28 minute read
Our Leaders Past
from Dakkada Magazine IV
by Nsikak John
Akwa Ibom has from birth been governed by men who were dedicated to leaving a mark. Col. Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha, Col. Godwin Osagie Abbe, Wing Commander Idongesit Nkanga, Lt. Col. Yakubu Bako, Navy Captain Joseph Adeusi (now deceased) and Group Captain John Ebiye, held the reins during the Military era, while Obong Akpan Isemin (now deceased), Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio and now Mr Udom Emmanuel have been democratically elected civilian Governors.
Dàkkádá spoke with the former Governors and brings you excerpts, as they bared their minds on sundry issues about the State...
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Retired Brig. Gen. Tunde Ogbeha
First Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State (September 28 1987 – 30 July 1988)
Back to 1987, tell us the story of the assignment to Akwa Ibom and how it all began when you got there.
I was attending a course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies when I was appointed Governor of Akwa Ibom State. I went down to Uyo where I was received tremendously by the people who were very excited about the creation of the state. We started from nowhere. I remember I had to displace the then Uyo Local Government Chairman from his office. Then we relocated one of the judges and used his residence as the council chambers. Incidentally, the present Deputy Governor was my Commissioner for Information. So that was where the administration started... We then started putting administrative and physical structures on ground. We called for a Master plan to be made for Uyo Town and commissioned Obong Victor Attah to design the master plan. Incidentally, Obong Attah became Governor too and continued to implement it. Since then I have had several opportunities to be in Akwa Ibom and I have seen the great strides of development that have been made and are being made, by successive administrations.
What was the greatest challenge encountered at the creation of Akwa Ibom?
Akwa Ibom had almost two-thirds of the workforce in the old Cross River State and everybody wanted to come back and since there was no systematic exodus from Calabar to Uyo, the greatest challenge was the provision of accommodation. So the major constraint we had was accommodation – office accommodation, residential accommodation – due to the unprecedented population explosion in Uyo.
What is your impression of this people?
The people are hard working. They are achievers and go-getters who put a lot of effort in the growth of the state. Their friendly disposition made the business of Government easy to implement. What would you say was your most significant achievement?
That would be the establishment of an administrative structure; the establishment of the various arms of government and the ministries, and giving them life.
You talked about seeing ‘great strides of development’; in what specific areas have you seen development?
…in various areas especially infrastructure. Uyo, for instance, was a little more than a glorified village when I went there. But Uyo now is comparable to any city in the country.
How would you rate the progress? Are you satisfied with the pace of progress?
Akwa Ibom has progressed. I think in spite of shortage of funds and the heavy wage bill, I think they have done well. The rate to me is immaterial as long as progress has been made and development is being seen.
Have you had any interactions with the current Governor and what would you say about him?
Governor Emmanuel is very charismatic and from my conversations with him, I see he has ideas of exactly what he wants to do in the state, and he is already translating those ideas to the ground. As a person, I like him.
September 1987 to September 2017; what is your advice and message to your people in Akwa Ibom State?
My message is simple. The people should stay united; only together can they build a stronger and better society. They should be focused, be hard working, and be supportive of the administration of the state. The leadership should reciprocate by making the unity, progress, welfare of Akwa Ibom and its people paramount in whatever decision. Happy birthday celebrations! (Laughter)
Thank you very much Sir You’re welcome.
Retired Brig. Gen. Godwin Abbe
25 years ago, you were given an assignment in Akwa Ibom State. What did you meet on arrival? As you know, the state was created out of necessity by President Ibrahim Babangida. Whether deliberate or inadvertent, it was clear that the people of that part of the country were shortchanged and so it was reasoned that creating the state would bring government closer to the people and accelerate the development of that part. My predecessor, Col. Tunde Ogbeha, had started a lot of planning. So I settled down to prioritize, study his thoughts, with the inputs of the people.
What has been the difference, between when you finished your assignment and the last time you were in Akwa Ibom? I visited Akwa Ibom last, about a year ago, I can say the difference is astronomical. I missed my way because the whole place had developed completely (laughter).
