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The administration of Governor Bassey Otu has been making waves in the political sphere, and at the forefront of this wave are three individuals who have become synonymous with the government’s inner workings. Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff, and Barr. Akika Ekpenyong, Special Adviser on General Duties, are the triumvirate that have captured the attention of political enthusiasts and critics alike.
Their influence in the government is undeniable, and it’s rare to have a conversation about Governor Otu’s administration without their names being mentioned. While some of these mentions may be laced with complaints about their perceived dominance, it’s essential to acknowledge that their consistency and loyalty to the Governor in the eight he was forced out of government were unparalleled and have ultimately, earned them the power and influence they wield today.
For eight years, while Governor Otu was out of government, these individuals stood steadfastly by him, weathering the storm and remaining committed to his course. They were the modern-day ‘Joshua and Caleb’ of Otu’s vision, tirelessly working to keep the dream alive. I personally experienced their dedication, as the SSG would call me several times in a month to discuss the prospects of Gov. Otu’s governorship. The trio unapologetically believed in him, serving as his pillars of support when many deemed the dream impossible to achieve.
Meanwhile, others who were once close to the Governor abandoned his ship, seeking greener pastures elsewhere when the milk stopped flowing. Now that the tables have turned, and it’s time for these loyalists to reap the rewards of their labour, some individuals are questioning their influence. They often focus on the privileges they enjoy today but forget to acknowledge the sacrifices they made during the eight-year wilderness. They want to enjoy the fruits of their success without having sown the seeds of consistency and loyalty that the trio did eight years ago.
While it’s natural to have reservations about their level of control, it’s only fair to recognize that their investment in the Governor’s vision has yielded a tangible return. They have earned the right to enjoy the fruits of their labour, and instead of vilifying their influence, we should be learning from their exemplary consistency, loyalty, and dedication. Let us pray that they use their privileges to benefit the common good, alleviating the burdens of the people and supporting the government in fulfilling its mandate to develop the state.
To my fellow young people, let us draw inspiration from the triumvirate’s consistency and commitment to a vision they believed in, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Their story teaches us that loyalty, perseverance, and dedication pay off in the long run. As they wield their influence, let us pray that they do so with wisdom and integrity, ensuring that politics and governance are not compromised. Where we see them falter, let us offer constructive criticism, while continuing to support them where necessary, to help the Governor deliver on his promises and build a better future for all.
To the trio, I offer these words of encouragement: may your privileged positions be a catalyst to etch your names in the annals of history with golden ink. May you wield your influence as a force for the betterment of all and not a select few. Strive to leave an indelible legacy that will forever be remembered as the triumvirate that helped Governor Otu elevate Cross River State to unprecedented heights. Don’t limit the benefits of your offices to only those within your circle, expand it. Never use your positions to oppress or for vendetta because as the table turned for you today, you don’t know whose turn is next.
-Inyali Peter, Ph.D
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.
