Power brokers in South-South states

Vanguard’s report

Currently, the South-South geopolitical zone does not have a consensus political leader, probably because of the multifaceted dynamic forces in the zone.

However, there are movers and shakers whose actions and idiosyncrasies have not only shaped, but continue to outline governments in their respective states.

In Bayelsa State for instance, neither President Goodluck Jonathan nor Governor Seriake Dickson is considered the most powerful political figure in the state. The big gun is astonishingly a close pal and schoolmate of the President.

He is His Royal Highness, King Amalate Johnnie Turner, Obigbo Mikimiki I, Obanema of Opume, Ogbia, Ogbia Local Government Area.

In Akwa Ibom, regardless of what was thought to be the loss of power by former governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah, given the state of affairs between him and his successor, Governor Godswill Akpabio, Attah still remains the most revered political leader in the state.

Although the politics in Delta State is quite animated, it can be said that the political lord of the state is the former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark.

However, the national chairman of Urhoho Political Forum, UPF, Chief Ighoyota Amori, senatorial aspirant, Mr. Solomon Edoja and others, said the most powerful political living figure in the state is the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Between Governor Chibuike Amaechi and Minister of State (Education), Ezenwo Nyemson Wike, it is still uncertain who the political leader of the state is. But political pundits believe that the leadership baton of “The Treasure Base of the Nation” will be decided in 2015.

In Cross River, Governor Liyel Imoke is indisputably the political generalissimo.

For Edo State, despite the political ascendancy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih, is the commanding officer in the state.

There might not be a consensus leader for the geo-poitical region at present, but the 2015 general elections will certainly streamline area of influence.

This edition of Niger Delta Voice examines politics of the region.

OBONG VICTOR ATTAH: Father of new Akwa Ibom

Obong Attah

Akwa-Ibom State comprises three major ethnic nationalities – Ibibio, Annang and Oron, which separately had produced top shots that served the state and nation distinguishably in different capacities, including military, civilian governors, ministers and senators.

The big guns include a two-time Chief of Air Staff, Air Commodore Nsikak Eduok, former military administrator, Idongesit Nkanga and former governor, Obong Victor Attah.

Engendered unity

However, Obong Attah appears to be the most respected political leader in the state and this is not unrelated with his copious exceptional contributions to the develop-ment of the state and involve-ment in both local and national affairs.

Besides his fight for resource control in the Niger Delta, which won him names like ‘Apostle of Resource Control’ and ‘Advocate of Resource Control,’ what really commen-ded him to the people was that his administration nurtured the unity existing today among the different ethnic blocs in the state.

For that reason, Obong Attah is perceived by many as a detribalized, generous, accommodating, principled and visionary leader, who laid the solid foundation for the physical and economic development of the state.

The Ibom International Airport, Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Course were among projects put in place by his administration.

Creation of Akwa Ibom

Available record showed he played very significant role in the creation of Akwa Ibom state, about 27 years ago, which is traceable to his genial relationship with the then military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd). The singular act won him the name, ‘Father of new Akwa Ibom.’

Highly trusted

As far as Akwa Ibom state is concerned, the people do not only respect Attah for his past achievements, they have strong belief and trust in his capability and competence to handle and defend their interests whenever the need arises at any level of governance.

His competence and intellectual capabilities informed the people’s decision not only to choose him as one of the delegates to the recently concluded National Conference, but as the leader of that delegation, and the call by the former Nigeria Governor’s Forum to lead them to the same conference, further attests to the fact that his admirable leadership qualities go beyond the state.

He was also selected as the Chairman of the Committee on Devolution of Powers simply because of the recognition that he has the ‘I can do attitude’ and admirable leadership principles.

Achiever

His laudable achievements informed the grand reception organized by the Akwa Ibom people, recently, where he (Attah) was formally proclaimed the Leader of Akwa Ibom people at the Asan Ibibio ground.

The recent conferment of the traditional title of Mkpisong Ibibio on Obong Attah by the traditional institutions in 21 of the 31 local government areas of the state also speaks volume of the acknowledgement of Obong Attah as an iconic personality and the most powerful living political leader in the state.

Folks speak

Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Major-General Edet Akpan (rtd.), who spoke with the Niger Delta Voice in Uyo, extolled Obong Attah for his protuberant role in the creation of Akwa-Ibom state, design of the structure and developmental blueprint of the state and his strong conviction in the sustenance of the unity of the various ethnic nationalities and tribes in the state.