Are you satisfied with the level of development? First, I am very, very satisfied with the level of development of the state. In all modesty, Akwa Ibom can be adjudged to be way ahead of so many states in the country – even the older ones. This is because Akwa Ibom is peculiar and has enjoyed the benefit of continuity of service by successive leaders.
So much happened in your time as Governor; looking back, what would you have loved to do that you didn’t have the time to? I’m not sure I can turn back the hands of time. I’m not sure one can do better than the Almighty God has empowered him to do. If there was anything I thought I should I have done that I didn’t, then too bad. When God gives you an opportunity, you serve and then move on knowing you did your best.
How were you able to get the people to drive your vision and plans? What is unique is that the people of Akwa Ibom – in my own time, I don’t know about my successors – were fantastic. They are probably the easiest set of people to lead. All they demand from you is loyalty and integrity. When they spot these qualities, they will stand by you. You have served in various leadership capacities in the country; what is your word of advice to the younger generation of leaders? The moment and individual finds himself in a leadership position, he should give gratitude to God and be conscious that nothing lasts forever. He should know that only what he does – good or bad – is what he will be remembered for. Because you have a date with history, you best bet is to give your best.
Have you heard about the Dàkkádá Philosophy of the Akwa Ibom State Government? Yes. It is a clarion call for the people of Akwa Ibom State to rise and take their destiny in their own hands. It is a historic movement that encourages every Akwa Ibomite to contribute towards the development of the state without waiting to be prodded. I think Dakkada should be sustained. I think Governor Udom Emmanuel is leading a renaissance and reawakening of the people and should be commended for the steps he has taken so far. He is a can-do leader with immense capacity; from his utterances and activities.
Akwa Ibom will be 30 years on September 23rd; what is your message to Akwa Ibom? Thirty years is an opportunity to give gratitude to God that the state has continued to move forward in leaps and bounds. Thirty years later, Akwa Ibom has reasons to roll out the drums and celebrate, and give glory to God. It’s an opportunity to look at the past; an opportunity also to plan for what Akwa Ibom will look like in the next 30 years.
I would like to commend all the people who have had the privilege to occupy leadership positions in the state, at every level, both living and dead. I will specially commend all the past Governors. I commend the sitting Governor, Udom Emmanuel, for the strength of character he has exhibited and I pray that God will guide him and his deputy to lead the state to the Promised Land.
I would like to congratulate the people of Akwa Ibom state in general for their doggedness, for their commitment, and above all their faith in God. I congratulate every one.
Retired Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga
30 years after creation, what can you say about Akwa Ibom State? We have had tremendous change. We have seen changes in infrastructure, progress in human capital; in fact there is hardly any sector that hasn’t had progress - maybe some more than others. There has been tremendous progress in 30 years of statehood.
In these 30 years, has Akwa Ibom gotten to where she should be? In terms of where it should be, I think we have been able – under the circumstances we find ourselves – to get there. If we are considering factors which impact on the state, like national policies, the revenue available to the state, etc., and put these on a balance, I think we have gotten to where we should be.
These circumstances notwithstanding, how has Akwa Ibom developed in relation to Nigeria? I think the rate of development in Akwa Ibom has been faster than Nigeria’s. I believe Nigeria has been dragging Akwa Ibom back because you cannot go beyond the national laws, despite the fact that we have shown the capacity to. We pray Nigeria moves faster so Akwa Ibom can improve further.
Looking back at your time as Governor, is there anything you had wanted to do that you didn’t do for whatever reason? When I came in, the state was just two to three years old and was, more or less, an overgrown village. So everything became a priority, and when you are constrained by time and resources, it becomes even more difficult to do all you would have wanted to do. But within the time we had, we were able to touch areas we felt were important to the advancement of the state. Some may not have manifested then, but I’m happy we laid some form of foundation. For example in education, because we saw that it will be difficult for the state to development without education.
So what would you consider your most significant achievement? I think the area that I had the greatest joy, and it may not have been a great achievement, was education. I realized that our shortfall was the lack of tertiary institutions, yet we were classified as “educationally advantaged”, and our children were denied opportunities in institutions elsewhere. We were able to bring the Federal University, the Polytechnic, and the College of Education up. Other things like rural electrification also gave me joy, when you see the happiness on the faces of the people. Those were my selfish joys (laughter).
