“A Nigerian politician is very unpredictable and can defect tomorrow to any winning political party,” was the message passed by acting National Secretary of All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committee, Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe.
Udoedehe who marked his 57th birthday anniversary at NUJ Press Centre, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State on Monday declared that even Governor Udom Emmanuel cannot be predicted politically and could defect tomorrow to any winning party to further his interest.
The one-time Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory who toned his speech with vivacious comments said, “Some of you are married to politicians. Politicians are unpredictable. If there is a change of power, politicians will automatically defect to another party to feather their nest. Do not joke with politicians. They are not careless but savvy in pursuing their goal. They could also be pliable.
“It was shocking for me to see some politicians who plotted my murder defecting to my party recently. Do you know the political party Udom Emmanuel may join tomorrow? Do not kill or fret yourself for any politician. Let’s keep your fingers crossed,” the APC bigwig joked.
The Senator who is always linked with tempestuous behavior disabused the minds of journalists that he is not what many portrayed him.
According to him, “You have forgotten that it was difficult to walk on the streets. You have forgotten that husband and wife could not have free conversation without harbouring the fear that it could leaked to the government which might have resulted in attack. There was insecurity. People were kidnapped. You could not move.
“One man came and said ‘you cannot do this.’ I came on your behalf. I gave you a street to walk on freely. I gave you opportunity to attend your church service. I gave you opportunity to take your children to schools. During the time, the system was locked. I tried to untie the system, but you say ‘I was the face of opposition.”
“I maintain opposition because I have vision. I knew we would go to opposition. Where are those you did not want opposition. I bought NNMC, Oku Iboku. I bought Quality Ceramics, Itu and have 80 per cent shares. I do not want to fight Udom Emmanuel; otherwise you will insinuate that it because of industries,” the astute politician declared.
Udoedehe hit the audience “When will you wake up to encourage another person to be rich? I know your problem: You worship god. Akwa is a god in Annang. Ibom is a god in Ibiono Ibom. Anyday, you know and worship Jesus Christ is the Lord of Lords, you will be wiser. Other gods lead to destruction, but God Almighty leads awesomeness.”
“How can you have trillions of Naira but you are languishing in poverty. If you are given Camry car, you go about fanning yourself. Open up, do not lock the system because someone has to make a change for the good of all. You may know another or government except you give someone an opportunity to serve.”
He told journalists to be alive to their responsibilities, saying “You may not know your importance. Without you, there would be no democracy in the world. There is no government that will come and remove you. It has no option. You are the permanent secretary. If a politician brings material for you to write against your brother, do not write. Carry out investigation.
To Akwa Ibom people, Udoedehe said “If you kill a courageous leader, you will weep on an evil day. I have not criticised Udom Emmanuel administration. I know some people would accuse me of dinning with the governor hence my silence. If I start a battle with the governor, people will castigate me, saying ‘what is his problem? Is he interested in the industries established by the governor?’ Some people do not like vocal person. Without opposition, money will not come out. However, I have advised my party not to overheat the system.”
On his educational attainment, APC chief recollected “I have seen people I grew up with. They were not my girlfriends. I attended Jubilee Primary School, Uyo. I attended Holy Trinity College, Mbiakong in Uruan. Later, I attended University of Calabar. Thereafter, I attended Harvard University and obtained a diploma. My father was one of the richest persons in Uyo then. Yet, some people will say that ‘he was the Chairman of motor parks in Uyo.’
The state Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Amos Etuk described Senator Udoedehe as a man of history in the political evolution of Akwa Ibom State, and felicitated him on his birthday anniversary.
