When a certain Mark Elliot Zuckerberg sat down, thought out of the box and decided to create facebook -which has evolved to become a global platform for sharing information and ideas- little did he know that in a place called Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, few unscrupulous elements will rather choose to use his invention negatively. Of a truth, social media platforms like facebook, twitter and others have really opened a window of opportunities for blackmailers and propagandists to ply their nefarious trade with reckless abandon. Also, these never-do-well set of persons have found their way into mainstream media, masquerading as journalists.
These days, on social media, blogs and newspapers, fictitious and damaging write-ups dripping with gross insanity and malice are published by these irritating hirelings with the intention of damaging the reputation of revered men who have earned success in their life’s journey.
And these set of people are upping the ante in their reprehensible actions, and while those affected have wailed against them, others believing in the maxim that, “the best answer to a fool is to be silent”, have choose to keep mute. However, methinks that silence can invariably become a fertilizer for evil, and this forms the basis of my concern over a piece purportedly penned by a certain Ukpong Ukpong and uploaded to facebook by one Leo Umana.
In the said piece written in a very abusive tone, the writer cum hireling threw caution to the winds and casted aspersions on the person of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko.
As I analyzed the piece which was captioned: “AS AKHA SAILS SMOOTHLY ON (sic)…LEAVING ANIEKAN UKO IN ITS WAKE”), I decoded that it was a vain attempt to drag Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko into a political mud created by few desperate persons who have resorted to politics as their only source of earning a living.
It would not have mattered much if the points raised were meaningful, but when issues which lack merit are brought for public consumption, the society suffers. On this premise, I arm myself with a needle of truth to deflate the very huge balloon of unintelligent lies floated by these agents of destruction and character assassination.
The diction of the writer portrayed him as someone who is carrying out a hatchet job. At this point, an excerpt from the piece will suffice: “Like a fairy tale, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly finally got the rightful heir on the throne in the person of Barrister Onofiok Luke and is living happily ever after…I also wish the Aniekan Uko of this world would realize that that brief stopover at the hallowed chamber, worse still, wearing a gavel, was only a little quirk in the system that has since been smoothened out.”
And he blabbed on: “Obviously, by now the siren loving former Speaker must have realized that he cannot reclaim that exalted position anymore. For him, it was a lottery won and squandered; he should learn to live with his regrets. Pointing accusing finger at those he suspects are responsible for his predicament is foolhardy…Empty insinuations that Barr. Onofiok Luke may be behind his sack by the Court of Appeal amounts to hitting the air…With a rerun election ahead, he should concentrate on how to beg political stalwarts in his constituency, whom he severally insulted and supporters he dumped during his interregnum as Speaker, rather than play the blame game….”
From the foregoing, it is glaring that the non-existent Ukpong Ukpong tried to make a mountain from a molehill. He attempted to disparage a man who has risen miles above him. Describing Rt. Hon. Uko’s speakership reign as a “brief stopover” speaks much of maniac reasoning. On the issue of using siren, is the Speaker of any House of Assembly not entitled to it? Mere checks on google would have prevented these pathetic propagandists from disgracing themselves further. To further enlighten them, Rt. Hon. Uko isn’t siren crazy. Attaching the derogatory tag on him speaks much of giving the proverbial dog a bad name just to hang it. For the sake of emphasis, he does not live in highbrow areas like Ewet Housing Estate or Shelter Afrique, but he dwells with his constituents at Mbikpong Ikot Edim which harbours the expansive ever-busy Aka-Nung Udoe Road. This shows that Aniekan Uko is very down to earth, not pompous as portrayed by the few hired detractors.
And the writer again goofed by alleging that Rt. Hon Aniekan Uko is blaming Barr. Onofiok Luke for his sack by the Appeal Court. Pray, why should a full-grown and very successful man like Aniekan Uko resort to blaming Onofiok? Did Onofiok contest against him in Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency? And the Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on media, Aniekeme Finbarr, while reacting to the piece, reasoned thus: “I know this is written with the sole intent of ridiculing the former speaker and it is unfortunate. The sad part of the story for me is that it is my elder brother (apparently referring to Leo Umana who uploaded the piece) who is spreading this sarcasm.
Circumstances have thrown up a new leader at Assembly which is normal, but must we rub it on the former Speaker? Both Messrs Luke and Uko are good friends and have mutual respect for each other; I will appreciate if the supporters of both do same.” The young Mr. Finbarr exemplified wisdom by offering such germane advice to supposed elderly people like Ukpong Ukpong, Leo Umana and their cohorts. But being career propagandists, they will surely throw the advice to the winds.
Dear readers, we are all aware that the Speakership duty was thrusted on Aniekan Uko. As a loyal servant, he humbly accepted the task and did not betray the huge confidence reposed in him. He performed well much to the chagrin of those who wanted to see him fail. When they couldn’t stomach the fact that he has surpassed expectations, hirelings masquerading as journalists tried to disparage him but couldn’t see anything he has done wrong. Suddenly, they came up with the infantile claim that he likes blowing siren. Hahaha! What an allegation!
Their claims cannot erase the fact that the Assembly under the stewardship of Rt. Hon. Uko became a beehive of activities. Achievements trailed his six months as Speaker. And let me rather refer them to a piece done by Mr. Mbosowo Asuquo, captioned, “Aniekan Uko, the 6th Assembly: The Journey So Far.” It was published in several tabloids. His achievements are very hefty. Propaganda cannot erase these facts. He left an indelible impact in the Assembly while his Speakership era lasted.
Dear readers, now that the rerun is nearing, the propagandists are worried. Panic buttons are being pressed at every corner. They are intimidated by his intimidating profile. Are they not conversant with the story of the Biblical Joseph? No ill-will can halt God’s plan for Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko.
And we know the masterminds of these acts. To think that they going scot free is a false belief. Conjuring allegations and claiming to be doing Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke a favour by rubbishing Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, is a very faulty game plan. Those behind it should come clean because the duo are not at each others throats. Those reading meaning into things they don’t understand need to take a break.
Let me challenge Ukpong Ukpong, Leo Umana and their clique of self-appointed “aides” to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they are or are not acting a script. If the latter is the case, then let nobody call for a ceasefire when team Iboro Akam retaliates. The fact that Rt. Hon. Uko has been choosing not to join issues with them should not be seen as a sign of weakness. Some dogs don’t bark but they bite. A word is always enough for the wise.
And I ask: Who is afraid of the impending tsunamic-like return of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko to the Assembly? A truthful answer to the question will let us into why those we regarded as learned are exhibiting attributes of unlearned men.
Let me pause awhile!
(Ofonime Honesty is a journalist and general affairs analyst 08025286082 honestyofonime@yahoo.com)
#AkwaIbom
0 comments :
Post a Comment