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| L-R : John Lebo and Simon Utsu |
Efio-Ita Nyok|21 March 2018
Contrary to the previous position popular social commentator Simon Utsu had about the Speaker of the 8th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, where he slammed the latter in these exact words —’His output in the last 3 years wasn’t what was expected of him based on how promising his candidacy seemed in 2015. He’s quite engaging but seems to have the knack to always slither away from his numerous responsibilities like a gaboon viper or an anaconda in the amazon’ amongst other things; Utsu is making a U-turn on Lebo at least as at yesterday NegroidHaven can say.
Utsu is currently describing the foremost lawmaker as having a knack for knowledge with a sense of humility; in fact, the prolific writer said : ‘my impression about him changed…’
His words, ‘Over the weekend, I was privileged to meet with the speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly when his itinerary brought him to Lagos. It was an exhilarating experience sitting and discussing issues with him and one of the better members of the state’s house of assembly, Hon Hilary Bisong.
‘To be honest, my impression about him changed to an extent. It was a no-holds-barred session and I threw as many (blunt) posers as possible in his direction. One thing I discovered about him was that, he’s a voracious seeker of knowledge and has no airs —quite unassuming and carefree. His admiration for our former governor and his political father, Liyel Imoke knows no bounds —his respect for Ayade is also top notch —at least that was what I deciphered from the time we spent conversing —and it was enough time for me to come up with such conclusions.
‘I was impressed when he told me he had drafted four bills ready to unleash on the floor of the lower chambers of the National Assembly if/when elected next year. I think the Abi/Yakurr race isn’t a 2-horse race like I postulated last week after all —everyone is pretty much in the race. That being said, I think Cross Riverians should ensure they elect vibrant people into the state’s house of assembly forthwith.
‘Because it was during my sit out with the speaker that I realized that I didn’t know the name of the Obudu member. Mr speaker was polite and patient enough to keep helping me out with his name during our conversation till it stuck’.
Utsu’s previous position on Lebo last week:
I’ll start with the Speaker of the 8th Cross River state house of Assembly —by virtue of his current position. John Gaul Lebo has had quite a disappointing outing as Speaker. His output in the last 3 years wasn’t what was expected of him based on how promising his candidacy seemed in 2015. He’s quite engaging but seems to have the knack to always slither away from his numerous responsibilities like a gaboon viper or an anaconda in the amazon. A couple of times, I’ve tagged him to posts up here and was lucky enough to get his response but that’s where it ended.
‘For instance, he promised me in one of such posts that his house was going to pass the “anti open grazing bill” but till date, ‘no show’. Asides his relatively poor performance as Speaker, he has scores to settle with his godfather, Liyel Imoke. We all know all isn’t well between both of them. We also know Imoke isn’t the forgiving type. So I doubt if John Gaul will have an easy stroll in that regard (of claiming the Federal house of reps ticket come next year). If you ask me, I’ll advise him to return to the state house of assembly and gun for the speakership position again —that seems less of a tall order than the former.’ http://www.negroidhaven.org/2018/03/abi-yakurr-2019-federal-constituency.html?m=1
BLOGTORIAL
I decided to do this publication on Utsu and the Speaker because of the previous publication I made two days ago. You may click for more details on this : http://www.negroidhaven.org/2018/03/abi-yakurr-2019-federal-constituency.html?m=1
That being said, I have been keen about Utsu’s u-turn particularly where he said : ‘
To be honest, my impression about him changed…’ and then he added an addendum —’to an extent’. This is premised on the fact that Utsu hasn’t told us the particular perception that has changed at least ‘to an extent’. For instance, is Lebo’s knack for knowledge impacting his decision on the grazing bull Utsu mentioned in his previous post? Has Lebo settled his score with Imoke? Those were the kind of issues I expected Utsu to tell us particularly because I think they may have constituted a part of their discussion in Lagos —I may be wrong anyways, but that is how I understand it.
Albeit, concerning Utsu’s most recent perception of Lebo, I can confirm that to be true especially in respect of my personal interactions with him.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is the Blogger-in-Chief, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher of NegroidHaven