“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” — Rom 8:28.

Of recent, almost everything, if not everything, about the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has proven the above scripture true. For the past three years on the saddle as governor, there is no month that prayers are not being offered to the God of Heaven and Earth from the Hill-Top mansion. Some months have prayers, coupled with fasting, seeking God’s hand in the affairs of this great state. Believe me, there is a God that controls the affairs of mortals. What many consider as coincidences and mere happenstances are actually divine providence at work (sometimes).

Permit me to sound more pastoral in this piece without necessarily drifting from its essence. I am confident that Mr Udom Emmanuel brought God into governance and this has aided his unprecedented success story.

“I have operated a Christ-centric government. I have led a people-centric government. I have worn humility like a badge of honour, believing that power comes from the people. I have refused to hurl insults at people who have attacked and called me names. I have refused to show anger even when I am severely provoked. I have been a servant-leader, which I had promised you. I have maintained peace in this state and brought about civility in our engagements. I hereby ask you to send me back to go and complete the Divine Mission which you had first sent me to accomplish in 2015. We couldn’t have achieved all of these except (with) Only God; and to Him alone be the glory! Akwa Ibom is rising and we must continue to move forward: Forward ever, backward never! I know I can count on you. Thank you and God bless Akwa Ibom State, God bless our people and God bless Nigeria,” declared the governor.

This focused attitude of the governor has reinforced confidence in his administration. His faith in God has given hope to many, and it’s already building momentum. Akwaibomites have risen to that greatness the Dakkada (Forward ever, backward never) apostle talked about. It’s like when a people rallies around a leader in the face of terrorist attacks. When the security of a people is threatened, they do not care about party differences; they throw away ethnic biases, all they ever want is to secure the future of the next generation. The defection of Senator Godswill Akpabio from his avowed family, without consultation, was more of laying land mines against loved ones; it was a betrayal of trust and it was poor judgment against the family. The outrage and resentment against the once-loved senator has translated into burning a furnace that either consumes the enemy or bakes the freedom.

I have often asked myself: Did Udom Emmanuel ever think from day one that a time will come when men will be men and show their deceit? Did he ever imagine the great teacher will end up the great traitor in the history of Akwa Ibom Politics?

On the street, the phrase – “No dulling” can best describe the new life injected into the system since men decided to play God. You know that daring feeling a soccer team gets when it’s down by one player, against the other supposedly complete eleven? They often are at their best, because everyone wakes up to watch each other’s back. That’s exactly what the defection has done to us: We are more alert, we are more caring, we are more concerned about each other, and we will overcome the common enemy of our hope and glorious future.

“…and those small successes will point the way to bigger ones,” said Pamela Glass Kelly.

I bet Udom Emmauel was prepared for the worst from the day one else, what is the explanation for the persistent prayer and fasting that shows man’s total dependence on the Almighty God? He was prepared for the worst: that is why he kept faith with the people by doing his best with available resources in fulfillment of his campaign promises. So, in times like this, the people will look. And, seeing the roads that Udom constructed, the hospitals that Udom built, the plastic industry that Udom made happen, the metering, pencil, toothpick, paint, syringe, coconut factories and plantation that Udom brought, the gari and fertiliser processing plants that Udom funded, then they will arise and demand he goes for a second term to consolidate on the gains of his first term.

While some might find it hard to tag along this success story - for selfish reasons - which are normal in mortals, one thing is certain: the governor is commitment to the comfort of Akwa Ibom people; he has kept faith in the midst of the storm. He has returned the party to the people. Therefore, no one has justification for exhibiting defect of any kind in the name of defection.

Whether we progress as a people or retrogress from 2019 is up to us. Our choices, our votes, our empathy or supports for this focused, result-oriented leader will define the moments. It’s up to us, and many are optimistic that the people will be smarter than the lies of the opposition to see and appreciate Mr Udom Emmanuel for a second term. If we love the zero political killings in the state since he came on board, let’s vote him again.

•Michael Okon, a public affairs analyst, writes from Uruan, Akwa Ibom State, via supremeyouthcouncil@gmail.com

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