By Iwara U. Iwara
In 2022, I travelled from Calabar to Obanliku at the instance of Peter Atianashe Akpanke. While I was aware that the journey would be a long and arduous one, the goal was simply to honour an invitation to Akpanke’s village for a thanksgiving service and dedication of the only Catholic church in Ketting, Bendi I, Obanliku LGA, Cross River State, that Akpanke had just expanded and lushly refitted.
At the church service, the Catholic bishop of Ogoja diocese, Donatus Etim, who presided over the mass, emphatically stated in his sermon that, “by embracing goodness, we invite its enduring presence into our lives.” It perhaps did not occur to many individuals in attendance that, by opting to expand and renovate the sole Catholic church in Ketting, Akpanke had indeed embraced goodness, and its enduring essence was poised to accompany him on a political journey he was about to embark on right before our very eyes; I will explain later.
After the church service, we proceeded to the reception venue and encountered a significant challenge gaining entry due to an ENORMOUS crowd that had completely engulfed the area. The air was filled with the clash of boisterous western music emanating from the venue and the equally robust traditional melodies performed by multiple traditional groups. By the time this cacophony of sounds were joined by the earth shaking canons that went off when Akpanke stepped out of his car, unmistakably, you could see that a community had come together to celebrate one of their own.
Peter used the presence of the vast crowd to masterstroke advantage. By using that occasion to generously award scholarships, extend financial support to local enterprises, and present over six cars to select locals, he ignited an exuberant celebration resonating with chants of “Peter De Rock, De Rock is solid.” Then came the fervent calls declaring him as the favoured candidate for the OBO federal constituency, even before contesting the election.
As the event ran out, we retreated to Peter’s Ketting home, indulging in a lavish spread of delectable dishes and the renowned Obanliku fresh palm wine. My friend, Edodi Ejekor, the one we call the “Prince of Dodi Concerns”, made sure we had no short supply of this palm wine until our departure to Obudu, well into the late hours of the night.
Let me say here that Peter Akpanke’s journey to Nigeria’s National Assembly was far from easy; numerous obstacles stood in his way. From a brutal gun assault on his convoy to facing concocted legal charges, from being pursued by the previous administration in Cross River State, to being even declared a fugitive, he weathered the storm. Indeed, the enduring presence of God’s grace, a constant companion drawn into his life through his tireless acts of charity and philanthropy, remain the unwavering armour that has protected him.
Unarguably, his potential beyond believe was demonstrated when he finally ran the House of Reps election and won against a sitting member – it was the political avalanche that announced his modest arrival on the Cross River political space.
One year on, with birthday bells ringing to acoustic perfection, I think he should be prodded to walk the continuous path of compassion, for his people who have put political faith in him. His utterances in Abuja must re-echo the real yearnings and aspirations of his people. Those he chooses to show benevolence to, must not only be those who spin political tales around him; those who suffer want and need are never too difficult to identify. In places where people have been hostile or continue to be hostile to him, he must have the presence of mind to remain calm and show mercy. He cannot expect everybody to love him, because it will be unnatural.
I say to him; in licking his honey draped fingers, let it always be at the back of his mind that the hive that produces honey does not gather in his father’s compound alone.
Of course, let me join men and women who have a thing or two for Peter Akpanke and wish him continuous good health and a happy birthday.
IWARA is publisher, www.calitown.com
The views expressed are the author’s and do not represent the views of www.calitown.com