He also eulogized him for his generous vision and leadership style, especially his disposition to the clamour that all the three senatorial districts of the state should be accommodated in the leadership and governance of the state for equity and fairness to prevail and for setting the pace of development of the state, which the present administration, as piloted by Akpabio, has emulated.

Benevolent leader

Acknowledging Attah for his flowering leadership role in the state, governorship aspirant and the immediate past Commissioner for Finance in the state, Obong Bassey Albert, said he is a true and magnanimous leader that has continued to toil for the realization of the dreams of the forebears of Akwa-Ibom state.

The banking guru expressed high regards for Obong Attah for his liberal disposition to would-be leaders by encouraging even those who sought to take over from him, Governor Akpabio inclusive, to remain in office and campaign without discrimination and victimisation as is the case with most leaders.

His Lordship, Bishop Samuel Akpan, Obong Umanah Okon Umanah, Obong Insima Ekere, all governorship hopefuls in the state nodded their heads to Attah’s unsung contributions to the sociopolitical and economic development of the state, leading to his continued relevance and acceptability across the various tribes and ethnic nationalities in the state.

 Jonathan’s friend, HRH Amalate Turner calls the shots in Bayelsa

Ordinarily, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from Bayelsa State, could best be described as the most powerful living political figure in the state which he hails from, but exact opposite is the case.

The astonishment is not that the governor, Hon Seriake Dickson,  who is eying a second term in office has built himself an independent political structure that has vanquished that of President Jonathan or that of former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, now an APC chieftain, had performed an overnight political wonder.

It is also not that former governor-general of Ijaw nation, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, has pulled the rug under President Jonathan.

The bombshell is that the man, who calls the shots in the state is unarguably a retired permanent secretary in the state civil service, His Royal Highness, King Amalate Johnnie Turner, JP, Obigbo Mikimiki I, Obanema of Opume, Ogbia.

He is a childhood buddy and school mate of President Jonathan.

How he installed Gov Dickson

The royal father, it was, who pulled Hon Dickson from the House of Representatives to contest for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, governorship ticket after the then incumbent governor, Timipre Sylva, was shut out of the leadership of the party.

Informed sources told Niger Delta Voice that the royal father’s Abuja residence was the rallying point for the anti- Sylva forces, under the Restoration movement, which perfected the ousting of Sylva from Creek Haven, the Bayelsa Government House.

Not the noisy type

Amalate Johnnie Turner was born, September 30, 1956 at Opume community, Ogbia to the royal Kulo, Bugo, Latei, Orukari, Ineyougha, Koko and Yekorogha group of Houses all in Nembe, and the influential Efamo group of Houses in Opume.

He is not the boisterous type even though he has the ears of the President and could reach him at the shortest notice.

King Turner’s lifelong endeavours and unflinching commitment to duty have been long acknowledged and commended by those who have worked closely with him and had the privilege of interacting with him on different issues.

Why he’s loved

Within his Opume community, King Turner enjoys fabulous veneration, his kingdom and all those who consider him as somebody committed and responsive to their needs.

Beyond his recognised contributions to the improve-ment of his immediate    community, King Turner is courteous, a trailblazer and model of good leadership.

King Turner’s relevance in the political scene of the state, according to analysts, is hinged on his reputation as an unbiased conciliator whose vast knowledge of the intricacies that define political moods is incontestable.

“This is one of many reasons why his wise counsel is sought after by many, both within and outside Bayelsa state,” said a close associate.

He was an avowed supporter of the defunct Green Move-ment, the campaign machinery of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan when he was governor of Bayelsa state, which later metamorphosed into the Restoration outfit that scuttled Sylva’s second term bid.

Unassuming life

In spite of his towering stature in the politics of the state, King Turner has maintained a simple life that has mostly been marked by continued focus on meeting the responsibilities that he carries as a monarch and a respected personality in the state.

The king’s consistent efforts to live up to these respon-sibilities are evident in his commitment to service,  which Niger Delta Voice learnt, has helped  to yoke the Restoration team.

…his prevailing power

King Turner, who is the main financier of Dickson election, has continued to be dominant in the socio politi-cal development of Bayelsa state in particular, and Nigeria in general, considering his role as a traditional ruler, entrepreneur and a leader of thought.

He remains an influential personality in the Restoration of the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson, where he serves as chairman and latter has never failed to extol his support and leadership qualities at any given state function he (Turner) attends.