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.