Question(s) which Prince Goddy Jedy-Agba alone is expected to Answer —by Efio-Ita Nyok

Efio-Ita Nyok|15 August 2017 

When the immediate Governor of Cross River State, Mr Liyel Imoke, who in his understandable egalitarianism insisted that Cross River Northern Senatorial District must have a taste of power and proceeded to, in self-acquired status as the imaginary Nebuchadnezzar of Cross River, ensured that the lot fell on Sen. Ben Ayade, the business tycoon Jedy-Agba was very much a powerful contender in the race for the soul of Cross River. 

I remember the rustle and hustle that characterised the entrance of the 'Obudu Prince' into the foray of the political in 2015 —so strong was the aroma of his aspiration throughout the ambience of the 18 Local Government Areas, beginning from the creeks of Bakassi to the hills of Obanlikwu, that former Gov Donald Duke would chose to be a master mixer in this political apothecary. Even the present author would later be wooed to a rally at Holy Child Secondary School field where Jedy-Agba would officially sell to Cross Riverians his aspirations for Office of Governor of Cross River. After then, the Obudu Prince would scurry out of the race for alleged health reasons. He would later be conscripted into the Ben Ayade campaign organisation. That was the end of that chapter. Hmmm! Millions of Cross Riverians were so disappointed! 

The 2019 general elections is fast approaching and contenders especially gubernatorial hopefuls are gearing up for the anticipated challenge. We have heard hear says, here and there, alleging that Prince Goddy Jedy-Agba would be gunning as well or should I say appropriately that some power centres are wooing Jedy-Agba to vie for the state top job —but, non has heard from the mouth of Jedy-Agba himself, whether he would actually run. Haven't the power centres successfully convince him to make a decision? 

Very recently, I read a news item which reported that Jedy-Agba wouldn't be running for the Office of Governor for reasons being that he has lost the support of political big wigs notable among whom are Dr Sandy Onor, Dr Alex Egbona, former Gov Donald Duke, etc; the report further alleged that Jedy-Agba may be considering running for the Office of Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to replace Dr Mrs Rose Oko. Senate!? Could this be true!? Could it really be the case that Gov Ben Ayade and Jedy-Agba are real pals so much so that the one would not love to be perceived to be against the interest of the other? 

I am aware that the advent of Jedy-Agba into active politics in 2015 or thereabouts wasn't for the purpose of financial gains —stories of his gargantuan wealth has reached high heavens! So, it would be safe to say his motivation for his foray into politics was for the purpose of service and, that is, the status probably. But, there's this other sectionalised sentiment (I can't tell how true) that has it that the subject of our discuss ventured into politics because he would acquire the immunity that goes with being a CEO of Cross River to avoid the embarrassment of Nigeria's overzealous anti-graft agencies. This sentiment also has it that Jedy-Agba's defection to the APC, after failed attempts to become governor, was to be canonised 'Saint of the Order of Mr Integrity', his friendship with the occupant of Special Adviser to the President on Prosecution may be understood in this light. 

Thus, having been canonised a saint, secured the friendship of Buhari's SA on Prosecution, lost the support of some influential politicians, doesn't want to be seen fighting with Ayade, etc there may be no real reason to vie for such immunity-covering public office. Could this later explanation be the reason why the Godilogo farmer is shying away from indicating his interest to contest for governorship? Or, is Jedy-Agba holding brief for Ben Ayade? Cross Riverians need answers.