Aniekeme Finbarr
In a swift political masterstroke, the members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Monday, December 21, 2015 elected Hon Barr Onofiok Luke as the speaker of the state parliament. Not only has that singular historic activity filled the vacuum created in the House of Assembly following the Court of Appeal judgement that removed the former speaker, it has sealed any slim hopes of the All Progressive Congress (APC)'s day dream of adding Akwa Ibom State to their list of conquered territories.
Barr Onofiok Luke's unanimous choice by his colleagues who are of the same party with him is an eloquent testimony of his acceptability as a big political brand and the face of an emerging generation in leadership. Across all classes and ages, the name Onofiok Luke resonates as a model to be reckoned; deep in intellect, vocal in articulation, firm in principles, fiery in advocacy, courageous even in the face of opposition and intimidation. His generous disposition speaks volumes just as his public relations skills is legendary.
The choice of Luke is a popular one and well thought out by the caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party in the house. Luke has grown over the last decade in leaps and bounds. He has added several badges to his shirts and caps to his feathers. He is one of such young leaders who have deliberately oiled the wheels of intellectual development and expansion while also making bold strides in the slippery and unpredictable terrain of politics.
Most importantly, Barr Onofiok Luke has grown with the growth of politics in the state and has perfected his understanding of the hallowed principles of loyalty and service in politics. As a human, he is not configured naturally to be immuned to mistakes, but the man Onofiok Luke has always learnt from his past actions while charting a fresh course of action for the future. The Assembly will continue in its sacred duties of making laws and oversight functions under Luke just as his legal background will add speed to the progress of the house and smoothen rough edges.
Interestingly, the emergence of Barr Luke is of great political significance. Pundits have analyzed the present political situation in the state vis a vis the last court of appeal judgement concerning the Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election matter. The Court has ordered a re-run in the 31 LGAs in the state. While the PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel have approached the supreme Court for its final say so on the matter, the worst case scenario is that there would be a re-run and Akwa Ibom people will go back to the polls to elect their Governor. In the case of a re-run, pundits have also said the speaker e of the house will stand in as acting Governor.
There comes in Onofiok Luke, member Representing Nsit Ubium in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the same Constituency the APC guber hopeful, Umana Umana comes from. It is as good as a concluded issue. Barr Luke punctured the Umana's opposition in Nsit Ubium and came out smoking at the last elections. His uncanny ability to convince the electorates to his side in the face of stiff opposition gave him the clear edge. Luke engaged in a painstaking and thorough grassroots campaign that saw him to every place where two or three were gathered; churches, farms, markets, village squares and halls, streams, pubs and people's homes.
If the above scenario (though unlikely) plays out, Onofiok Luke will chase to the APC to insignificance with his strong political aura and endearing mien. As a loyal partyman, he will mobilize men and materials to ensure total and complete victory for the party in the state.
Most importantly, it the wish of the vast majority of Akwa Ibom people that Barr Onofiok Luke succeeds in office even while thanking the immediate past speaker, Hon Aniekan Uko for his dexterous leadership abilities in piloting the affairs of the house. Uko shamed his critics who thought that being a first term member of the house will be found wanting. He provided the much needed stability for the house to take off after a close to call leadership tussle. Thank you Iboro Akam Akwa Ibom State.
I congratulate Onofiok Luke, the man of the people while wishing him well in his new assignment.
Aniekeme Finbarr wites from Honey Moon, lol
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