislature works.  The clerk cannot preside over such function.  The clerk’s duty is to see to an inauguration and the election of a Speaker.  The law can only be changed after a Speaker has been elected.

        By the zoning arrangement in the PDP, only two legislators are from Uyo Senatorial District.  Aside Luke, there is another lawyer Ime Okon from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.  Like Luke, he is said to be sound, intelligent, matured and experience.  He actually fits the bill the way Luke fits.  But the Speakership is not all about the maturity of age, which many agree Luke also possesses the maturity to the degree of his youth. The maturity of a young man like Onofiok lies in achieving so much in so short a time.  In the achievement lies an experience age cannot bring about.  This is maturity.  An elderly person who has no achievement and experience to colour his conduct in life is not matured.

        For Okon, many say he is being sponsored by the First Lady, Mrs. Uloma Ekaette Akpabio and Sir Emem Akpabio, fondly called the Godfather and the Leader.  For Luke, he is said to be backed by the Governor, the Governor-elect and incoming legislators led by Hon. Nse Ntuen, Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government.  These connections may be mere beer parlor gist though and cannot be taken with a pinch of salt.  But that is what I heard.  I also heard the First Lady-God help her; she’s too mentioned in the whole mix, including the fact that she is to produce a woman Secretary to the State Governor, SSG, from Oron nation; pray what will Udom Emmanuel’s wife produce – is also considering the Deputy Speaker, Udo Kerian Akpan, as an alternative.  Akpan is a good guy, experienced, matured but lacks the moral ground to stand on, being from the same area the Deputy Governor is from.  People are asking whether there is palpable fear that there may be a re-run and in an event Umana Umana wins, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District will be out in the cold. That shows a lack of confidence in the process that produced the Governor-elect and this shouldn’t be.  Afterall, PDP swept all polling units.  I hope nobody is trying to make us believe otherwise. 

Seriously, Luke exemplifies the new Akwa Ibom we envisage.  In Luke’s speakership will Udom succeed? Udom does not need a rubber-stamp house.  He needs a House that will engage him in robust debates which result will benefit all of Akwa Ibom State.  Luke is well concreted to both returning and incoming members of the House.  In this lies a unified House where no caucuses will be formed to the detriment of the new Akwa Ibom which we all envisage.

        Whether or not the aspirants are supported by powerful forces, the final authority lies in the members of the House which I implore to please, set sentiment aside and vote in Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke as the next Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. In Luke will they have their independence and freedom to fully cooperate with the Executive to the full extent of fulfilling their separate powers to the full benefit Akwa Ibom State.

Efo, a public affairs analyst, writes from Uyo

LEGISLATIVE EXIT OF RT. HON. OKPOLUPM ETTEH: THE LONGEST SERVING STATE LEGISLATOR

LEGISLATIVE EXIT OF RT. HON. OKPOLUPM ETTEH: THE LONGEST SERVING STATE LEGISLATOR

 BY Torobong Ekpo

“The credit belongs to those people who went to the arena and captured it… who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions to a worthy cause, who, at best, know the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt.

The ideals of one the world’s greatest leaders, Roosevelt, have wrapped the embodiment of the man, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh, who went, saw and conquered.

Born on the 19th day of September, 1970, to the royal family of Chief Ikpong Ikpong Etteh of Ukpenekang, In Ibeno Local Government Area, he became a member of the State Legislature, representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, in September, 2006, at the age of 36 after the demise Hon. Ernest Ukocho in the Third Assembly, a journey that saw him till the Fifth Assembly.

He positively affected so many lives within and outside his state constituency despite the duration of that tenure in the Third Assembly. The benevolence triggered a call on him by his people and the leadership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to retain the constituency’ seat in 2007 and 2011 in order to attract more dividends of democracy to the area, which prior to his assumption of office was rare, if not impossible.

At the Fourth Assembly that was headed by Obong Ignatius Edet, Rt. Hon. Etteh, due to his leadership strides, was endorsed the Chief Whip of the House, a position he managed to the envy of many in the discharge of his legislative duties. This is what the Deputy Leader of that Assembly, Hon. Ekere Afia, said of him: “A man who drew a thick line of distinction between politics and governance. He was accountable, accessible, approachable and presentable during his reign as the Chief Whip of the Fourth Assembly irrespective of the fact that he represented Esit Eket and Ibeno people. He extended his hands of fellowship and empowerment prowess, to other constituency, by way of appointment, employment, empowerment et al.”

Mr. Daniel Daniel Solomon, a native of Ibeno Local Government Area, in an interview posited, “Before 2009, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, had positively touched the lives of all the families in our constituency. Being a lad with Pan-Akwa Ibom Identity, he proceeded to coincidentally provide dividend of Democracy to both members of our constituency and the outside world.”