If you had the opportunity to be governor again, what would you do differently? I would continue to build on where previous administrations would have stopped. I would simply come in, see what has been done and expand it.
As somebody who knows the intricacies of Governance, what is your assessment of Governor Udom Emmanuel? He has done excellently well. You see a lot of people may not understand what he is doing. It is when he leaves that people will get to see what he is doing. I see his administration as being methodical. He did not go into gigantic industries like refineries, he is starting the smaller ones, like China started. He is also doing quite a lot in agriculture being that we cannot continue to depend solely on oil. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give him 9, and keep the remaining 1 so he could do some more (laughter) and not relax.
What do you consider the greatest asset of the Akwa Ibom people? I think it is perseverance, a hardworking mentality and the wide array of talents.
You’re a father figure to Akwa Ibom. What would be your word of advice to the younger generation, especially those in position of leadership? To start with, the ability to lead is not totally dependent on age. Look at the responsibility before you and assume the age that can handle that level of responsibility.
Do you think Akwa Ibom youths have the capability to take up this responsibility? They have the tools, like technology, which is even better now that it was then. It is just to develop a sense of responsibility with love for their land and people, and they can do better than we did in the past.
Your advice to Akwa Ibom people... I plead with Akwa Ibom people, let us show love to ourselves in justice. If we do this, the sky will not even be the limit; we can go beyond the skies.
Retired Colonel Yakubu Bako
Fourth Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State (December 15, 1993 – August 21, 1996)
Between when you were Governor and today, have there been changes? Have the changes, if any, been positive or negative? From my time to now there have been a lot of very positive changes. Akwa Ibom has been truly transformed. Uyo, for example, has been transformed from a glorified Local Government Headquarters to a State Capital. Akwa Ibom is now the place to go. Unlike before, it’s now a case of, “there is a conference, let’s go to Akwa Ibom. There is a football match, let’s take it to Akwa Ibom”. Akwa Ibom has now become a destination.
The country too has made some progress within this time. Has this positive change you talk about been at par with the rate of progress in the country? I think Akwa Ibom is moving very fast. Akwa Ibom state has overtaken some older states in terms of development – and not only physical development, but also in human development. If the country was improving at the rate which Akwa Ibom has improved, I think we would have a far better country.
What would you say is responsible for these positive changes? The leadership of the State. When I came in, I promised to leave Akwa Ibom better than I met it and I tried to live up to the promise. Every other Governor has also contributed to the progress we have today. I will give you one funny example. I was booed when the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital (now University of Uyo Teaching Hospital) was commissioned because many people considered it a white elephant project, building an empty hospital. But I got Mobil to donate some equipment and that was how it took off. Today, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital is one of the best in the South-South, if not the best.
Also, the continuity in Government has also contributed to the positive changes. During my regime, we managed to develop the golf course on a plot of land that Idongesit Nkanga had acquired years before for that purpose. The golf course was maintained by Adeusi and Ebiye after me, and so by the time Attah came in, he expanded on this by developing the Le Meridien Hotel. Governor Udom Emmanuel is also towing the same line. He has not abandoned any project saying it is “Godswill Akpabio’s project.” He has ensured to complete everything that was left uncompleted.
So what is your assessment of Mr Udom Emmanuel? Fantastic! He is doing a good job, and not just in physical development. He is creating job, industries are coming up, crime is reduced and Akwa Ibom is the most peaceful state in Nigeria. And he is doing all this with a genuine heart. You can tell when a man is genuinely committed to doing a good thing; it just shows. He is carrying people along and he is not a ruler, but a leader.
You have lived amongst Akwa Ibom people for at least two and half years; what are the standout attributes of the Akwa Ibom people? One thing you cannot take away from the Akwa Ibom people is hospitality. They are always ready to welcome and treat visitors very well, and that is evident in the influx of guests to Akwa Ibom, like I mentioned earlier. Luckily, one bad habit I observed in the state, which is “PHD,” “Pull Him Down” syndrome, is fast dying down. When I came it was very rampant but now nobody is pulling anyone down; everyone has now Dàkkádá and thinking, “what can I do make the state move forward?’
