Udom: Tackling ethnic division with infrastructure
Beautiful is the ring road 2 commissioned by Governor Udom Emmanuel.
It is a 3.32KM dualized road connecting the business district Udo Udoma and the popular artisanal -commercial and administrative area of Abak(Olusegun Obasanjo Way)
The inter-relatedness of these two utility areas has birthed an instant ease of life for visitors and dwellers through this road.
The meat for me as this infrastructure is formerly opened for public use, is the role government investment in infrastructure play in promoting history, and uniting supposedly divided State.
States do not disunite on their own. Politicians, and stone age politicking do. If the deities are not at war, why should the living?
At Offot, the heart of Ibibio land, in the State capital, during, and hours after commissioning, when Governor Udom Emmanuel chose in his powers as the State Executive to grant the deities of Annang permanent residency within the enclave of the deified gods of the Ibibio’s, the gods didn’t cringe and my ears are still funneling till now to hear the wrestling of the gods.
But NO! They were served the communion of PEACE, and are forbidden to flex muscles. The gods and goddesses of Ibibio haven’t gone to court, nor caused an eruption of turmoil on the stretch of that road for having shared their space with another .
They have not sued the government for trespassing, nor have they called for cleansing for conferring identity on a celebrated Annang son on Ibibio land.
So who are those that stoke flames in the name of politics? Exploiting our fault lines rather than mending.
Through infrastructure like this, named Obong Sampson Udoidiong, after a famous Pan Akwa Ibom Icon, who was exemplary in politics and royalty. The Obio Akpa Campus of Akwa Ibom State University stands as a testament of his political relevance in Eastern Nigeria Regional politics. He was one of the few to served as Paramount Ruler of more than two local governments -Abak, Ukanafun and Oruk Anam. The others were Akuku Ntekpere Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara. Edidem Nyaudo Inuayen Ikono and thereafter Ini. With event as this,people are challenged to at all times strive for greatness as there is a day for recompense.
I can imagine the legendary supper, reception and reflection Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udoidiong received among Eyo Uyo, Chief Nyong Essien,Chief Bassey Adiaha Attah,Chief Dr Clement Isong; Isong Akpabio;Sir Egbert Udo Udoma; Brigadier UJ Esuene; Brigadier Wellington Bassey (first commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army 1949); before now had got their right of inheritance in Uyo the melting pot of culture, except Obong Bassey Adiaha Attah.
They should be glad their efforts were not in vain, even as they look forward to a time when more heroes like Etefia Ikono, Chief Okoruen and other Icons of Akwa Ibom from Oro nation, like Etim Okon Inyang (Former Inspector General of Police 1983 -1986)will be immortalized . The gods are wise!
Uyo the State capital is indeed a sumptuous banquet of multiculturalism. The “Egbonness” from the South westerners meet the “Arewaness” of the Northerners as Olusegun Obasanjo spreads his hands to wave at Ibrahim Babaginda and Atiku Abubakka( even though grudgingly) on his way to paying respect to the memory of Sampson Udoidiong. Yet he will not pass without boldly noticing the imposing, sprouting Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat.
Dr Martha Emmanuel, First Lady of Akwa Ibom State must have started her HAPPY HOUR, seeing her husband Governor Udom Emmanuel name this beautiful piece of infrastructure after her Iconic grandpa. Maybe her best weekend is here.
Pastor Umo Eno, while counting days, as everyone prepares to herald the dawn of a Golden Era in the coming five weeks, must be elated to have a state of solid infrastructure where his incredible ARISE AGENDA shall harbour for the greatness, happiness and prosperity of the people of Akwa Ibom State..
May power remain a tool for justice, development and reform rather than oppression, division, and strife. May every development and growth be our share never our shred.