Suffice to add that the Pan Akwa Ibom Identity of Rt. Hon. Etteh implies that his genetic roots cut across the three Senatorial Districts of the State. He hails from Ibeno in Eket Senatorial District; marries his beautiful and God fearing wife, Ekaette, from Utu Etim Ekpo, in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; while his mother is a native of Ikono Local Government Area. Also, His late grandmother hailed from Uyo Local Government Area, in Uyo Senatorial District.

As a result of his exemplary lifestyle, the six tribes, Governmental and non-governmental groups and the entire people of Akwa Ibom State and beyond, bestowed on him several Patronship, titles and excellence leadership awards such as: Honorary Award of Texan, by the State of Texas, United States of America; Best State Legislator Award by The Ultimate Projector Magazine; Legislative Merit Award by Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria; African Democrat Merit Award as an African Outstanding Leader and Philanthropist by Trust Magazine; 2011 Merit Award for Humanitarian Service by NYSC Vanguard, Akwa Ibom State; 2011 African International Role Model Leadership Gold Award from Beema Communications Ltd.; Gold Service Award from Rotary Club of Uyo Metropolis of Rotary International, District 9140 – Nigeria; African Achievers Leadership Award, from Accra, Ghana; Excellence in Leadership Award from Ikot Akpa Idem Elite League, Southern Afaha Clan, Ukanafun LGA; Award of Honour from Afigh Iwaad Ekid and Certificate of Leadership from Oron Development Union, Atlanta Chapter, USA. His honoured chieftaincy titles are: Iberedem Ikono, Obong Uforo Esit Eket, Nta Nta Ekpene Ukim and Offong Ubuedai Mbo.He is also a member of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio.

In 2011, with such intimidating profile, awards and titles, Rt. Hon. Etteh, returned to the hallow chamber, almost unopposed, for the third time, where he did not only represent his constituency, but also served as the Leader of the Fifth Assembly.

He had chaired several House Committees; notable among them is the House Committee on Special Projects, Monitoring and Implementation. So far, he has remained the longest serving legislator the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has ever produced and has garnered sufficient experience in the art and science of law making.

His close associates are of the opinion that, Etteh’s strongest factor for success is self-esteem; believing he can do it, believing he deserves it, believing he will get it.

However, Rt. Hon. Etteh’s philosophy could better be summarized as follows; “Hate no one, no matter how much they have wronged you. Live humbly, no matter, how wealthy you become. Think positively, no matter how hard life is. Give much, even if you have been given little. Keep in touch with the ones who have forgotten you, forgive those who have wronged you, and do not stop praying for the best, for those you love.”

Many people describe Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh, depending on the manner they came in contact with him.

For Comrade Leo Leo Umanah, the Publicity Secretary of Akwa Ibom State Youth Caucus, Rt. Hon. Etteh “is a conscious politician, who takes care of his thoughts, when he is alone, and takes care of his words whenever he is with people.”

For Pastor Sunday Umanah of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Etteh “is the leader of Excellence leaders, a dynamic and God fearing gentleman, a lad, whose virtue is seldom in this present generation.”

For Mr. Usen Etteudoh, a Youth Leader in Esit Eket, Rt. Hon. Etteh “is an asset to the state and the nation at large, he plays a no-dirty-kind-of-politics,” and in the words of the International Coordinator of Ikpoto Akwa Ibom, Mr. Nsima Awak, Rt. Hon. Etteh is portrayed as “a faithful servant, a leader, a kingmaker, a father to the fatherless and a bridge across the divides.”

Critics have in various platforms criticized him. Albeit, several of them have posited that Rt. Hon. Etteh is a man of integrity; one that is courageous, focused, principled, dedicated, humble, simple, reserved, open, broadminded, magnanimous, meticulous, approachable, confident, energetic, influential, exposed and experienced leader.

Prior to his legislative elevation,he had his secondary education in Secondary Grammar School, Ibeno, where he bagged Senior Secondary Certificate (O’level) and proceeded to Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, where he had Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and thereafter got a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing from the prestigious Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State.

Not tired of learning, Rt. Hon. Etteh later proceeded to Galilee International Institute of Management, Isreal, where he bagged Post Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and civil service management.

He has been a President of National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS), a youth leader of Ibeno Local Government Area. Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh did his National service primary assignment at Genesis Motors, Enugu, later joined Courdeau Limited, an offshore oil service contractor to Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, as Dispatch Supervisor.

He then moved on to Jena Industries Limited as Operations Manager, and Ikang Conglomerate Nigeria Limited as Director, Operations, before incorporating a limited company called – Olgette Project Ltd, OPL, where he served as the Chairman, Board of Directors until his voluntary resignation to be in active politics.

On Friday, 5th June, 2015, this pan-Akwa Ibom leader will bid farewell to the State legislature.