Senator Godswill Akpabio: It Was Nice Having You Around!
“Men of service and impact are never out of job and never out of followers; they do not pass this clime often. They are part of a rare breed of whom service is life itself.”Admiral Stockdale
It has been more than one year since Senator Dr. Godswill Akpabio left office as Governor of Akwa Ibom. Those who were close to him, benefitted from his human capacity empowerment schemes and are his followers are surely missing him. There is no gainsaying the fact that between May 2007 to May 2015, we had it real good in Akwa Ibom State. The journey to the Akwa Ibom State Government House in 2007 was not an easy ride neither was it paralympics. The race could be likened to the proverb our Lord Jesus gave in the bible that, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich-man to enter heaven.
The race was for those with conviction, the fittest, swiftest and strongest. The Uncommon Transformer had the conviction of becoming the third Executive Governor of the state and that he became. In the words of Marcus Garvey, “If you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won, even before you have started.” Akpabio believed that government exists to maintain law and order and cater for the well being of the people. His stance tallies with the late Prof. Uya’s assertion that, “the promotion of the welfare of the people is the most fundamental raison d’être for government; this gives government moral anchor.”
In the words of Godswill Akpabio, “a leader that loves his people cares about their welfare and wants their advancement, and more especially dedicates himself to the service of his people, cannot, but, do so sacrificially. He must be willing to volunteer his time, energy and financial resources as well. Any one imbued with the sense of service will hardly turn into a heartless looter of ill-gotten public wealth, to the detriment of his people”.
Chief Akpabio brought on board a new kind of leadership that saw to the development of the entire state and its inhabitants. Time will fail me to begin to enumerate turnkey and life touching projects executed by Chief Akpabio. Over time we have read features and articles on the Akpabio years in government. Suffice to say that those years were the very best Akwa Ibom experienced. It was really nice having him around Hilltop mansion. How do I mean?
The public life of the Uncommon Transformer is replete with examples of service to humanity; one could confidently say that he is a gift to humanity, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. He did not only re-draw the socio-economic map of the state, he emboldened the lines that demarcates the borders with development projects and people –oriented policies to such an extent that it was easier to classify the state in comparison with its neighbours based on the presence of public utilities and abundant amenities.
This was a state that prior to 2007 could barely boast of infrastructures. Peter F. Drucker, a leadership expert once said, “Leadership is not magnetic personality that can just as well be gab tongue. It is not making friends and influencing people that are flattery. Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to higher sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.” The above assertion paints a picture of what Godswill Akpabio did for Akwa Ibom State during his years as Governor. He raised Akwa Ibom vision to see what they can achieve as a people and breaking away from the limitations that held them earth bound for many decades in the past.
He rose to become an iconic figure in the arena of political geniuses. He stood for everything that was right, good and had to do with accountability and transparency. He was bold, great, and courageous that he could hold the whole state, nay country to ransom. Here was one political leader who feared nobody and spoke the truth from the profundity of his heart not minding whose ox was gored. Godswill Akpabio gradually became an international figure of repute because everywhere you went; the gist was about Godswill Akpabio and the story of uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State. Interestingly and strikingly too, the story of Akpabio is an endless one. Generations after will continue to add to it until it grows into a monstrous edifice that will touch all parts of the world.
As a student of neo-classical economics who believes in utilitarianism (an ethical theory that holds that the proper course of action in governance is the one that maximizes the over-all good for the greatest number of individuals), Chief Akpabio took action to the effect that the good people of Akwa Ibom State were provided with the necessities of life. According to him, “I have a vision of an Akwa Ibom State perfectly united, where all ethnic nationalities, political, social and economic barriers are dissolved and all interests perfectly commingled. I see an Akwa Ibom State where all human energies, talents and endeavours are harnessed towards the collective good; without acrimony, rancour and strife; a state where peace and security reign; the land of promise not only filled with milk and honey”
When you leave or exit the stage of leadership, what will people say about you? That may seem like an odd question but it may be the most important question you can ask yourself as a leader. Most people never consider it. And that is not good, because if they don’t, their lives and leadership can take a direction different from that of their greatest potential impact. A leader must have a life sentence - a statement summarizing the goal and purpose of one’s life. This sets the direction for your life as well as determines the legacy you will bequeath to the next generation.
