Wani Enang|10 June 2017
I'll like to be misquoted correctly, if u must misquote me. Which is why I feel very constraint to put on record and in perspective some very undeniable facts.
1. That the emergence of Hon. Mike Etaba as MHR has occupied political discuss in CRS more than any other in this set of the present National Assembly Members we have in the Green Chambers, but to me, more that anything else, it was a practical demonstration of that "basket God uses to fetch water in other to humble the bucket"
2. It is undebatable that one of the the blanket fundamental problems we have as a people, is leadership failure, It cuts across the centre of society, it constitute the behavioral DNA of 99.5% of political leaders in the present day.
This is not because we have not had well schooled people saddle with the responsibility of providing leadership, but quite often, these group of people have ostensibly demonstrated that the education they have, has not changed their mindset and fundamental attitudinal instincts, that is why they keep joining the bandwagon of gullibility, insatiability, pride selfishness and inordinate quest to amass wealth, thereby thouroghly failing in leadership.
But today in Cross River, like Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso, Hon. Mike Etaba is emerging a clinical correction to the conundrum of Leadership failure. He has redefined leadership to mean "your ability to identify expertise, technical know-how and capacity, harness them into a pool and direct same into achieving results and dividends for your people". It is not so much about big degrees and grammar, mind you, English language is only a means of communication, not a measure of intelligence, that is why in the last two years Hon. Mike has not allowed turbulent political seas get him squinny on his goal, goal of impactful and exemplary representation for Obubra/Etung Fed. Constituency and finding a new path of political followership for Obubra LGA.
Take it or leave it, Hon. Mike Etaba is today counted among Cross River's performing House of Reps members (not all are performing mind you..) though some people are so blinded to his performance that they can't see anything good, but I will humble you today. These same group of people are the very ones who have severally led this Member of Parliament to the slaughter house for adhering to a timeless advice from his former benefactor Sen. JOE, who severally warned him and all that cares to listen to him that, "Nobody should ever do politics of not being with the governor" because him, Sen. JOE is where he is today because he had the support of the governor. Hmmmm what an advice!
Two years down the line, this perceived least qualified member has done what many Napoleons could not do. To his credit, he has:
1. A superbly articulated Bill for an Act to amend the National Directorate of Employment Act 2004, Laws of the Federation to create Skills Acquisition, Artisans and Vocational Centre for Self Empowerment Programme for National Development and for Related Matters.
2. A couple of Motions, including the one calling on the Federal Government and her relevant agencies to intervene in the communal crises in Obubra and Etung LGA's respectively.
3. Reinstatement of Mr. Orok Orok Takon(Ebhari-Mgbe) into the police force after six years.
4. Facilitated the UBE special intervention for 2015-16 to schools in Ovokwa, Yala Nkum, and Apiapum in Obubra and Bendeghe and Nsofang communities in Etung LGA's respectively as part of his Constituency Projects.
4. Procured two brand new Toyota Hilux vans for security patrol in Obubra and Etung divisions of the Nigerian Police Force.
5. Facilitated jobs for his constituents in various federal MDA's .
5. Renovated the Magistry court hall in Apiapum etc…
This is outside the numerous jumbo financial assistance given to constituents quietly.
Hon. Mike's first two years has evidently outclassed some records, whether you agree with me or not. There is soon going to be a mega empowerment program for Rural Life Enhancement and encourage entrepreneurship among young people. This is what Mike has done in his first two years, for me he deserves an applause……
I'll like to end this piece with a wise say;
"This alligator na it be my crocodile"
Weldone Hon. Member and Congratulations on your second legislative anniversary.
Wani Enang
Writes from Obubra.
