#NIGERIA #AKWAIBOM Series: THE DAYS OF THE DRAGON HERE AGAIN?

When few days ago I got information of "rumors" and grapevine chatter that thugs and political gladiators are about to unleash mayhem upon themselves in Akwa Ibom State, I thought it was the normal electioneering bolstering and machos.

Now, we have heard reports of alleged assassination in Ukanafun,Akwa Ibom State of a politician. The sad story is that  he was allegedly murdered in his home,within the serenity of his people.

So we are back to those senseless murders, killings and domination within Akwa Ibom political space we witnessed back in those days. Soon both political parties would start making political cheap score on who is responsible and who is the devil. We are all responsible . Yes, We Akwa Ibom people, who did not demand punishment and accountability during the earlier dragon days.

When a group of people assume they have monopoly of violence and cow the rest of society to fear,timidity and voicelessness ,this is what we get.

My take is that this mess is not going to be solved by the Nigerian Police, nor the Security services. They never solved the initial dragon days. Now , is the time for ,Akwa Ibom to rise hope and hold these dungs of the earth accountable. Not by violence but concerted, directed civic action and movement. We the people should immediately call those responsible out, they live amongst us,they are not spirits. I am sure someone out there knows who did this devilish act, may be more that are still in planning stages.We cannot allow our State to be held hostage by thugs and Fools.

So how did Okon Uwa die?  Was he assassinated ? Did he slumb from stampede by who? These are the season of foolishness and 0s... It's the return of the dragons.

This Dragon must be Caged Now.

#NIGERIA #AKWAIBOM GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION 2015.(and 2016 Re-run)

It is mind startling what strategic political thinking went into APC's nomination of Mr. Umana Umana, as its gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming elections next April. Let's all agree that Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria needs a change in governance. So how did Umana Umana become a change agent?  Mr.Umana  Umana  has been in PDP and in the political leadership and governance of Akwa Ibom state from the period of Victor Attah. For more than fifteen yeas to date, Mr.Umana has been in government of Akwa Ibom State as an active player and participant.

If the mantra of APC is change! Change ! How do you justify putting out a man who has been part of the governance, misgovernance, near-governance and at times blundering or misdirecting of the commonwealth of Akwa Ibom State as an agent of Change?

It appears that the people of Akwa Ibom are now left with choosing between the Ocean and a River. I urge all Akwa Ibom citizens to vote with the realization that, at least we can demand that whoever wins in April 2015, "we the people", will demand and send a message that in Akwa Ibom . That it's not going to be same game, same business and same taking us for a ride. Whoever wins , it is a reality that it's going to be the continuation of PDP administration. But we hope and look beyond the partisan political strife and electioneering and hope that it's going to be a NEW DAWN.

Let all sons and daughters,of Akwa Ibom hold whoever wins as our next Governor, feet to the fire, and help him THINK, "we the people."

Udom Emmanuel, looks more of a change compared to Umana Umana.


Godspeed Akwa Ibom State.

*This commentary was first published on March 18, 2015 and it is still relevant now.

#ONNA #AKWAIBOM #NIGERIA

It's actually not about the parties; APC/PDP, for me personally. I haven't seen their differences ideologically or their distinct governance philosophy. My beef & concern is YOU, the electorate, "we the people". Isn't it about time we think & command our senses which are common to think of not just bags of rice, wads of crisp Naira($$) notes, wrapper, ogogoro and those stomach infrastructure blinders, which are just but for a moment. But let's think for once in this coming elections on the Person! The Character! The qualities of HE/SHE that ask for our votes. These folks live amongst us, we know them. Let's start creating the ONNA, the Akwa Ibom & the Nigeria we desire...we are watching!!!

The world is watching to see the "crawling babe" begin to walk and run again. We were once known as Giants of Africa. Whatever happened to that NIGERIA? Who bewitched her? We must get this Giant awake & Roaring again. Let's use our PVCs aka voter's card to vote out the pinheads & crazies. Nigeria we Hail Thee!!!

** Originally Published December 13, 2013.
Boston, MA.
USA.