By lmo Ben
If only we can imagine the suffering most faithful shepherds go through to care for their flocks, then we would be in better spirit to appreciate what befell Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert, OBA, recently. The shepherd sacrifices his comfort and sometimes even risks his life through bushes and lonely paths to lead his sheep to green pastures and to the still waters. All the sheep do is to trust and follow him.
The shepherd leads with just a simple stick, not just to clear the path for himself and his flock, but also as a weapon to confront other threats to them. As the leader, who is in the frontline, the shepherd is more in danger than his sheep.
Of course, most times, the shepherd has to fight battles at his peril to protect his sheep. He suffers to secure the life of his flock like David in the Bible did when he faced the lion. That is the scenario in Akwa Ibom politics of today as OBA, the good leader who wants to lead the suffering masses out of bondage, has been attacked, witch-hunted and persecuted to pave way for imposition of a wicked, self-serving leadership, to continue suppressing the common citizens.
The level of desperation to stop OBA, the people-friendly and dependable YPP governoship candidate, from leading the poor masses to an era where they will enjoy dividends of good governance, is glaring in the manner Mr. Udom Emmanuel and co-conspirators are attacking him. It is why he is in prison by procured judgement.
He is haunted because he opposes continued deceits of the citizens by the state government and kicks against sustained neglect of the suffering masses. Nevertheless, the flock of Obong Bassey Albert is not deterred. His sup are not frightened or intimidated by whatever they see. Neither are they lured by the filthy lucre thrown around from the state treasury. Rather, instead of the followership thinning out as the enemies probably expected, more converts join the teeming flock everyday!
The witch-hunt of the distinguished senator is deliberately done to demoralize his followers, so fhey lose faith in the emancipation struggle. But it has failed woefully because the liberation movement is even boosted by the courage displayed by the governorship candidate, even when in prison, as well as the energy put up by his wife, Pastor Imaobong Albert, and the campaign team.
OBA’s supporters are comforted that David tore the mouth of the vicious lion at the last minute and rescued his sheep. Likewise, the senator is divinely strengthened by the challenges he has faced to tear to pieces the enemies of the masses. David must have fought a tough battle with the lion before defeating the beast. Likewise, OBA will definitely win the battle of 2023, even if it is from confinement. Akwa Ibom people have resolved to vote the YPP governship candidate under whatever circumstance.
Thankfully, Akwa Ibom people have seen through Udom’s antics. On the streets, many argue that there must be something he is trying to hide, something he is so scared of, making him to be so desperate and ruthless. They wonder why a governor can go to the point of elimininating all opposition, in a democracy, in order to install his stooge.
This time, Akwa Ibom people are determined to take back their right of chosing their governor. They have sworn to remain steadfast, despite all odds. OBA’s increasing supporters remain loyal; they trust and have confidence in God to lead them through. They believe that after winning the battles, OBA will lead Akwa Ibom to enjoy robust dividends of good governance in 2023. Hence, they appreciate his selfless sacrifices and act to complement his efforts to win on the march to the Hilltop Mansion.
Vote OBA! Vote YPP!! Vote the fresh leaves!!!
