A Governor Of Fine Words and Finer Works

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A Governor Of Fine Words and Finer Works

Otobong Sampson

At a Christmas event last year in Ikot Ekpene Udo, his native home, to celebrate the season, Governor Umo Eno did what Governor Umo Eno will always do. Ikpa Udo, one of Akwa Ibom’s prominent music talents enjoyed a rare push-moment from the state’s number one citizen. It was a moment worth more than a cheque in dollar. Going beyond his rallying call for homefront support for the music star and other local talents, the Governor relaxed protocol — as he is wont — and in a moment that threw up reminiscences of the days-when-men-were-boys, indulged the singer some steps.
On Day 3 of the Akwa Ibom State Government Exco Ministerial Briefings/End of Year Review, the Governor while making his closing remarks, found space in-between to apologize to members of his Exco whom he may have offended in insisting that the right things are done and factual narratives told to Akwa Ibom people during the Briefings. It was a direct apology. Unambiguous. Parceled in sincerity and delivered with his trademark humility.
In the last quarter of the outgone year, Governor Eno while responding to a question about his Exco gave a crystal clear reply. He would accord members of Exco the respect and dignity they deserve by notifying them when the time is right for dissolution. There would be a valedictory session where he will thank them for their services to Akwa Ibom State.
A political leader in Nigeria is generally seen to be honest as much as Joseph Goebbels would be in his account of the Holocaust. For Pastor Eno, striking a balance between when it is necessary be a politician and when it is important to be a leader has sustained and strengthened the huge trust earned from the people. In this context, being a politician does not imply aligning with Winston Churchill’s thought that he should be one with the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year; and to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.
Political leaders such as Governor Eno contributes in making democracy offer a soothing relief as “the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be”.
The Governor is not only wooing with words, he is wining by his works. For his words, he draws together an awesome range of refinement and circumspection. In his works — can be seen an important metamorphosis; as an exertion of synthesis.
An infectious reformer whose ideas are broad in sweep and precise in details. He speaks less, but is heard more. Not lost in the world of influence and not engulfed in the power game, the man today in this part of Africa presents a startling new leadership theory with flair and charismatic authority.
Nineteen moths after, both his achievements and style offer momentarily relief, as well as hope in the long run, to Nigeria’s arduous search for a workable model in political leadership.

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