VICTOR ANTAI, NELSON EFFIONG, NSE EKPENYONG: IT IS TIME TO COMPENSATE MARSHAL ABIA FOR HIS SACRIFICE TO YOUR VICTORIES

Dear Marshal, I hope this meets you well- In the harmless fury of camaraderie, please permit me to address u with openness of mind.
I would have made this ‘an open letter to Marshal Abia’, as its form and content suggest so; but the intent transcends formality and tilt towards a friendly admonition. During the last general elections sir, we were in opposing camps even though we at most times agreed on some critical principles as like minds. We showed profound respect for each others’ opinion on issues.

Our sentiments and prejudices which are the cardinal qualities of humanity played their parts perfectly in our choices, unfettered. We became friends on the esplanade of constructive criticisms clothed with respect even when we had never met.

One thing I admired so much about you unlike most of our contemporaries at that level was your level of humility and sense of humour. You never had time to exchange banter with anyone no matter the height of provocative and disparaging remarks u were constantly barraged with.

My admonition is predicated on the fact that most of those gentlemen you fought for (intellectually) have today succeeded in actualizing their ambitions. Their lives have changed even when they never believed in (CHANGE)
They may not understand the power of the media and your role no matter how minute in making them succeed. But those of us who were doing similar jobs knew what a pain you were to us.

This is not strange because unfortunately, our political ideology is hinged on MEDIOCRITY.
Those who get the reward even after being paid for the services they delivered before hand are CULTISTS AND THUGS. They don’t trek from Nsikak Eduok to Nwaniba the way you did yesterday! (pardon my offensive sense of humor) You are not a thug sir and this is quite regrettable though I never wish you were.

For those who understand contextual usage of phrases, it serves some explanations here. So I shall speak for you because we share similar cardinal principles. I take pains and risk insults from you teaming fans to post this on your wall, but I stand to walk away with a clear conscience … My message is simple and this is directed to the 3men standing tall today in the politics of Oro nation, those whom the odds have favoured and whereof you are one of the instruments that have brought this fortune. Please tell Sen. Nelson Effiong; tell Hon. Nse Ekpenyong and jolly well say this to Hon. Victor Antai that ‘we are saying they should look into your matter.’ God has blessed you with great benevolence of intellectual prowess and u have used this selflessly in advancing and promoting their political ambitions for the interest of Mbo which you verily believe.
You deserve to tap into this same anointing sir, because a rational mind takes a risk after calculating the proportionality of the expected reward.

You insisted that Hon. Nse Ekpenyong and Victor Antai would bring development to your Mbo people. The best type of development is human development and we yearn to see that reflected in one of our contemporaries and not necessarily a thug or tout. Let us see a true reflection of their benevolence in u. This might come to you as a shock because I should have sent this to your inbox, but I want those who share my sentiment to criticize us here.

Albeit, I honestly believe you have the mental capacity to look beyond the harsh words I have used here and see my genuine intentions and worries because in the words of- MARTIN NIEMOLLER: ” First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out – because I am not a trade unionist Then they came for the Jew, and I did not speak out- because I was not a Jew then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me” I have never seen Aniekan Umanah, he doesn’t know me but I love and respect the young man because he has touched the lives of my friends who have supported him the same way u support these guys.

At least you know Samuel Ayara, he is also a great writer and a journalist, ask Ubong Frank etc. Oro politicians must learn to appreciate excellence. When shall we begin to measure up with our mates from Annang and Ibibio? What is wrong with Oro politicians?! We must not all become thugs and touts! This nonsense must not continue this year. Let’s tell these men some home – truth sir.
I am watching very closely to see a positive change in your life this year and if not, I dare you to continue wasting your talents with this nonsense and you will face stiff opposition from me. It’s no threat but a promise sir. Send my message with warmest regards to them.

Thank you for your balanced view of this admonition.
Kind regards
Okor Efombruh