Life has taken me to so many places in Nigeria, from North, South, East and West. And I have had the opportunity to relate with alot of people , both the low and the mighty.
One trait I have refused to abandon over the years is that of sticking my neck for humans with certain qualities and having absolute faith in my believes whether it turns out good or bad . No wonder, in 2003, in far away Ebonyi State , I created a group, Voluntary Movement for the Actualization of Chief Nwikuru Governorship Race (VOMANGOR). Chief Lawrence Nwuruku was an ANPP Governorship candidate in 2003 Governorship election and contested against a sitting PDP governor, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu. Though the ANPP won the election, the Nigerian factor gave the PDP a second term . Those who were there then, knows what I am saying.
In traversing Nigeria , I have had cause to also understudy two great Nigerian politicians that life has led me cross their path, one being Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, a former governor of Abia State and immediate past Minister for Science and Technology and the second being, Engr. Ben Akak(Otuekong Ukwa Eburutu), Chairman/CEO Bengies Group of Companies/Ben Akak Foundation, a former APC 2023 Governorship aspirant in Cross River State .
Getting to know these two men, most especially, Engr. Ben Akak prompted deeper thoughts in me and the question, why do lions refused to roar at dangerous time? I mean how can a politician not be desperate ? How can a Nigerian politician watch people betray him and yet will tell his close followers to forget it? How can a politician trust his fellow politicians and refused to hold them at their jugular when opportunity presented itself , knowing fully well that it is dangerous to trust Nigerian Politicians? Why will a lion we know refused to roar when there was clear danger ahead?
These deeper thoughts and question could only again be answered when I came to the understanding and realization that the lion’s heart is associated with strength, courage, and leadership and that a lion’s heart symbolizes perseverance and overcoming struggles. It also represent wisdom and mental power. It was in my deeper thoughts that I understood that Engr. Ben Akak is a lion with a gentle heart who doesn't roar when he's hunting. He hunts with quiet stealth.
One thing I am very certain about Engr. Ben Akak is that his quietness is not weakness because loudness to those who wants him to roar may also not be strength . He is a lion with extreme patience , whose catch will surprise the jungle .
Ekpenyong Isaiah-isababa
Commander, Infantry Pen Battalion
