Efio-Ita Nyok|4 August 2016
Yesterday 3 August it was reported that the Special Adviser to the President on Prosecution and APC chieftain in Cross River State, Chief Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla was nominated by the President to the Senate for confirmation as a Non Executive Commissioner (South South) in the board of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC). Obono-Obla's nomination has sparked off controversy back here in his state of origin, Cross River as camps are divided between Obono-Obla's perceived demotion and elevation.
This controversy was initiated by one Samuel Bassey on cyberspace in 3 August 2016: 1:36PM post titled, Okoi Obono Obla's New Appointment, A Systematic Demotion And Embarrassment To Cross River. According to Bassey, 'Chief Okoi Obono Obla, who was, few months ago, appointed as S.A. to the President on Prosecution matters has recently been demoted to an ordinary member of the Nigerian Communications Commission, representing South South Zone. It will, certainly, beat the imagination of a sane Crossriverian that one who had risen to the exalted position of S.A. to the PRESIDENT could be celebrated when demoted to an ordinary member of a commission. An average enlightened Crossriverian should be in sobber reflection, rather'. Bassey further contended that, 'Chief Obla, as revealed, was degraded for want of composure, as he was always engaging the National Assembly on serious diatribes, a development the President considers as "bad market" for his 2019 bid. The President, who had shown consummate discontent for Obla's shabby conduct has had serious problem dispensing him, but decided to systematically degrade him so that Crossriverians will not feel bad about it'.
In a response to the allegation raised by Bassey, Obono-Obla through his media aide, Ifere Paul, immediately informed that, 'Chief Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla is still the SA to the President on Prosecution. Tell Eval to try something new'. Paul again submitted that because Obono-Obla concurrently SA Prosecution to the President 'he is made a Non Executive Commissioner to be able to attend to his responsibility as SA to President'. Paul's argument was reinforced by one Daniel Ikara who explained that, Which would you prefer: SA Prosecution attached to the Attorney General (no independence/approval/appointment) or Commissioner of NCC representing SS (With independence/approval limit of -5m/appointment of SA&PAs). Let's not over politicized issues. With Chief Okoi Obono-Obla's new appointment he can assist Cross Riverians. Let's be frank with ourselves, the essence of working is to make money to carter for one's needs and those around him. How much do you guys think Chief can make from being a SA under a Minister (mind you, I have one in my Ministry who will rather prefer to be an Asst. Director instead). Let him be demoted and bring some returns instead of promotion without any returns. Let's be matured in this our politics please'.
Albeit, this explanation did not go down well with some especially Enya Eni who still submitted thus: 'Of a truth, what how can a special adviser to the president, an office which is equivalent to that of a minister of the federal republic be assigned to serve in a federal commission as an ordinary member. What has prosecution got to do with NCC?'. One Nyen Na Nse challenged Obono-Obla to convene a press conference:'If he is still SA let him address CRS on NTA or CRBC (television no radio) also on HIT FM and it should be live'.
Other reactions went like this:
Steve Irek
But he still maintains the "SA PROSECUTION POST" jus spoke with him or is he being techical? Not in APC though but CRS on mi mind
Arikpo Abam
Hey guy! U got it wrong, always confirm ur facts b4 u come 2 d public. Chief Okoi Obono-Obla still maintain his portfolio as SA on Prosecution 2 d President. D recent appointment is an addition 2 his resume. Dn't get jealous.
Bassey Igri Echemi
Chf Bar Obono Obla has not been relieved of his appointmnt as SA on Prosecution.Nothing prevents him from serving in a board. Wailers you dont need to celebrate.
Mike Nsan
Why all the beef? Congrats to Chief Obla. APC or PDP, North or South, we are all Cross Riverians, let's sheath our swords and move progressively forward together.
Egbara Owa
cheap blackmail… i dare you "all your life, you can never be like chief(Barr) okoi Obono-Obla" not even your fourth generation or your political godfather. Not even this can reduce my respect for the man "Obono-Obla" rather, my love and respect for him have increase a trillion times. Cheap blackmail, devil incarnate you are. If you dont repent and apologies to chief okoi obono-obla, tears will never leave your eyes all your life. Go get ursef something to do. Idle mind
John Offum Edul
He that God has blessed no man curse.Okoi Obono Obla is bless and no area boy can curse him.
Ogar Ogar Christopher
Mere ranting of an ant, if I may ask who was nominated to replace Chief Obla as SA to the president people just pay the wrong piper to say rubbish be don't be in a hurry more is still on the way may be then you will loss your sanity completely thank your god you still have some lucid intervals.
Emmanuel Elvis
Why not keep calm and watch out and see if chief obla will not act as SA to d president before u tear urselves apart
Offem Obase Oyi
Wow! So much discord in the room. Why? Politics of hate and envy, not intended for progress. I know chief to be very active on social media, who takes out time to reply to post, questions and issues that concern us even when from some of us that don't deserve his response. Why don't you just send a personal message with your questions and give him time and see if he won't give a robust response or mandate someone to do that on his behalf. Cheers guys and take it easy, it's about Cross River.
Joseph Eyaba
This is the worst post from one of the wailers I have read of recent.
For your information Okoi Obono-obla remain S A to the president on Prosecution and non Executive Commissioner designate for NCC, hate or like him the man is a power broker in Abuja.
Pius Eyong
What a shame nd show of ignorance nd childish reasoning anyway dis post is not true. Chief Obla 's previous appointments still remain so. Tell your sponsors to find another lie to tell us. Bad belle people visit d next nepa transformer period.
Blessing Njong
To All the wailers,
To All the evil men
To All the Jealous hegoats
To All enemies of progress
Take note that Chief Okoi Obono-obla remains S.A. He is also Secretary Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee ;Member National Prosecution Coordinating Committee and member Constitutional and Electoral Reform Committee .
Hug the nearest transformer if all these his portfolios angered you!
Bassey Milan Bassey
What has his appointment or demotion got to do with the lives of Cross Riverians, does it put food on the tables of the Cross Riverians, rather it's for himself, his family, his wives, girlfriends, and some of his selected friends!!! When they gets to Abuja, they tends to forget home!
Bassey Inyang
Comrade Obono-Obla , President Muhammadu Buhari's adopted son, remains SA to the president and nominee to the Board of NCC as non-executive commissioner representing South-south. For those who do not know. comrade is a child after Buhari's heart.
Prince Pappy
Na waooo wish can think be dis ooo .
Sammiebright Ijing Mogu
Which kind will of God b dat? Na God put am hot charcoal for mouth, wey d mouth no fit close? Serves him rihgt jor.. Remember, wise men carefully choose their words, only fools speak unguided, be constructive in your utterances!
***Whatever it is we will get at the truth. However, Bassey's opinion is perceived by some to be a diatribe emanating from the PDP in CRS. But, Bassey has noted that he is independent and not in the employ of the ruling PDP in the state.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger & the Editor of Negroidhaven.org (Negroid Haven)
