AKWA IBOM OUR LEADERS, OUR FOUNDATION
The cliché, ‘How time flies’ fits in here for most of the citizens of Akwa Ibom State who were here when the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida graciously acceded to the yearnings of the people to carve out their own separate state from the then Cross River State.
September 23, 1987 was that landmark day that the dreams of the fallen fathers of the Ibibio nation who had vigorously pushed for the creation of a new state, came alive. It was a big moment of celebration of victory. It marked a big relief from painful years of struggle to extricate the Ibibio people from decades of marginalization by Cross Riverians.
The excitement that heralded the announcement of Akwa Ibom State creation was a new dawn of aspirations for greatness of the Ibibio people who felt that development projects and political appointments were skewed in favour of the Calabar-Ogoja axis of the former Cross River State.
Churches across the new Akwa Ibom State organized special thanksgiving services in acknowledgement of divine intervention in the state creation trajectory.
Military President
Prominent figures who spearheaded the state creation included; late Obong Sampson Udo Etuk; often regarded as one of the foremost voices in the state creation struggle; he was a respected Ibibio elder and community leader. Sir Udo Udoma, SAN, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda. Although his advocacy predated 1987, he was among the earliest nationalist figures who consistently called for political recognition of the Ibibio people and the creation of a separate state.
Chief Effiong Okon Eyo known as “Eyo Uyo”, was a prominent Ibibio politician who and deputy premier of Eastern Region in the 1950s; he laid the foundation for Ibibio political consciousness and the idea of a distinct state.
Dr. Clement Isong, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and later Governor of old Cross River State, 1979 -1983. As an Ibibio elder statesman, his influence gave weight to the demand for Akwa Ibom. Chief Nyong Essien, the first Ibibio senator in the first republic; he was a pioneering voice in the advocacy for Ibibio self-determination and political recognition, setting the foundation for later struggles.
Chief (Dr.) Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu was another Ibibio traditional and political leader who contributed to lobbying efforts. Another prominent figure who supported the struggle was Obong Sampson Udo Idiong and Brigadier U. J. Esuene, who also campaigned for Akwa Ibom State creation, among others. Esuene was a key figure. He had strong influence as military governor over territories that later formed parts of Akwa Ibom, so by his position he exerted strong influence towards the realization of the dreams of the Ibibio people.
So, finally Akwa Ibom State was born and stars radiated in the horizon, as new hope, excitement and spouts of energy exuded across the Rubicon. On that day, stories have it that many residents of the newly created State regaled in exhilarating joy to the dismay of their former landlords in Calabar.
Thirty-eight years is no mean a figure. Biblically, we find that an impotent man at the pool of Bethesda who was healed was 38. What does this portend for Akwa Ibom State at 38?
Quest Inspirational spoke with few but relevant voices in the State, some of who were active observers of the events hovering around the struggles, creation and progress the State and Akwa Ibom people have made so far.
Since its creation, Akwa Ibom State has been steered by a succession of leaders, military administrators and elected governors who have carried the torch of governance, each leaving their imprint on the political, social, and economic development of the state.
From the early days of state-building to the present era of democratic governance, these leaders have shaped the journey of Akwa Ibom into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic states. Below is a chronological list of all former Governors of the State from inception to date.