Chief Akpabio left a lasting legacy of leadership by example, selfless service, democratic dividends, and life touching projects, etc. The nooks and cranny of the state is inundated with beautiful sites, free and compulsory education, world class stadium, E-Library, Ibom airport, Ibom Specialist Hospital, Ibom Power Plant, road projects, flyovers, roundabouts, skyscrapers as legacies that will span decades. How can we also forget the Ibom Carol Festival that has become religious activity not only for Akwa Ibomites but for Christians around the globe. His life has become a text book for all to read and see the light.
The legacy he has left behind as a fore-most development-oriented politician has raised the bar of leadership in Nigeria and has now become a reference point for others to learn from. Legacies in Akwa Ibom State have become a sweet smelling savour in the month of those who taste it and desire more of it. Godswill Akpabio has left an indelible footprint on the sands of time in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
I believe that everybody leaves behind some kind of legacy: - while for some it is positive like that of the Chief Akpabio, to others it is negative. One fact remains, we have a choice of what legacy we will leave behind, and we must work and be intentional of what we will be remembered for when we bow out of the stage. Godswill Akpabio from onset knew the legacy he wants to leave behind and what he will be remembered for when he bows out as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. While on board, Godswill Akpabio took the state from the land of promise to the land of fulfillment through the land of limitless possibilities to the land of uncommon transformation.
Through his life of service, you must know that “your life is a book. The title page is your name, the preface your introduction to the world. The pages are daily record of your efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragement and achievement. Day by day your thought and acts are being recorded in your book of life. Hour by hour, the record is being made that must stand for all time. Once the word finis must be written, let it then be said of your book that it is a record of noble purpose, generous service, and work well done.” The life of Godswill Akpabio teaches us that someday, people will size you up and summarize your life in a single sentence.
The legacy of this iconic icon portrays the fact that, “we have made at least a start in discovering the meaning in human life when we plant shade trees under which we know full well we will never sit.” His life teaches us that the best leaders lead today with tomorrow in mind by making sure they invest in leaders who will carry their legacy forward. It may interest us to know that Chief Akpabio did not play politics with projects, but was committed to changing things. He is a man of proven integrity who has made Nigeria and entire Africa proud. He has established love and selfless service to the people. If other Governors will perform this way, Nigeria will be a better place”.
Truly, it was fun having Senator Godswill Akpabio around as our Leader. He created the congenial political and business terrain for businesses to thrive. He ensured the discovery and appreciation of talents. Because of his love for greatness, he helped discovered great artistes, actors, actresses, sportsmen and women, business moguls, politicians, leaders of o tomorrow and celebrities, etc. If you doubt me, ask the likes of Samuel Peter, Ini Edo, Moses Armstrong, Ubom Marcus, Ini Emeobong, Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke and many more. A lot of persons became self employed through government empowerment programmes.
In sum, Chief Akpabio encouraged wealth creation and ensured that everyone had a sense of belonging and a feel of government as well as a magnanimous economic outreach causing citizens from other parts of Nigeria to invade the state in search of greener pastures. The positive effects of the decision of Godswill Akpabio to develop the state still reverberates the nooks and cranny of the world. The high and the mighty kept calling; organizations and the corporate world saw the state as a haven to hold their AGMs, conferences, retreats and seminars, etc.
If books are to be written on the story of uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State, our libraries will be filled with stories of fulfilment, grass to grace, etc. Akwa Ibom state now remains a toast of many; first among equals, investors’ haven, toast of Nigeria, a model state, leading state in infrastructure renaissance and the jewel in the gulf of Guinea, the emerging African Dubai. Like my brother Samuel Ayara wrote from Abak, “We can never thank you enough for all you did to transform the state.”
