Paschal Emeka
The Chairman, strategic communications subcommittee of Umo Eno/Akon Ayakenyi Campaign Council, Mr. Usen Udoh says the lifestyle and conduct of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has demystified the Office of Governor of Akwa Ibom State, adding that the governor has demonstrated his trust and convictions about the life of Jesus Christ through his uncommon humility.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo at the weekend, Mr. Udoh gave examples of how Pastor Umo Eno moves around Uyo metropolis and environs, stopping by to visit market women to have brief interactions with them to feeling the pulse of the moment in the markets in a bid to identify their challenges, without the usual blasting of sirens accompanied with powerbike riders in long convoys.
Mr. Udoh, pioneer chairman of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in Akwa Ibom State and current chairman of Akwa Ibom Tourism and Hospitality Practitioners’ Association (AKTHOPA), which, incidentally was founded by Pastor Umo Bassey Eno some years ago, applauded the governor for finding time out of his busy schedules to stop by to buy roasted corns from roadside women, reiterating that Pastor Umo Eno believes that humility remains the secret sauce of a Christ-like leadership.
He pointed out that a humble boss understands that there are things he doesn’t know, therefore he listens: not only to the other bigwigs, but also to the ordinary people who may not be so privileged to be invited to Government House functions, such as the market women, artisans and roadside petty traders whom he finds to visit and patronises as well from time to time.
“In our world today, everything seems to be going in a completely different order. The law of the ego prevails. And we know the painful consequences of ego, which is injustice, abuse of power, and falsehood of every kind in high places.
“Yet Jesus does not focus directly on these forms of abuse, but turns his attention to the human heart, the root from which ego and pride arise. Our hearts must be transformed if we are to acquire new attitudes and establish genuine and just relationships in society.
“To be humble does not only mean not being ambitious and dominant. It also means being aware of our own nothingness, feeling small before God, and thus placing ourselves in his hands, like children. Freedom from pride or arrogance is the quality or state of being humble. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom, according to Proverbs 11:2
“As someone once said, it is not thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less. God will decide who becomes great (Gen 12 :2) in the eyes of the world. Without humility, our old sins keep us captive, and we seek exaltation like the self-righteous Pharisee in Jesus’ parable. With humility, no matter how sinful we are, like the tax-collector, God forgives sins and exalts us like the risen Christ
“The Scripture gives us the amazing truth that when we come to God in humility, his favour is on us. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is “riches and honuor and life.
“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Lk 14:11). The Gospel often indicates Jesus’ willingness to accept invitations to share a meal together with ordinary people; such occasions were opportunities to come together, make friends, and reinforce relationships with people.
“Therefore, I am so confident that the “Golden Era” under Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Sen. AkonEyakenyi will take Akwa Ibom, the “Land of Promise” to greater heights where all citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, religion, ethnicities and cultural diversities will live as one united and indivisible family under Akwa Abasi Ibom”. No wonder the “Golden Era mantra: “Arise together,” the Managing Director of Legacy Tourism Development Services Ltd, Uyo, said.
