Projecting Senator Effiong Bob as a grassroot politician

By Inemesit Ndueso Ebu

It is a known fact that most politicians, especially in Nigeria project themselves as grassroots politicians. They don’t seem to know who a “grassroot politician” is. The truth is that grassroots politicians are very few in our clime. The essence of grassroots politics is to promote popular leadership and provision adequate dividends of democracy for the electorate.

This is basically so because in a democracy, power emanates from the people. Power is an asset which the leaders hold on trust for the electorate. Grassroots politics is the surest way of making the elected leaders listen to the needs, aspirations and problems of their people and take practical steps to meeting these needs. Grassroots politics has become major yardstick for measuring the success or otherwise of elected political leaders.

Senator Effiong Bob is no doubt a grassroots politician in his own right who has been on ground all these years and is familiar with the needs of Akwa Ibom State and the people. He is a loyal party man who has remained faithful to the PDP since inception.

What quality specifically distinguishes Senator Effiong Bob from other politicians? One common factor that differentiates Sen. Bob from others is that he is not deterred by sentiments, as he stands and supports with every word, what is right, having traversed the political space in the state for the past twenty five years. Sen. Bob has been in the legislature and the executive with judicial background and so he has the world view to make an outstanding governor. Whatever decision he takes, he must follow it unto a rewarding conclusion to affect even the common man positively.

The name Sen. Effiong Bob, who was appointed by the President Goodluck Jonathan – led government as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the University of Benin, Benin City and Chairman, Board of Trustees Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, undoubtedly echoes strength, focus, influence, truth and consistency of purpose across the length and breath of Nigerian politics. A survey of political figures in the country shows that his breed is rare to come by, as only few politicians stand for justice, equity and are firm in their decisions.

At this time when the government at the centre is fighting corruption in Nigeria, the electorates and constituents should also be involved in the process of selection of competent persons to represent them. What should bother any citizen of the country at this point is to make in-depth findings of the eminence of the leaders before voting such leaders into public office. He is notably one political mentor that has raised great and sound politicians of our time, yet remains very unassuming. He is a selfless leader that has sacrificed, at different instances to enthrone justice and fairness in politics. He is an expert in teaching people how to fish, and not merely giving people fish.

Sen. Bob having served in various capacities has gathered and garnered enough experience and has used it to redefine politics, not only in Akwa Ibom State, but Nigeria in general. Today, Sen. Bob is still a formidable force to be reckoned with in Nigeria, and a relevant voice that has tremendously shaped events in our society.

At this time when politics has lost its sensitivity, Sen. Effiong Bob is still highly revered for his political steadfastness and respect for elders and constituted authorities. It is on record that Senator Bob has never fought a lost battle. Succinctly put, he has an aura of greatness and extraordinary grace to support a cause and succeed no matter the odds.

 Inemesit Ndueso Ebu is a journalist and Publisher,

Great Achievers’ World Magazine. She is also a Special Projects expert.

She writes from Lagos State, Nigeria

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