SAM IKON: A WELL DESERVED BELATED CAR GIFT

By TOROBONG EKPO.
Yesterday was exactly 102 days since I wrote an article, titled: “Sam Ikon: A virgin in Maternity Ward?” It was also a year, four months, two weeks and three days since Elder Sam Ikon left office as the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) and became a floor member in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.
Coincidentally, that same yesterday, I was notified of a car gift presented by Elder Ikon to my colleague, Otobong Nsekpong, a gesture I testified of God’s goodness to during our House Fellowship. I was elated, my joy knew no bound and, indeed, my hope rekindled.
Despite the ridiculous nature of the gift, my name was tagged on the picture message. I was extremely happy, though. I took those satires as the least of my worries. For instance, one of the contributors said “Sam Ikon has shamed Torobong Ekpo who once said that Otobong Nsekpong is jumping keke as a result of Ikon’s negligence. I wonder where he will keep his face.” I was perturbed. I took this particular quote as a lamentation from a naïve and shortsighted individual.
My highly tested, proven and exalted integrity was bastardized just because of independent comment I made 102 days ago. As such, I wish to plead for forgiveness from anyone who may have picked offence from my reasoning. My intention wasn’t to cajole neither my colleagues nor the former Speaker, whom to pundits’ observation, have been so digitalized on social media, especially in recent times.
So far, Ikon is the 12th politician that has given a journalist a car. I know of a former public officeholder who doled out brand new car and office accommodation to journalist. However, Ikon’s is significant in the sense that it came when the receiver is on the verge of quitting bachelorhood. I see this as empowerment laced with favour enshrined in the Holy Book, as such I join millions of Nigerians to congratulate him for the car gift and a family.
It behooves on destiny helpers to always satisfy their clients early. Starting from advertorial payment, petty contracts, gifts and other items; they should satisfy their supporters and clients early or wait until when the time is nigh, like Akpan Ikon has just done.
To Sam Ikon, frankly speaking, you earn my respect on this one, especially if you will extend this gesture to other aides of yours. You could recall that you had two media aides and other aides and foot soldiers who are also exercising patience like Duncan Mighty “waiting for their turn to come.”
Do not forget, Akwa Ibom people, who are very funny set of people, may surprise you in 2019. They may certainly attribute this gesture to the 102days stuff. So, now that the vigor and zeal of empowering people are in you, please use them for the betterment of everyone. I repeat, on this score, I applaud you, sir. Congratulations to Otobong Nsekpong. May you continually rise and soar higher.