C'River 2023: Why Accepting To Deputize Bassey Otu Will Advance Owan Enoh, Chris Agara's Guber Ambitions

C'River 2023: Why Accepting To Deputize Bassey Otu Will Advance Owan Enoh, Chris Agara's Guber Ambitions

History they say, is a great teacher but it teaches only those who are careful enough to learn and tap from its wealth of wisdom. It is the art of deciphering the direction of our seemingly unpopular and unwise but critical decisions that often separates the wise from fools, and the lucky from the unlucky. 

In 2007, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan accepted President Olusegun Obasanjo's offer to serve as vice president under late president Musa Yar'Adua. Through that seemingly unwise decision,  Goodluck Jonathan went on to become Vice president, acting president and president of Nigeria. It is alleged that the offer was rejected by one of our former governors who at that time couldn't spot the hidden opportunity in settling for the number two citizen in the country when he was eminently qualified to be number one.

I see that history is about repeating itself but this time not on the National scene but within the confines of Cross River State politics. 

I am not insinuating that the next governor  will die in office if elected or be impeached for any reason.  All I am saying is that deputizing prince Otu will open great chances for two of our state's best brains, Senator John Owan Enoh and Barr. Chris Agara to negotiate their way into the future of Cross River, that is if the APC wins the 2023 general elections. 

I want those arguing that by 2031, either Owan or Agara, by virtue of their age or any other consideration will nolonger be relevant in Cross River politics, to understand that the duo are still very young and vibrant and will attain the age of the present APC flagbearer by that time. Or are we saying that Prince Otu is too old at 63 to be Governor?

Sweet prince was born on the 18 October 1959.  Meanwhile, Sen. John Owan Eno is only 55

years old and his counterpart, Chief Chris Agara 59. By 2031, Owan will be 63 years old while Agara will be 67. These two will still be young enough to be Governor by that time, if they do their homework well. 

I think one of the mistake these two are making is refusal to buy into the governor's decision and using that advantage of loyalty to negotiate for deputy.

I think accepting to deputize Sen. Prince Bassey Otu will do them more good than harm and will keep them politically relevant until when back to South will no longer constitute a hindrance to their aspirations or one of them can ask to go to Senate and mark time for 2031

If these two fail to do their homework properly, they'll join the few others that will face compulsory retirement after 2023.

© Eriacy Confidence Oba

Note: I wrote this article some days ago but felt very reluctant to share. I wonder the reason I am sharing now.