It takes an uncommon level of discipline and courage for someone to finish a tenure as a governor in Nigeria, walk away from power, return to private life, and still contribute meaningfully to society.
Former Governor Udom Emmanuel is not a saint, and I do not see him as one. But he has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he stands far ahead of many of those parading themselves as leaders and politicians today, especially in Akwa Ibom.
Just mention one person in today’s political space who can be compared or measured up to Udom in terms of discipline, restraint, modesty, and composure since leaving office. I mean just one.
In a society where political relevance has become the yardstick for prominence, survival, and success, while character has been dumped in the gutter, Udom Emmanuel stands apart and towers above many of those parading themselves.
In today’s Nigeria, where Tinubu’s politics has turned many into desperate and shameless political jobbers, who finish as governor and resist being dragged into the APC for endless political hustling and sycophantic campaigns?
Okowa finished alongside Udom. So did Wike, Yahaya Bello, and Fayose. Today, while all of them are still jumping from one political calculation to another in pursuit of relevance and power, and causing nuisance in the country, Udom Emmanuel has finished his tenure and returned home to focus on his private life.
Even after staking everything politically, and his life to install Umo Eno as Governor of Akwa Ibom against all odds, he refused to follow his erstwhile political son into the APC as others would have done. Despite pressure, threats, harassment, and attempts to intimidate him, Udom has remained unshaken.
Someone else would have said, “After making him governor, I deserve more political rewards.” Someone else would have followed the crowd and continued the endless scramble for positions.
Even after what many see as a glaring political betrayal; even after being pushed to the wall; even with enough information capable of shaking tables, Udom has maintained restraint and refused to descend into the gutter.
People keep wondering why he has chosen silence. Why has he refused to open the floodgates and let everything scatter?
Yet, he remains silent.
Akpabio may have brought Udom to make him a governor, but beyond titles; former governor, former minister, and now Senate President, there are things titles cannot buy. Discipline is two. Restraint is another. All in one scares virtue-character.
The repeated jabs at Udom Emmanuel, a man who has chosen peace over noise, silence over betrayal, and dignity over sycophancy, are unnecessary.
Udom is not fighting Akpabio. He is not fighting Umo Eno. At least, nobody has seen him publicly dragging them. He left the stage and allowed them to continue feasting in power. What more do they want from him?
At this point, Akpabio should read the handwriting on the wall. Udom has stepped aside and given room for him and his political grandson, whom Udom made possible for him, to continue feasting on Akwa Ibom’s political space. Dragging him into unnecessary battles is completely needless.
Udom is not responsible for the hardship Nigerians are currently facing. Akpabio should focus on the APC government he’s part of, and leave Udom alone.
Love him or hate him, Udom Emmanuel is operating in a lane many cannot enter. He is simply in a class of his own. Such a man deserve their respect.
By Assam Unwana
