By Ubong SAMPSON
In a political season such as this, every participating factor acts his role of participation according to the definition of his interest- a convert reason every contestant, whether a saint or devil, must have at least one person flying a flag of support and loyalty behind him. The one-word definition for this is simply “interest”, and just when this is clearly defined, the supporter becomes far less concerned about the general performance (in view) of the aspiring office holder and the effect(s) (negative or positive) of the rate of performance. Notwithstanding the varying interests, the drive and desire for a rapidly improving development and more rewarding output in every politically relevant society cannot be undermined.
Be that as it may, almost two decades after the advent of the most lasting democratic rule in the country’s history, the need for infrastructural development, especially lately, appears to have given way; hence, the rebelling rate in the need for human capacity development. It is pivotal for us as a people to consider capacity building from a perspective that directly affects the common man who is with little or no education. Perhaps why, while in the search for credible persons to fill the gaps, Barr. Ime Okon – one man believed to have the needed capacity to attract and spread development across all parts of the Itu/Ibiono area has been most favoured to represent the area in the National Assembly’s lower chamber come June, 2019.
The favours he is enjoying in the form of support springing up massively across boundaries within the Itu/Ibiono area are no doubt a proof of how best Barr. Okon has used his past and present political opportunity, and how evidently beneficial same has been to the people whose mandate(s) he has held.
An independent opinion poll recently conducted in the area by a team of political analysts led by the writer has confirmed Okon as leading his rivals in the race. This, we learnt, is directly resulting from his competence and zeal in the area of capacity building, being the key to unlocking potentials in his would-be constituents and constituency. Okon, it is already a widely held belief amongst his people, shall, through various intervention moves, develop and cause the development and empowerment of his people towards becoming productive.
From an analytical point of view, greater percentage of the Itu/Ibiono people believe that Okon has the conceptual approach needed to fast-track development in his would-be-leading constituency, with particular focus on understanding obstacles that inhibit people, government and private organizations (if any) resident in the area.
Having established a deeper acquaintance with more than 95 percent of the communities in the constituency, Okon understands both the major and minor challenges of the people and appears very committed to enhancing opportunities that will create room for Itu/Ibiono people to individually or collectively achieve measurable and sustainable results. His acquaintance with the problems of the people has driven him to label his in-view representation as “that which shall focus on the people and ensure the development of the common people”. Of course his two term sojourn in the state parliament has given the people a thousand and one reason not to stay in doubt.
In the modern day “make or mar” mental approach to the polity, self-security and safety is just the concern of the aspiring leader, against that of his trooping followers; but Okon seems to be having a different view about this, as he sees security as a secondary endeavour easily achieved by consistently investing in, and developing the people. Okon feels exceptionally free and secured at all times, because he feels insecurity or a feeling of same and the problem it poses will hardly arise if the people, especially the youths are engaged, moreso, rewardingly. Hence, in a bid to create means to this engagement in accordance with the assessed needs of the people, he readily makes himself available and accessible to his people irrespective of age, class, religion or ethnic affiliation.
Okon’s capacity building initiative, I can vouch, shall be of immense assistance to the tackling of problems related to the policy and models of development with key considerations on the potentials, limits and needs of his people. Through various empowerment programs which he shall be launching, Okon’s empowerment record shall sure cover every cranny of the Itu/Ibiono area. This leadership base of the professional lawyer shall further boost the orientation of his people in the area of skill-based professional participation in politics which in turn, shall be a boost their businesses and endeavours, as well as their cooperate and social lifestyle.
Okon is considered by many as the sustainable bridge between the youths and elders in the area; this can be traced to his involvement of both classes in his proposed plans and campaign processes. He is an advocate of women participation in politics, this routes in-line with the advocacy of democrats in the present era which had already approved 35% incorporation of women in governance, though the benefitting women, like Oliver Twist, are asking for more.
Okon’s political and social romance with Itu/Ibiono women has motivated women across all political units in the area under different organizations to come together to form a formidable front, all working together towards seeing to the realization of the “Barr Ime Okon 2019″ project. This consummate lawyer has a well sunk-in belief that Itu/Ibiono belongs to all who originated from it. He believes all stakeholders of the Great Itu/Ibiono Project should be involved in the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control and analysis of developmental issues affecting the area, so as to make way for efficient decision making through transparent and accountable processes.
As a leader with a humble beginning, Okon is one of the very few politicians with the patience and ability to give listening ears to the people at all times, and this allows him to key into issues affecting the masses. This clearly signifies that Okon’s goodwill is in-born and more of an attribute than a sermon – and all these are evident in the massive support and endorsements he has so far received and still receiving day after day, even as the election year is already at the next door. This is a patent fact that he is the desire of Itu/Ibiono people whenever the issue of representation in the green chamber from June, 2019 is raised.
Ubong Sampson is a Public Affairs Analyst.