Whats your advice for Akwa Ibom state at 30, especially the youths? Akwa Ibom is not yet at 100%. The way forward is to identify those areas of weakness and rectify them. The youth should concentrate on what they can do to contribute to the growth of the state. They should think, “what can I do to be recognized in the state?” Once they think this way, they will have a competitive spirit which will be for the good of the state.
What would you do differently if you are Governor again? When I was Governor, I paid attention to Health. If I were to come back, I would look at education.
Retired Group Capt. John Ebiye
Sixth Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State (10 August 1998 – May 29, 1999)
Between when you were Governor and now, what difference has there been in Akwa Ibom? After giving birth to several children, you cannot expect a woman to remain the same. From my time as Governor till now, it is only natural that development will take place. Since handing over, I always meet with some new improvement every time I come to Akwa Ibom State. So, of course there have been a lot of changes and I am really happy to be associated with it.
In view of these improvement has Akwa Ibom, in 30 years, developed at the pace it should? From the period of its creation, if you are to compare with some other states, I think Akwa Ibom has developed faster. These are so many improvements that have made Akwa Ibom to be better off than most other states in the country. This is a state whose citizens used to go to Calabar to take flights but now people from Abia and neighbouring states are now coming to fly from Uyo. There was a time Akwa Ibom indigenes were seen as being only good as house helps, but there has been a turn around. Relatively I think the growth rate of AKwa Ibom is one of the fastest in the country.
What are the most striking attributes of the Akwa Ibom people? The people are friendly and very accommodating. Hardly does a month pass without the state hosting a major event. The Akwa Ibomite is a hardworking person who is ever ready to improve, given the opportunity. From whichever part of the state, the people work hard to improve themselves. These are some of the attributes that make Akwa Ibom tick. As someone who has occupied the seat of governance, how would you assess the current Governor of the state? There is something unique about the current Governor. We used to know Akwa Ibom during the military regimes as a Civil Service state, but the present Governor is changing that. Don’t forget that he came during the recession, so for him to use the little money available to him to industrialize the state is very highly commendable. I think he is on the right track and we are proud of him. I, personally, am proud of him because he talks less and does more.
As a former Governor, what fatherly word of advice would you give to the people, especially the youths? The age of youth is difficult to define these days (laughter). I would advise the youth to cooperate with the Government. They should study the way things work so that when it gets to their time, they will not be found wanting.
If you had the opportunity to return as Governor, what is it that you would do now that you didn’t do then? The scenario as a Military Governor is quite different from that of the democratically elected Governor. Maybe that’s why some of our former heads of state who became presidents in the democratic era have had some problems. The settings, the environment and the tasks are not the same. I won’t be able to assess it appropriately because as an elected Governor, the most difficult set of people to deal with are your brothers and sisters, since they already know you inside out. This is a political setting so it is a little more difficult.
What is your message for Akwa Ibom State at 30? At 30 we should expect to see a break from the youthful age to adulthood in all areas.
Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah
In your 8 years as Governor, what were your most significant achievements? When we came in I invited the people and said to them “come, let us build together,” it was because we had a philosophy, we had a vision. My government was to develop a vision for the growth of this state. It’s difficult to pin-point what were my most significant achievements because Akwa Ibom has really been transformed from a village to the thriving metropolis that it is.
30 years after creation, how far have we come as a state? I’ll make a very blunt statement so you’ll know where I’m coming from. Today, I believe that Akwa Ibom would be comparable to Lahore, if not Silicon Valley, producing software for enterprises all over the world; incubating new ideas and new technologies if we had pursued that vision of the science park. Today, I believe also that we would have been the maintenance hub for all the aircrafts in the West African sub-region, just as Ethiopia is for the East, and South Africa is for Southern Africa. Today I believe also that we would have been the transshipment port for all of the West African subregion if we had that natural deep-water port at Ibaka.
