Akpabio�s Arithmetic of Governance (Posted: April 5, 2010)

By Essien Ndueso
S/A to AKS Commissioner for Information
08039529226

It is no longer news that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio was recently in Abuja honoured with the Zik Prize Award for good governance, and thereafter mounted the podium at The Lagoon Restaurant, Lagos to claim the National Daily Man of The Year (2009). These are in addition to the earlier ones, the Independent Newspaper and SilverBird Communications Man of the Year (2009) honours on the Governor.

Also Glamorous was the This Day Newspapers Emerging Tiger recognition accorded Chief Akpabio in Abuja, in a well organized and attended ceremony which attracted several past and present eminent world leaders.

In all these, the organizers maintained that the Governor�s track record in people-oriented leadership was unparalleled. His recognition by the media, understood to be the watchdog of the society and the fourth estate of the realm, perhaps leaves no one in doubt that the honours are well deserved.

Unlike in the past, when Akwa Ibom was hardly recognized on the national map, today the State has carved a niche for herself, understandably as a result of the loud show of spirit in good governance as exhibited by the present governor of the State.

That the achievements of Dr. Akpabio as Governor has been well recognized is an understatement. For example, late last year, he was honoured with a Honourary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration and Strategy (DPAS) from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The fact that this honour came to the Governor as a result of his good governance and his effort at turning the life of common people around make this award well deserved.

On Saturday, 21st of November, 2009, all roads led to Awka, the Anambra State capital. The hitherto calm city was brought to life as people from many part of Nigeria gathered to witnessed the Convocation of the university named after a prominent Nigerian, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. The convocation was also used to honour distinguished citizens of Nigeria who have contributed to the development of this country.

Though, Chief Godswill Akpabio was not the only prominent Nigerian being honoured on that day, as the Senate President, David Mark; Dr Andy Uba and others also had their name on roll, Akpabio stylishly stole the show as he strolled up majestically to receive the loudest ovation at the occasion.

One may not need to be reminded on why Governor Akpabio�s ovation continues to sound loudest from within and outside the country. For it is written in the Holy books that when they remember the deeds of the righteous, they praise him.

Of course it is true when they say that "a light on top of the mountain can never be hidden". The mammoth crowd at the This Day arena, comprising George W. Bush(ex US President), Condoleeza Rice, Kofi Anan, John Kuffour et al, was left savouring on the indelible landmark achievements of a man, whose penchant to free the people from mental slavery made him to institute free and compulsory education in primary and secondary schools across Akwa Ibom state; a vision which is fast yielding result as all public primary and secondary schools are fully enrolled. The provision of free health care services for children, elderly and pregnant women and the massive transformation of health centres complements the construction of brand new hospitals, in the state.

The construction of over 200 roads across the state, the construction of concentric flyovers to ease traffic and vehicle movement in the state capital among other life changing projects have no doubt written Governor Akpabio�s name in marble.

The distinguished personalities and organizations have made no mistake by recognizing the good works of the man known by the native as Uko Akwa Ibom (the strength of Akwa Ibom People).

Governor Akpabio has succeeded in attracting goodwill, fame and attention to Akwa Ibom by his good governance achieved through hard work, focused leadership, humility and a sense of consistency.

His dreams of transforming Akwa Ibom from a promised land to a fulfilled state has inspired his investment into projects such as the construction of a world class Tropicana Entertainment Centre in Uyo; the development of the Ibom Industrial City that will house a deep seaport, a fertilizer plants, a refinery with a composite free trade zone and a hub for oil and gas facilities; The completion of the 191 megawatts Ibom Power Plant (IPP) project and the Akwa Ibom International Airport which had since commenced commercial flights.

With these projects, Akwa Ibom State will not be a pedestrian state but a preferred destination in the gulf of guinea, this much Governor Akpabio has assured his people.

Not oblivious of the few instances of media campaigns of calumny against his administration, Governor Akpabio has repeatedly kept himself from replying his critics on newspaper pages. According to his Information Commissioner, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, the Governor has elected to reply his detractors with more projects and developmental programmes.

Reacting to the media war, Mr. Umanah said to reporters that posterity will not remember Chief Akpabio for being able to react to criticisms on media pages, rather questions will only center on the legacies that were kept behind by his administration.

On the contrary, the honours from across the country on Governor Akpabio go to confirm in strong terms that good governance is the most acceptable ideal in the world.

With different political, academic, media and social organisations falling over each others� heels with chains of endorsement, Governor Akpabio may have succeeded in displaying an uncommon arithmetic formula of good governance plus positive result equals acceptability (endorsements).