By Effiong Etim, write from Calabar.
In every reform, there’s a price to pay, Ujamaa Agricultural Policy in Tanzania quickly comes to mind. Whereas, the greatest reform in the history of mankind is the human character and habits, especially in a third-world economy such as Nigeria.
Hence, Chief (Hon.) Felix Idem, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs trusts policies cannot be discredited by enemies of progress, criminals, and tyrannical warlords by no disguise.
Without question, the recent display of uncivilised attitude to say the least, by some elements supposedly sponsored by some state and non-state actors led by the ousted former Chapter Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC), Calabar Municipality, Chief Emmanuel Mbora and his cohorts is a face-saving ploy to divert attention. In a sane clime, such characters are to be behind bars for a long time and if not for life.
The Genesis of the whole matter dates back to 22nd August 2022 through a Petition to the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing Chief Mbora of 15 Months Non-Remittance of Chapter Officers’ Monthly Remuneration to the tune of N3.5 Million naira, and which eventually lead to the G-20 taken the bull by the horn and doing the needful in suspending Mbora for the prosperity and sanity of the Party.
And the last stroke that broke the camel’s back is the endless shenanigans of Chief Mbora’s continuous harassment of the Marian Market women and men with double taxation that the present Government frowns at and worse still the use of notorious criminals and cultists to perpetrate heinous crimes against innocent market women and men which eventually lead to the intervention of the DSS and the Police to bring sanity and restore public peace.
This publication is pieced together to bring to the fore the true nature and core circumstances that have hitherto defaced the ever-serene nature and peaceful ambiance of the Municipality before the advent of Mbora’s tyrannical entrance.
Having said this, the media war and propaganda created by political mechanisms sponsored by these ill-intended individuals whose stock in trade is to create distrust, anarchy, and confusion in the Calabar Municipality and the State at large will do no one good but rather evoke a display of uncultured and debased contents that will plunge the State into the state of chaos, underdevelopment, and retrogression.
Having said this, it is worth noting that the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Felix Idem’s unwavering stand on the People First policy of the present administration got him shoved by some perceived ill-intended individuals whose stock in trade is to short-change the people, derailed the effort of the present Administration and provoke the gullible people against the Honourable Commissioner.
Putting things in the right perspective, Chief (Hon.) Felix Idem as a Member of the State Executive Council has the prerogative especially that of the local government to formulate policies and execute projects and programme in line with the agenda and roadmap of the Government he serves, hence the need to bring sanity to Calabar Municipality and by extension the Southern Senatorial District to checkmate previously overwhelmed by faceless individuals orchestrating havoc, violence and mistreating law-abiding citizens, especially market women, and men to nib in the bud of all illegal activities perpetrated by the erstwhile All Progressive Congress (APC) Chapter Chairman, Calabar Municipal Council, Emmanuel Mbora, and cohorts by Chief (Hon.) Felix Idem’s proactive, responsive, and credible leadership should be commended rather than discrediting.
As stated, the socio-political, economic, and cultural well-being of the State must be hinged on credible and distinguished individuals like Felix Idem whose gestures, actions, and motives speak peace, human capital development, and a continued longing for the advancement and progress of the State.
Furthermore, Cross Riverians should for the sake of progress be wary of individuals, groups, or organisations that become a law unto themselves and constitute a nuisance in the guise of protection by state actors or people of influence exemplified by Mbora and associates in the recent past.
Nonetheless, it wouldn’t have been apt for us to respond to lame libelous, libelous, and defamatory comments from a mean individual with various criminal records and cultic tendencies, if not to keep a straight record and dispel all misinformation and incriminating content.
Whereas for the record, it’s worthy to note that the said Emmanuel Mbora has over time as a gang leader indulged in violent criminal activities with proven records of havoc within and around Calabar and its environs.