Let me end this piece with the story of an eagle’s egg which was placed in the crow’s nest and got hatched by it. The eaglet did not know that it is an eagle and stayed with the crow in the lower altitude thinking of a crow by being one of them. One day when it saw an eagle trying to attack the crow flock. Something within it said, soar higher and the eagle will get scared. Once the eaglet believed it can, it went after the attacking eagle higher and higher into the high places, till it surrendered to the young energetic eagle. Surprised by the power within it, the young eagle left the crow flocks forever to live in the higher altitude of greatness and royalty.
The story of the young eagle paints the grass to grace story of Godswill Akpabio who through thick and thin, went through all odds to be a shining star in life. He fought his way through life to become one of the development pillars of Nigeria. The story of the young eagle brings to bear leadership attributes as possessed by Governor Godswill Akpabio, courage, never say never, persistence, nurturing, high flying, vigour, strength, energy, does not eat dead meat, and intense vision.
In the words of former Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan “You cannot talk about development in Nigeria without talking about Akwa Ibom and Governor Godswill Akpabio… We must all strive to keep public trust once public funds is entrusted to us and do exactly what we are required to do. That is exactly what is happening in Akwa Ibom. Everywhere in Nigeria and beyond, when they are talking about states that are doing well, they will mention Akwa Ibom.
This has happened because one man chose to place the interest of his people above self. He has truly shown that government can indeed work depending on who is on the saddle. I am proud of Godswill of Akpabio”
The story of his reign as Governor is must read grass to grace story of a detribalized Nigerian with an uncommon leadership style; a born gift to humanity whose ascendency from humility to nobility defies natural laws and theories of leadership growth. It is the story of a man who became the first in Nigeria’s democratic history to be appointed Senate Minority Leader as a first time Senator.
He remains a change agent, bastion of development and metaphor of hope who rose from the highest ladder of hardship and difficulties (Hiding in the bush while his mates were learning in school because of no money for fees) to become a world class leader and father of new Akwa Ibom State. He is statesman, certainly not a Nigerian politician but an exemplary leader (in the mould of Martin Lurther King Jnr, Nelson Mandela, Obafemi Awolowo and Theodore Roosevelt, etc) who raised the bar of leadership, proving that government can work depending on who is on the leadership saddle.
He is the Utuenikang (The Light) of the Ibibio Nation; Nta Nta (Stars) of Oron Nation, Nta Nta Offiong (Stars) of Annang Nation and Uko (The Strength & Pride ) of Akwa Ibom People. Given his superlative performance, Chief Akpabio has been crowned the Ano Mkpo Inam (The Great Performer) of Akwa Ibom State; Ebe Mme Ebekpa (Husband to the Widows) and Ete Ndito Ubuene (Father to the Fatherless).
Chief Akpabio is one leader who has done so much for his people more than any political leader dead or alive. Governor Godswill is fondly referred to as Bro Goddy, Odudu, the Philanthropist per Excellence, and Governor General of Nigerian PDP Governors, the one and only true Nigerian Politician and the Bigger Santa Claus. No one has ever appeared before him and goes back the same.
As our in law having married from Enugu State, He is the Onwa Na Etili Oha (The Moonlight that Illuminates the Lives of All); Ochendo (The Shade that covers all) and Mmiri Na Ezolu Oha (The Rain that falls and Provide Water for All). This is one Nigerian politician that has become a household name both home and abroad. He has become the epicenter of our national life and the nation seems to be revolving around his personality. There is an Ibo adage that says that, “when a child washes his hands clean, he dines with the elders.” Chief Godswill Akpabio has washed his hands clean. It was really nice and fun having you around for 8 years my Big Inlaw. Ka Chineke Mezie Okwu (Let God be the Judge).
Deacon Aluu Vincent, an HR/Media Consultant and Social Commentator writes from Uyo. [email protected] 08036688375, 08089753734