We citizens of Akwa Ibom state pride ourselves as enlightened people yet most times we allow parochial sentiments dictate our every consideration.
Here we are, searching for who will lead the next phase of development in our state in 2015, yet when individuals are perceived to offer to serve, we let political jobbers disorient us. A case in point is Hon. Mike Sabastine Etuk, a grassroots politician, from Essene-Ikot Abasi, who has been so maligned because of his perceived aspiration to serve as governor of our state.
His ordeal, these past weeks, in the hands of blackmailers and mud slingers, is reminiscent of the dark days of military junta when anyone who defied status quo was hurriedly put down with bullets. Without, such brute force today, many have resorted to using the media to destroy lives. Nothing is sacred to these rabble rousers any more, quite sad that some have even degenerated to a point where honorable institutions like marriage could be used as yardstick for measuring a man’s integrity.
This piece was earlier titled ‘When Silence is Golden’, to commend the statesmanship displayed by Mr. Sabastine in remaining silent, refusing to join issues with those goading him with their version of half truths and complete lies. However the title: “Who is Afraid of Mike Sabastine”, was picked since it most appropriately, describes the scenario playing out before our eyes.
Someone or a group of persons, somewhere must be scared stiff of Mike Sabastine’s inevitable entry into the gubernatorial race. How else would one reconcile the barrage of acerbic attacks directed against a young man and members of his family over allegations that cannot be substantiated?
Mike Sabastine, from information made known to the public, has not declared for governorship but even if Mike was to make known his aspiration to vie for the ticket of governorship, wouldn’t he be within his constituted rights? The Nigerian Constitution is clear about requirement for participation in a governorship contest. It states in section 177, that “a person shall be qualified for election to the office Governor of a state if
a, he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth
b, he has attained the age of thirty-five(35) years
c, he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party, and
d, he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent”.
From the above mentioned sections of the Constitution, Mr. Mike Sabastine is qualified to contest in the governorship election in 2015 period, and as a matter of fact he may likely win since the contest is more of popularity, which is his strong point.
On the other hand, the only constitutional disqualification against any aspirant in that contest is found in section 182, subsections (1) and (2) which has been paraphrased to include voluntarily acquiring citizenship of another country, having been previously elected two times, being a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind, under death sentence or under any conviction or found guilty of any offence under the Nigerian law within a period of at least 10 years, having been declared bankrupted, not resigning from public office, being a member of a secret society, being indicted for embezzlement or fraud, having presented forged certificate.
Apart from the above anyone wishing to serve is backed by the constitution therefore those sponsoring attacks on an innocent man should have a rethink or better still channel their energy into more productive venture.
That said, it is expedient to explore inherent potentials in our man, Mike Sabastine. Firstly, this focused and highly motivated Geologist is an epitome of success with both local and international management experiences.
He is very qualified educationally with his academic pursuit ranging from Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from the prestigious University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigerian to Certificate in Strategic Performance Management from the University of Cambridge Business School, London and Certificate in Negotiation Skills and Tools from the Lagos Business School, Nigeria among several others.
He is driven by passion for progress and desirous of pursuing an active role in serving Akwa Ibom state and Nigerian as a whole.
To date, he has served the Akwa-Ibom State Government in several capacities including the position of Commissioner I, in the Local Government Service Commission and earlier as Board Member II, in the Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board. while in the Board, he was responsible for implementing the Basic Education Program Policy Design, as a Team Member in various groups at the Annual Council on Education. He also participated the implementation of the free and compulsory Education Program of the State Government in the Basic Education sub-sector
In his private capacity, he had served the people by undertaking geotechnical soil investigation for the determination of load-bearing capability of the sub-soil for drilling rig positioning at Well 3 UNYENGHE by Universal Energy Resources, geotechnical investigation of the Ikot-Abasi – Eket 132 KVA transmission line for the Independent Power Plant Project.
His passion for rural development inspired his contribution. As the Managing Consultant for AKSG Medium Density Housing Estate Water supply program in 31 Local Government Areas, he took active part in the construction of 30,000 Gallon Federal Government/CRBRDA sponsored Mini Water Scheme at Minya, Mkpat Enin, hydrological survey/design of surface water source for the Ultra-Modern General Hospital Complex at Ini LGA, as well as partnered in the design and construction of Mini-Water Scheme in Itak-Ikot Udo, Ikot-Ekpene and others.
Despite this active involvement in state development and success story we all refer to as uncommon transformation, Mike, wishes to do more. He considers the challenge of contributing to state building nothing compared to huge returns of advancing society and bettering the lives of our people.
He is not one to act alone but as a team player, Mike, believes in working with other resourceful youths to realize a new vista in our state. He aspires to lead the team of next generation of leaders who will midwife this new paradigm.
Hear him, “I am committed to adding value to any organization that epitomizes my passion and drive for excellence and innovation. My desired professional goal is the transfer of knowledge and the pursuit of policies which will drive positive system changes and outcomes”.
These crisp words from the lips of such a young Akwa Ibom man should ordinarily evoke two powerful emotions in the hearts of people. On one hand, mostly his teeming supporters eager to have him declare his intention, he breaths hope and possibilities which unavoidably translate into palpable fear for the few, who cringe at the certainty of his success.
Over Qualified!
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