GOVERNOR UDOM'S AKWA IBOM - WHERE ACCOUNTABILITY MEANS NOTHING. - Enenim Ubon

During the buildup to the 2015 election, I did not fall for the entire “Udom is right” noise,  as far as I was concerned it was unnecessary hype of someone who was yet to prove himself in rendering service to his people. In a rejoinder to one his fanboys titled “WHY THE GANG UP AGAINST UDOM WILL FAIL”, I succinctly, stated my reservations about the idea of giving one candidate a free ride to become governor, while anyone not towing that line is seen as an 'enemy of progress'.

Two years and seven months after, the entire hype has still not been justified. In the early days of the administration, all we heard were 'ground breaking' ceremonies. So rampant were these gathering of sycophants, that one began to fear the possibility of a tsunami! Well,  when the dust settled, the first project that surfaced is the governors multi billion naira country home - oga governor even built a chapel opposite too, after all he is a Deacon!

When he remembered he had a duty to perform, he led another group of sycophants to commission a moribund Peacock paints. 

Of all the numerous failings of the Udom led administration, the most unfortunate trademark is it's lack of accountability. How a chartered accountant/banker can feel so comfortable running a secretive government, allotting and disbursing state funds as if it were his retirement benefits leaves one in shock; but then “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”. 

On Friday 28th November 2017, the governor presented the 2018 budget christened “Budget of Consolidation on Industrialisation” amounting to N651.500 Billion to the state house of Assembly.

While those in government cycles saw the occasion as another avenue to make noise, the budget presentation was a sad reminder of the fact that the government of Akwa Ibom state has no idea of what it means to run a transparent government. As a matter of fact, it appears the hallmark of the present Akwa Ibom government is to ensure that by the time it leaves office, the phrase “transparency in governance” will no longer be used in Akwa Ibom state - the saddest part of this is the fact that the executive arm of government is led by, a financial expert and two former civil servants, who ought to know the importance of transperancy.  

The 2017 budget was passed by the state house of assembly in March 2017(8 months ago), with less than a month to the end of the year, a complete break down of the budget is no where to be found. All we have seen are monies alloted to subheads; item by item cost, specific project sums are only known to the governor and whomever he has decided to show it to.  How then can we evaluate that truly the monies the governor claimed(before the state HOA on friday) has been spent on projects in 2017 has actually been spent.  

The governor on the occasion(presentation of the 2018 budget) claimed that monies from the 2017 budget was also spent in the “Resuscitation of Peacock Paint Industry”, unless there is another location where the paint industry operates from, other than that, the Peacock Paint in Ikot Ekan, Etinan LGA has not been resuscitated - facts are sacred. 

A search for the 2017 budget on the official website of the State Government will prove my assertion that the state government has a lot it is hiding. 

I also won't be surprised if the 2018 budget also becomes a classified document like those before it.  

Till date AKSG hasn't stated how much it received from the Paris Club Refund - the reason for this is getting obvious. 

The government should realize that it cannot keep telling us it has achieved things with state resources, without telling us specifically how much was budgeted and subsequently spent on achieving same. 

Every financial expert ought to know the importance of transperancy and understand that it is a sine qua non to good governance but alas in Akwa Ibom the situation is different.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” - Proverbs 29:2 

In Akwa Ibom we really don't know who is in authority! 

The new task before the state government seems to be getting endorsements from all corners, school children not excluded - I hope the endorsement of posterity can also be bought alongside. 

While we arise to the faith of greatness, it is important the government of Akwa Ibom State realizes it cannot keep working in accordance with the old order. 

The writer can be engaged on @EnenimUbon on social media platforms. 

YOU ARE RUNNING ALONE. - Enenim Ubon

Your existence isn't dependent on anyone's recognition, 

So live and let others live. 

Everyone's entitled to not give a heck about your existence. 

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In the fast lane, there's no room for unnecessary breaks - lest you get hit. 

It's an odd world, expect little fairness. 

Hold unto your faith, let your beliefs see you through. 

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Look less to mere mortals. 

Depend not on dust nor ribs.

Even when you err, learn to forgive yourself. ‎

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They lied when they said “what doesn't kill you makes you stronger“. 

Believe me, somethings will always make you weak(whenever they come up) - in such moments faint not‎. 

