The Executive Chairman of Obubra Local Government Council, Hon. Kingsley Ibon Arikpo is indeed a man with a fascinating political career and fantastic orientation. A complete gentleman of profound honesty that holds aloft the virtues of integrity and accountability, with empirically verifiable qualities to justify his true nature as a pathfinder of our emerging grassroot democracy.
It is crystal clear that no one however would require the services of a soothsayer to confirm the fact that his overwhelming victory at the recent Local Councils’ polls was a testament of a true reflection of the will of the people to bring in the God fearing Arikpo as Chairman.
in fulfilment of his campaign promise to give Obubra a sudden turn around, the Chairman was dogged in his determination to explore the indices of professionalism by choosing to work with technocrats and men of proven character. Arikpo upon assumption of office, unequivocally named his Chief Press Secretary, (CPS) Mr Ekong Okpa, a former Editor of Chronicle Group of Newspapers who until his appointment was an Editor in the Editorial and Current Affairs Unit of Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC).
Also keeping in tap with his promise of appointments, wearing the federal character principle in terms of geo – spread of the Council area, the Chairman appointed a technocrat drawn from the academia, Dr Atan Obeten Egor, as the Secretary of Council who also until his recent appointment was Head of Physics and Mathematics Departments respectively, in University of Cross River State ( UNICROSS).
Since then, the duo have worked closely with their Principal, Hon Kingsley Arikpo, who has made bold steps to change the face of the Local Government Secretariat by ordering the immediate renovation of all dilapidated residential quarters of the the Vice Chairman, Secretary, the High Court Judge’s residence and that of the Chief Magistrate among others.
As if all these were not enough, to earn the people’s praises in a space of two weeks, the Chairman released a list of 33 appointees that were carefully selected after severe scrutiny on the parameters of hard work and dedication to the Obubra course in conjunction with their unwavering support for the vision and goals of the Arikpo led administration.
Among these, seven were designated as Supervisors. The long list of the Who’s Who includes Special Advisers, Protocol and Personal Assistants. Meanwhile, commendations in the gale of congratulatory messages to the Council Chairman continued to trail his office from all wards of the Council area in appreciation for the new appointments.
The announcement which dominates the Social media space since the early hours of Sunday trended as leaders hailed Hon Kingsley Arikpo, describing his appointments into some key positions as metaphor of the idiomatic “square pegs in square holes.”
It is common place that “many are called, but few are chosen” Those called but not chosen yet should see beyond the realities of political appointments, since the Chairman has earlier promised to leave no stone unturned to exploit juicy honey combs for youths of Obubra to improve on their livelihoods.
In the light of the foregoing, It is imperative for all sons and daughters of Obubra, at home and the diaspora, to rally round the Chairman, Hon Arikpo, to enable him realise the cardinal objectives and aspirations of writing a new narrative that would rid off impunity, marginalisation and retrogression.
The duty owed by the people is prayers for the Kingsley Arikpo led administration, while the Chairman and his team owe the people good governance and service delivery.
But however, in a democracy, constructive criticism remain a special ingredient for checks and balances, therefore it would be more rewarding for those still disenchanted for any reason, to sheath their swords and embrace peace, come together as every one is important in this administration as the Chairman had earlier covenanted an open door policy and inclusiveness to all irrespective of political linings.
It would also be recalled that at the recently concluded exhibition at the Calabar International trade Fair, Obubra contingent sponsored by the new Council Chairman, Hon Arikpo, stood tall at the ceremony where natural deposits including gold, other precious stones as barite, granite lead among agricultural produce, particularly the huge bunches of plantain from the individual farm of the Council Chairman.
As we embark on this journey, there is a conviction that the labourers are few, all hands must be on deck for a glorious Obubra.
By: Ekong Okpa Chief Press Secretary