But Akwa Ibom is today known for the golf course and the Le Meridien Hotel. That Golf course was opened by the trio of Retief Goosen of South Africa, Nancy Lopez of America and Colin Montgomerie of Britain. The golf course is known internationally. I want to say that my government developed a vision for the growth of this state, and if followed through, everyone would be envious of Akwa Ibom. And I mean that seriously.
In respect to some of the projects you mentioned, it is public knowledge that there are bureaucratic and regulatory issues at the federal level slowing down their execution… Every effort was made to stop me from building that airport, including the fact that I was not allowed to close what is a federal highway from Oron to Uyo. You overcome them. What will be your suggestions to government? It would be to open up the Government a little bit better and acknowledge the fact that there are people out there who have ideas that can help the government.
If you had the opportunity to be in the driving seat of the state one more time, what would you do differently? I would certainly try to do more people-oriented projects. When I talk about people-oriented projects, let me give it to you in the simplest terms. You see the Ibom Plaza, people used to gather around the big TV screens especially when there were football matches. We had that before Lagos started putting up those big viewing centres. Look at the number of photographers lined up in that place now. You go beyond that to determine what type of industries would thrive.
Away from the Government, what is your opinion about the Akwa Ibom person? What are his strengths? The Akwa Ibom person has a lot of strengths, there’s no denying that. The strength of the Akwa Ibom person is very innate. We really are quite industrious. Our people are prepared to work. The people are very productive and we are proud to be self-employed. We have a lot of enterprise in us. But I will admit, we are not a very confrontational people – and I thank God for that - but people have taken advantage of that.
What is your view of Dàkkádá ? I feel proud and happy about Dàkkádá. You’ll remember that under me, we had something called Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM). We taught people proper work ethic and even simple things like saying, “Please,” “Thank you,” and “Sorry.” And I believe that Dàkkádá is like the next step beyond that, and I’m happy for that.
Akwa Ibom is 30 years this year. As a father, what is your counsel to Akwa Ibom State? Akwa Ibom State, you have citizenship rights. I am not saying you should be confrontational, but our people should stand up for their rights.
Chief Godswill Akpabio
Looking back at your years as Governor, what would you consider as your most significant achievement? I think my greatest achievement is that I was able to foster a synergy between God and governance. We handed over all intentions and supposition of Government to God, for the peace and progress of our people, making out time every single day to pray for the state. We ended the year by doing the only thing that God sent us to the world to do – we assembled the largest group of carol singers every Christmas to herald the birth of Jesus Christ because the reason for God’s creation was for man to praise God. Our firm belief is that where human strength stops is where God’s strength starts; so liaising with God and allowing him to lead the state resulted in the too numerous benefits seen between 2007 and 2015 which showed that indeed, that Government can work.
What would you have liked to do that time did not permit? I wanted all the major roads leading into Akwa Ibom to be dualized. The one from Abak to Ekparakwa to Ikot Abasi linking the East-West Road is one; then we would have partnered with the Federal Government to dualize from Ikot Ekpene all the way to Aba. I would have loved to have a major market in Akwa Ibom where people come in for trade, and also to birth industries which the current administration is doing so well. I am happy that we had a good successor who is carrying on with any work that we had left behind.
30 years is an age of maturity. Has Akwa Ibom attained maturity? Is there anything missing in the state’s development? I believe strongly that at 30 years, Akwa Ibom has come of age, and so I congratulate our founding fathers and all who fought for the creation of the State. I particularly congratulate General Ibrahim Babangida who found it necessary to create Akwa Ibom State. I thank all past leaders who contributed their quota towards building Akwa Ibom to where we are today. The journey to 30 years has not been easy but we have made a lot of progress. Where we are now, is not where we were yesterday, so I would say yes, we have matured. However, we need to invest more in education and of course, commerce.
How would you describe the man who succeeded you? God has a hand in the affairs of men and because we dedicated the State to God Almighty, He guided us to bring in a successor in very difficult times. Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is an intellectual. In a period of recession, he has managed the resources of the state very well; I also believe strongly he has the focus and determination to turn things around. I want Akwa Ibom people to pray for him and give him all the support. I see him moving the state from where we left it to another level.
