APC, be nice to Akwa Ibom

By Emmanuel Nicholas

As the news began to cascade like a gentle morning rain, it unfolded with an air of melodrama that left many in a state of utter disbelief, as if they were ensnared in a Halloween-induced reverie. Yet, day after day, the image of Umo Eno embracing Godswill Akpabio emerged as an astonishingly trending spectacle.

With his resonant voice, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State deftly altered the narrative surrounding public perceptions, shifting from a commanding baritone to a more nuanced alto. Nevertheless, the underlying theme continued to evolve, resembling an operatic masterpiece reminiscent of Handel’s “Messiah,” leaving observers both captivated and bewildered by the unfolding drama.

We endeavour to stifle it within the mass media, yet it burgeons relentlessly, akin to garri soaking overnight. Our attempts to diminish its presence are futile, as it spreads like an uncontrollable wildfire in northern Canada. Each time Pastor Umo Eno is confronted by the media, he responds with a serene smile, recounting the message of the innocuous Akwa Ibom unity.

Like wives exchanging whispers about their husbands in the kitchen rumours of his defection swirl from one lounge to another, with inebriated voices murmuring that Governor Umo Eno is set to join the APC.

Each time these whispers arise, they are met with a deluge of condemnation for uttering such outrageous falsehoods.

One fateful day, at the newspaper stand in Ibom Plaza, a well-known lunatic renowned for his eccentric habit of reading newspapers and making wildly uncoordinated comments, proclaimed, “Do you see that picture of Akpabio laughing with Umo Eno? Soon, you’ll see a broom in the Governor’s hands!”

He was chased away like a dog that has dared to consume the king’s food, while another madman dismissed him as merely rambling. Little did we realize, his words were steeped in prophetic insight, revealing a vision that would soon unfold before our very eyes.

Day after day, it transformed into a haunting melody, echoing through the mangroves like a solemn anthem resonating in ancient Rome; even Pope Francis, before embarking on his celestial journey to meet Christ, lent his voice to this poignant refrain.

Amidst this profound expression, it felt as if one were proclaiming to the world that a hen can urinate or attempt to pass a cow through the eye of a needle. After all, everyone recognizes Governor Umo Eno, PhD, as a leader of great dignity and integrity.

In the spirit of inclusivity articulated in his homily, Governor Umo Eno PhD commenced to vocalize the hymn of The Apostolic Faith, unequivocally pledging his unwavering and unadulterated support for President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

As Pontius Pilate, I distanced myself from the doubts surrounding the man in the Ibom plaza, while the politicians fervently swore by the graves of their ancestors that Governor Umo Eno would never leave the PDP for the APC because it is an impossible journey. Little did they realize that what the leader perceives on the hunting grounds can inspire a remarkable dynamism in his actions.

The politicians in Akwa Ibom were unaware that the turbulent landscape of Nigerian politics had left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the verge of disintegration, primarily due to the reckless actions of Bar Nyesom Wike and the unquenchable ambition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

These two figures, driven by an unquenchable thirst for power, are steadily eroding the very foundation of the party, casting a shadow over its future. Their discordant refrain of “I no go gree, I no go gree” echoed through the halls of the PDP, a lamentation of stubbornness that signaled the party’s impending doom.

As Wike and Atiku continued their destructive dance, they conjured a bewildering scenario within the party’s ranks, appointing not one, but three individuals to the position of National Secretary.

This chaotic decision was reminiscent of the witchcraft covens in Akwa Akpa Uruan, which, despite their dark arts, managed to maintain a semblance of order with a single secretary.

In stark contrast, the PDP, under the influence of these two errant souls, descended into a cacophony of confusion, leaving behind a legacy of disarray that seemed to stem from the very depths of hell.

Amidst this chaos stood Governor Umo Eno, a leader of remarkable organization and vision. He was acutely aware of the heavy mandate bestowed upon him by the people of Akwa Ibom, and he was determined not to squander it.
Eno sought a solid bridge to cross to the promised land, a pathway that would ensure the fulfillment of his dreams and the aspirations of his constituents.

He was resolute in his belief that he would not walk upon a broken bridge, for he was determined to lead his people to a destiny that would not slip through his fingers as it had for Moses in times of old.

Thus, the stage was set for a battle not just for power, but for the very soul of the PDP, as the forces of chaos clashed with the aspirations of a leader who sought to restore order and purpose to a party on the brink of collapse.

In the grand history of political ambition, the stage was meticulously set for a confrontation that transcended mere power struggles; it was a battle for the very essence of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The protagonist, a steadfast leader, endeavoured alongside his fellow governors to resurrect the party, to breathe life back into its once-glorious legacy. Yet, lurking in the shadows were Wike and Atiku, whose actions conspired to thwart his aspirations, rendering him a modern-day Nehemiah, striving to rebuild amidst the ruins.

With relentless determination, he toiled to revive what was once hailed as the largest political party in Africa. However, day by day, the PDP continued to dissolve like wax under the relentless heat of disillusionment. Faced with an inexorable decline, he recognized that he had but one viable option: to seek a more stable foundation upon which to realize his dreams. The answer, he discerned, lay within the embrace of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

To him, the APC emerged not merely as a political party, but as a platform upon which he could manifest his vision of a greater Akwa Ibom, a land where the Ibom Sea Port would flourish, where the presence of the federal government would be a boon, and where prosperity would reign. After engaging in thorough consultations with his loyal followers, he made the momentous decision to transition to the APC.

This move was not born of desperation, nor was it fueled by a selfish thirst for power; rather, it was a calculated step towards restoring glory to his beloved state. Yet, the hearts of many Akwa Ibom citizens were heavy with sorrow, mourning the departure from the PDP, a party they had cherished as the love of their lives.

They had been devout followers, unwavering in their loyalty, yet the allure of nostalgia was insufficient to sway them from the path ahead.

And so it came to pass that, in a remarkable turn of events, the people of Akwa Ibom, driven by their affection for Governor Umo Eno and their fervent hope for a brighter future, resolved to follow him into the embrace of the APC. Like loyal disciples, they rallied behind their leader, marching in legions towards the ruling party, the APC.

From this moment forth, I shall no longer cast doubt upon the proclamations of those deemed mad, for I have been humbled by their visions twice over.

The first instance was in Ineh Moses, where a madman accused Nkoyo Ukpo of engaging in illicit affairs with her husband’s canoe boy. The townsfolk, in their fury, cast him into the depths of the river, yet when Nkoyo gave birth, the child bore an uncanny resemblance to the very canoe boy in question.

Tomorrow Saturday, the 21st of June, a vision once dismissed by millions of Akwa Ibom people, uttered from the lips of a mere child, had blossomed into undeniable reality, the massive structure of the PDP will take over APC transform it into the ruling Party in the State.

“APC, be kind to Akwa Ibom. Be kind to Governor Umo Eno. Yes, we have arrived; let us work together to elevate Akwa Ibom to unprecedented heights.”