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Let the day of adversity proof to you, that you're strong enough.

If the day of sorrow catches you kneeling, let it be that you're saying a prayer. 

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If you wanna cry - carry on; the tears will wash off the unwanted layers. 

When your soul trembles - ‎hold on for “He'll never leave you nor forsake you”. 

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You'll be heartbroken, bashed, hurt, disappointed, made a fool of - laugh/cry/wail it off, even the bitter herbs all have their uses.

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You'll ‎letdown, crack, disappoint a few hearts - let the eternal words “do unto others as you would want done to you”, guide you. 

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Flee from where you/'your little' is not appreciated.

The viciousness,madness,mayhem will drive you crazy. 

Reduce the negativity you face - you need a clear head and stable emotions to face the future.  

Stand by your friends - when they are down.

All that sad soul needs on some days, is a hand to hold.

‎You could be someone's angel.‎

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Hold on dearly to a family that loves you;‎

They are the snipers who look out for you.

On the day you face your earthquake, 

Their warmth all around will enliven your soul.‎

And when you melt a heart ‎- don't make it as useless as  candle wax. ‎

A good craftsman turns clay to a cynosure - you'll be better off for it. ‎

Enjoy your singularity - you'll miss the days of lesser cares when it's all over.‎

When you've become one with another - make the journey enviable & worthwhile. ‎‎

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Many may not wish you well, but people with good hearts still abound. 

When no one is willing to take a chance on you, someone will be willingly to give you a try - don't make them regret it. 

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Try not to judge people always - to every man his own baggage. 

A wise man once said “the demons that people carry are not written on their faces”. 

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You're getting older and there's nothing you can do about it - learn to number your days and apply your heart to wisdom. ‎

‎Be merciful and you shall obtain mercy. 

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Stay in your lane as often as you can - believe me the advantages are numerous. ‎

Stand for something - your ship is heading for destruction if every wind toss it all about. ‎

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Live, Love, Touch Lives, Create an Impact, Leave a Legacy.  

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You can be greater than you've ever imagined. 

‎©‎ Enenim Ubon‎

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I HAVE A GIRL CRUSH(1) ‎ - Enenim Ubon

I have a girl crush.

Should I call her Dorian Gray?

My pants now she owns,

Brother hold my hand. 

I feel doozy but empty, 

Brother caution me not.

For Arcadia truly now I behold,

My grapes ripening without rains.

A smiling flowering rose I behold, 

A happy suckling ‎child I become.

All from your coloured glass, ‎

My own brother dear. 

Hold out your hands for me,

For I watched you hold her arm.

Let me have a feel,

Deny me not brother dear. 

The days run fast,

The hours hear not my prayer.

To the sealed walls I return, 

With dark eyes, 

And a fragrance of her mazel. 

Mock me not brother, 

For my lips sing not my hearts rhythm,

My courage only at night do blossom, 

It's butterflies overwhelm me by day still.‎

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Brother!!

My courage found its wings,

My lips its light embraced,

But my heart in darkness now trod. ‎

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“All you desired he said,‎

‎In vain I waited each bright day,

The coloured glass could hide you not,

The keys another now has”. 

“Some day i'll be your sorceress”‎

My fire these words rekindle, 

My soul in her fragrance immeshed, 

Brother you did me well truly. 

To the walls I return, 

A portrait of my black maiden,

I hold dear. 

I have a girl crush, 

My own goddess of Tigris. ‎ ‎

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©️ Enenim Ubon‎

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2017: YOUTH BUILDING PEACE. - Enenim Ubon

Today being a day set aside to celebrate the future of every nation, it is imperative we take a critical look at the contributions of youths to nation building and the hindrances. This year's theme is apt for me, considering the various actions and speeches of youths in my country and region within the last couple of months. 

Ours has not been a “bound in freedom, peace and unity” as our national anthem suggests. It's been crisis, threats and counter threats from all regions. Unsurprisingly these activities by youths have been supported by elders, who have found it convenient to make use of these vulnerable youths to achieve their selfish aims. 

The youthful energy, intelligence, ‎perseverance, beauty etc should be properly harnessed by both individuals and the society towards nation building; failure to do this(using Nigeria as a case in point) is inimical to the growth of any nation. 

