OBA’s compelling signature is his service to the people

One signature that has defined Akwa Ibom’s most colourful, charismatic, progressive and broad-minded politician – Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) – is his penchant for adding value to lives. This clearly forms the nexus of his thoughts and one that propels him to leave enduring legacies in the service of the people which makes them see him as a true representative.

Akwa Ibom people’s quest for him to serve them come 2023, despite and in spite of intrigues associated with politics is therefore not very surprising because his service to the people has become his signature. I was privileged to criss-cross all the 31 LGAs of Akwa Ibom State with him consulting the people of the State of his Governorship aspiration. That afforded me the opportunity to interact closely with the masses on the love and acceptance of the man they earnestly want to serve them as Governor in 2023.

A typical moment with OBA is not just inspiring but rewarding considering his depth of knowledge. He understands that mental empowerment is the greatest asset for a transformational life which explains his unprecedented record of empowering Akwa Ibom sons and daughters academically and more through his all-expense-scholarship scheme that has seen 481 in public universities.

This, from my survey, is very spectacular because what people call scholarship in this clime is giving of a percentage of the school fees to beneficiaries, who are expected to raise the balance. But OBA, the real solution provider, has corrected all that. Today, the beneficiaries of his scholarship programme have every cause to focus on their academics, without the stress of hustling for the balance of school fees.

Away from this huge financial commitment to human capacity, the ebullient Akwa Ibom Governorship hopeful has supported another 450 students, different from the scholarship beneficiaries, with financial grants as a consolidation to boost excellence, alleviate poverty and human capacity deficit. OBA is worth celebrating in a jurisdiction where involvement in politics is serving self rather than the people. Truly, he has decided to think outside the box, deliberately changing narratives and impacting lives.

Give it to him as regards taking the welfare of his people personal. That is why, when some Akwa Ibom people come to him anytime he is in town away from legislative engagements, he addresses their challenges pragmatically. Sustaining a close tie with the people is one of his indelible signatures.

On record is the fact that Senator OBA, as he is fondly called, gave 500 selected widows cash reliefs that have assisted them in venturing into small-scale businesses in order to sustain their families.

Another of his signatures that strikes me is that he is “a cheerful giver” handing quality gifts ranging from brand new cars, mini-buses, tricycles, block moulding machines, sewing machines, generators, fish drying equipment and more. He has donated over 150 quality cars to Akwa Ibomites since he became a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A man who gives out more than half of his salary monthly to salvage the survival of his constituents is worth celebrating.

OBA has done more road projects than some governments. That is in addition to the numerous boreholes/water schemes, modern stalls and conveniences in some markets across the nine LGAs that make up Akwa Ibom North-East, his constituency.

Notably is the fact that, as a grassroots politician who is deeply concerned about people at that level, no wonder thousands have so far benefitted from his various vocational training and start-up grants. That is, besides, partnering with SMEDAN, NDE, and Border Community Commission to positively impact the lives of the people.

In the last few years, OBA has intervened on various fronts for the Akwa Ibom people. Such interventions include medical, fees and payments for children of widows and orphans (unreported in the media), the purchase of JAMB forms for students in his constituency, as well as other social supports considered too inconsequential to be enumerated as aspects of his achievements.

Another of OBA’s signatures is that he takes his assigned duties with utmost seriousness and commitment. For instance, he is a delight to watch during robust legislative engagements in the Senate chamber.

So far, he has several bills and motions to his credit including the Gas flaring and Prohibition bill. His ability to put an end to the over three decades rift between NNPC/ Chevron in the escravos liquid Gas project that has now yielded billions of dollars to the Federal Government is a testament to his dedication to his legislative duties. To his credit and those of some of his colleagues, Nigeria now has a Petroleum Industry Act.

The uncanny move by Senator Akpan to restore Mr Celestine Obot Williams from Ini LGA back to the Nigerian Police after 21 years of wrongful dismissal, with emoluments paid, aside from the car he bought for him as well as Mr Thompson Ntia from Mkpat Enin LGA, who was wrongfully dismissed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for exposing corruption, both not from his political domain, are remarkable feats portending his love for Akwa Ibom people.

OBA, Akwa Ibom’s incoming Governor is not just a graduate of Harvard Business School, USA, he also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a graduate of Economics from the University of Uyo and attended the famous St Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

Like Shakespeare wrote in one of his classic plays – Macbeth: ”Some are born great while others have greatness thrust on them”. However you weigh him, OBA is a leader with unique signature imprints, which Akwa Ibom needs in 2023.

Anny Michaels wrote from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State