SENATOR EFFIONG BOB CHOOSES INTEGRITY AGAINST ALL ODDS

By Inemesit Ebu

Integrity exists when we act according to our beliefs, principles or values, not only when we support them in words. Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles and morals. Moreover, integrity is a personal choice.

Last year, I wrote a piece on Distinguished Senator Effiong Bob on his integrity dexterity titled, “Akwa Ibom 2023: Need to Toe Senator Effiong Bob’s Integrity Path”. Most people reacted negatively, maintaining that there was nothing like ‘integrity in the lives of politicians; that politicians are not honest in their dealings. A few others applauded my position. The argument continued while I stood my grounds that Sen. Bob is a man embedded in integrity judging from his political activities in the past. They have come to shake hands with the truth.

Few weeks ago, integrity was demonstrated by Senator Bob during the announcement of Pastor Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, as the preferred successor of Governor Udom Emmanuel as the next governor of Akwa Ibom State, come 2023. Gov. Emmanuel said he was convinced that Pastor Eno would continue with his developmental strides in the state. We can’t blame him for his choice. He is entitled to only one vote.

Unveiling of Udom Emmanuel’s anointed candidate tore Akwa Ibom PDP apart. Many PDP governorship aspirants were aggrieved but Senator Bob maintained peace with maturity. He did not misbehave in his action and expression instead he left another legacy in his name.

Senator Bob’s acceptance of the endorsement is rare, mature, and exemplary. He indeed understands power game. He has the courage to moderate his ambition. That’s not the end of his political journey. Greatness beckons. Political players in the state expected him to react negatively but he disappointed them by going extra mile to transfer all his political structures to Pastor Umo Eno This is integrity in action displayed by a natural born leader. He has earned a political record that is second to none in the State.

Arguably, in political settings, when the issue of integrity is mentioned it is often interpreted to mean loyalty. Integrity tends to be appreciated even more in this day and time because it is uncommon.

Integrity shows true character. It reveals so much about you without you ever saying a word. People always appreciate actions that are born of integrity. I think that deep down we all want to have good values. We also appreciate them in other people.

When we analyze the context of integrity in Nigerian political viewpoints, many, especially politicians see it as merely being loyal. It is far from it. According to Stephen Cavey, ‘a life of integrity is the most fundamental source of personal worth”.

Integrity has become a concept with more prominence in research on government and governance as well as in actual policy making at all levels; it is a crucial concept for an understanding of governance. Integrity could also mean choosing courage over comfort; by choosing what’s right over what’s fun, fast or easy; while practicing your values not just professing them.

As 2023 is fast approaching, let politicians begin to toe Distinguished Senator Bob’s integrity path for optimum results.