By: Barr (Dr.) Ugoji Nwabueze (ODENIGBO), FORMER SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR ON NON INDIGENE AFFAIRS.
The appointment of Hon Emanuel Ironbar as Chief of Staff by His Excellency the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is a worthy testimony and reason for a lesson to all of us.
One reason is that the Governor came to the ultimate conclusion that loyal love and friendship go beyond times and seasons. And such unmitigated faithfulness goes with reward. “Monkey work; Monkey Chop.” In the English language, it is the People First Mantra. The Governor by his action showed that he does not underestimate steadfastness, commitment, tenacity, and loyalty.
Core humility and service to humanity have been the legendary and unstoppable trade value chain and hallmark of the COS. They are qualities that have endeared him to most of his close friends and associates. Proverbs 22:29 “Have you seen a man skillful at his works? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before common men.”
In the early 90s, I was a literature and English teacher at Army Day Secondary School, Ikot ansa, Calabar where I taught now Hon Emmanuel Ironbar as a student. There are also a good number of such good commendable students of the school occupying sensitive offices in this government. We are grateful to the Governor.
But, one reason I singled him out for this essay is his humility, daring, and very fearless character. As his teacher, I had opportunities to test him severally on sensitive issues and he delivered. He grew up with the concept that he can not betray you no matter how difficult the terrain is. This Otu can testify.
This is most reason so many politicians and even the “men” saw reason to invest their trust and confidence in him knowing that he is a man of his word. But, everything has its times and seasons. One day, according to his testimony at BCCM located at Webber at, Calabar where the Thanksgiving was held on the 31st of December, 2023 he narrated the story of God’s intervention in his life in a manner that shocked all mortals.
Since, then, he now fishes men for God, not violence. This has granted him peace of mind that surpasseth all understanding.
The Thanksgiving therefore was quite timely, insightful, and impactful. It was a moment to thank God for the magnificent things He has done in his life and secondly to say thank you Papa God! to have rescued him from the hands of bird catchers in a near-fatal domestic accident recently.
We join his family, friends, and wishers in thanking God for these uncommon mercies and leverages in the life of the COS.