Peace should not only be seen as the absence of physical conflicts, peace includes “the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality and a working political order, that serves the interest of all”; from the above, it can be deduced that for youths to be part of peace building in any society, the leaders have a role to play in ensuring that justice and equity thrive. 

When youths(as individuals) adopt the Confucius concept: REN - benevolence/humaneness , “not to do to others as you would not wish done to yourself”, there would be a reduction(if not total elimination) of conflicts. 

In building peace, youths should realize that in situations of conflict, they bare the brunt as a large part of their lives will be wasted, this realisation will further inculcate the need for other avenues of conflict resolutions to be sought instead of violence. 

The youths should not allow their futures to be truncated by people who do not care about their survival nor their tomorrow, people who are only willing to satisfy their cravings, even if it will cost the lives of their 'boys'. 

For peace to be sustained a deliberate effort has to be made by governments to develop/strengthen institutions that will further enhance the intellectual abilities  ‎of youths to reason critically and be better positioned to fit into emerging opportunities. Youths also have to be willing to exploit the existing sturctures to better their chances of getting more in the future - leadership wouldn't be given cheaply, it has to be worked for. Instead of resorting to violence, a constant effort to harmonize their positions and make their voices heard will yield amore desirable result. Rather than use the platform the Social Media presents to constantly attack each other over issues that are in no way beneficial to their generation, the social media can become a viable tool to seek a change to existing structures and promote peaceful co-existense. 

As we mark this year's youth day, youths should not allow their futures to be hijacked by person/situations that will ultimately destroy them. No matter how dire the situation or how tense the atmosphere, a peaceful community is possible and the youths who have a lost to lose(in the absence of peace) have a duty to ensure this happens. 

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2017! 

The writer can be engaged @EnenimUbon on social media platforms.

PRAISE - Enenim Ubon

“Iwo nikan l'ogo ye(x2), mighty Father the King of creation, Iwo nikan l'ogo ye”. 

“Iwo l'oba t'aiye ati orun bo, You are the one that we adore(x2). King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesu Christi Oga ogo o. Ato farati bi oke, You are worthy of all our praise”. 

The two songs above always bring about nostalgic feelings each time there are rendered. Maybe because of the prevailing circumstances when I first heard them, or probably because of the precision with which the singer & band delivered on the day. My love for both songs(which almost often are rendered in succession) make it difficult for any singer to ruin their delivery for me. 

After listening to them again today, I began to ponder if creation indeed realises who the King of creation truly is. For those who profess to know the this King of Kings creation, do they take time to accord ALADE MIMO the due worship. 5 sundays/saturdays(depending on denomination) per month, how many are set aside to pay homage to the one in charge (baring in mind that “the entire duty of man is to praise God“), without bringing in new requests? 

Yes of course as mere mortals, with the acknowledgement of a supreme creator who can do the unimaginable - there is absolutely nothing wrong with “casting all our cares” but then on some days we ought to also approach the throne with 'thanksgiving' alone. Certain things might seem too insignificant to be thankful about; but pause and imagine, what if the water you drank this morning had gone into the wrong tract? 

You like me have not yet been listed on Forbes, you haven't received the much desired promotion you've have worked so hard for yet, your heartbreaks are innumerable, your life seems stagnated, you are lost with help seeming elusive, the pain you are going through seems unbearable each day, the situation in your country(like mine) may have made it seem impossible to 'praise and give thanks', but then have you realised it could have been worst? That you're reading this means the situation isn't totally hopeless, ‎someone unconscious and on the brink certainly cannot be reading anything at all. 

The times are indeed hard and the pressure can break anyone, yet as difficult as it could get, with all the misery around, with all the madness that confront us daily, as we strive to get the best there is, 'praise and thanksgiving' to ALAGBARA, should not cease from our mouths. If we don't praise Him, He can as well‎ raise the dry bones to do so, how would you feel if that happens in your generation? 

Have a praise filled life!

Enenim Ubon is on social media platforms as @EnenimUbon

TRANSLATION: Iwo nikan l'ogo ye(you alone are worthy of glory). 

Iwo l'oba(your are the King), t'aiye ati orun bo(that is worshipped by the ‎earth and heaven), you are the One that we adore. King of kings and Lord of lords Jesu Christi(Jesus Christ), Oga ogo o(the Lord of glory, ato farati bi oke(as dependable as a rock), You are worthy of all our praise.