How would you describe the Akwa Ibom person? What are his major attributes? The Akwa Ibom person is an interesting and amazing character who is very intelligent and has great love for God. Akwa Ibom people are not only intelligent, but they are also very honest, very appreciative of good things, and are also well sought after for their skills and intellect all over the world. They are very industrious and so are development-oriented. The mental psyche of timidity is totally gone and the Akwa Ibom person is now a very confident person. I am proud of my people.
What is your view of the Dàkkádá Philosophy? Let me thank the Governor for propounding the Dàkkádá Initiative. The Akwa Ibom child, being made of sterner stuff, has the capacity and capability to bring about a renaissance in Nigeria because traditionally we have known for excellence and for coming first. Our youths should be encouraged to sustain this position in the world at large. I believe strongly that the Dàkkádá Initiative will definitely encourage them in this direction and inspire them to even greater heights. I must also specially thank the Dàkkádá crew for the great job you guys are doing.
As a “father” of the state, what is your message to your “children”? To Akwa Ibom people at 30, let’s continue to love and show appreciation to God for the journey so far, so that God will continue to pour his blessings on us. You did not choose where you are born into; it was chosen by God for you. So, do not embrace tribalism. Try to bond together and be a united state so that people can have respect for us as the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Let us put our faith in God and not in Man because God is the author and finisher of every good thing on earth.
Thank you very much, distinguished Senator, for your time. Thank you too and God bless you.
(PART ONE) Nationally and internationally, innumerable Akwa Ibom indigenes have been pioneers in various spheres of human endeavour. As we mark 30 years of statehood, we highlight 30 of these in the first part of this series…
Onofiok Luke First Speaker, Nigerian Youth Parliament Brig. Gen. Wellington Bassey First commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army
Prof. Donald Ekong Akwa Ibom’s First male chancellor
Justice Egbert Udo Udoma First African (Chief and Acting) Governor-General of Uganda
Imeime Umanah First African female President of the Harvard Law Review Chief Akpan Ekong Bassey Akwa Ibom’s first male Senior Advocate of Nigeria
Dominic Cardinal Ekandem First Cardinal in English-speaking West Africa and first Nigerian candidate to papacy
Ibanga Udo-Akpabio First Minister of Education in the Eastern Region of Nigeria
Nsikak Eduok First Nigerian to be appointed Chief of Air Staff twice Ufot Ekong First African to study Engineering in Japanese and graduate with a firstclass from Tokai University, Japan
Mrs. Mary Obot Akwa Ibom’s first female Secretary to State Government
Obong Sampson Udo Etuk First Nigerian to institute communal educational Dr. Sunday Mbang First black President, World Methodist Council
Aniema Medekong-Enahoro Akwa Ibom’s first female pilot
Brig. Gen. Anthony Etukudo First Director-General, Standard Organsisation of Nigeria
Uduak Udom First female president of the World Council of Optometry Vincent Enyeama First Nigerian football player to make 101 appearances for the national team
Justice Eno Otu Akwa Ibom’s first female Chief Judge Abasiama Idaresit First Akwa Ibomite on Forbes list of internet entrepreneurs
Ubong Essien West Africa’s first Certified Speaking Professional
Tony Afia First Akwa Ibomite to own an electronic media house Mfonobong Essiet First Nigerian to win the Miss AfricaUSA Beauty Pageant
Prof. Comfort M. Ekpo Akwa Ibom’s first female Vice Chancellor
Obong Akpan Isemin Akwa Ibom’s first civilian Governor
Mrs Dorathy Ufot Akwa Ibom’s first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria
Arch. Enobong Ukpanah Akwa Ibom’s first qualified Architect Dr. Clement Isong Akwa Ibom’s first Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria
Etim Okon Inyang Akwa Ibom’s first Inspector General of Police
Mfon Sunday Udoh First player to score 23 goals in one Nigerian Football League season
Lady Valerie Ebe Akwa Ibom’s first female Deputy Governor
