Newsfront Online …Telling the Public as it is
By Andrew Obot
In the human society, Life comes naturally at birth. In this context, the history of mankind over the centuries is often characterized by a general philosophy of life and this tends to be centred on some distinctive personalities who did not just exist for their selfish purposes, but have made positive impacts and remarkable exploits in their times while on earth. These of course are the men with generational impacts who are found in the history books.
They are seen to have caused changes in history by their immense contributions which enhance the growth of humanity. Admittedly, among the galaxies in the country, Akwa Ibom is studded with gargantuan sparkling stars. This submission is buttressed with the likes Dr Andrew Unwanta, the man behind the Assembly of Akwa Ibom Political Groups (AKPG), who is also the international president of Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA), a flagship political organization that spearheaded the victory match of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, in the 2015 general elections. Of course, in this present administration, Akwa Ibom people are witnessing tremendous achievements day-by-day, which the members of ACA today can beat their chests anytime, anywhere and proudly say that they supported a worthy course.
As opined by Anthony Robbins, a famous philosopher, “I believe life is constantly testing us for rewards in our level of commitment, and life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment. This level of resolve can move mountains, but it must be constant and consistent. As simplistic as this may sound, it is still the common denominator separating those who live their dreams from those who live in regrets. The man, Unwanta, from birth is a man of greatness. In the contemporary society like ours, wherever he goes, as a servant- leader is passionate about making a difference. He can see into the future and predict what it has in store. He has a clear idea of where he is going at any point in time and what he wants to accomplish for the benefit of the masses in general.
Having a clear and unique vision is what highly separates him from others in the race of life and showcase him as an icon of trust that has the capacity and moral to implement great policies for the advancement of government as well as the society. An outstanding leader of note, focused and always zealous to any given duty, Dr Unwanta even before his appointment as the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Service Commission had demonstrated his gentlemanly disposition and practical approval of issues of diligent administration, high moral and academic discipline in different fora. His brilliant activities and interactions with people have portrayed him as a man of respect, impartiality, vitality and accountability.
Accountability in this context is the obligation to answer for any responsibility that is being conferred upon a person, in other words, those who are charged with the responsibility of executing policy should be obliged to give explanations of their actions to the members of the organization or the general public. In the politics of the 21st century, Unwanta is fast becoming a major factor and a reference point in the history of humanity. A great deal of this could be seen in the prominent role he played in 2015 for the success story of the current administration.
This is because upon the dreaded face of blackmails and political tempests, he stood his ground and consciously left no stone unturned in ensuring that his goal is achieved. As a round peg in a round hole whose good qualities radiate like a star in the political terrain, one can rightly say that Dr Andrew Unwanta, steering the ship of AKPG as well as the ship of the mother of all socio-political organizations, ACA, was apt and a vision well-conceived. Unwanta is a leader with multidimensional experiences in the public administration that has been garnered over the past years. He has developed strong general management skills and strategic ideas for the enhancement of government affairs.
Naturally, he is a creative and result-oriented personality with proven success record in research, corporate governance and resource planning among other areas in both private and public sectors. Without any doubt, AKPG, unlike ACA, being a group that is deeply rooted in the state, across all the units of the local government areas, under the able leadership of Dr Unwanta, has all what it takes to rally support for the re-election of His Excellency come 2019. Unwanta, a political scientist who by virtue and providence has what it takes to win the hearts of the masses for the achievement of a common goal, should also brace up ahead of the 2019 general elections on the fact that to whom much is given, much is expected. He should know that ACA and AKPG, being detribalised bodies, represent equity and justice.
Thus, the groups do not finish in their tasks until when the second term bid of His Excellency is achieved. This is because Obong Victor Attah, by divine arrangement, had served the state as governor for eight years from Uyo Senatorial District, and Dr Godswill Akpabio from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District also took his turn for eight years. Therefore, it is on this premise that the masses advocated that the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, should complete his eight years tenure so as to give the people of Eket Senatorial District a true sense of belonging and justice. Obviously, on the fact that reward for hard work is more works, Dr Unwanta should rise and put the machineries of ACA and AKPG on motion.
As 2019 is approaching, he should know that he has no option than to complete the projects he had earlier started. With re-invigoration of ACA and AKPG machineries ahead of the 2019 general elections, the re-election of Governor Udom Emmauel will be a done deal. Admittedly, the history of Akwa Ibom State today can never be complete without a page dedicated to Dr Unwanta. As a great achiever, his leadership qualities in all spheres of human endeavours exude like diamonds in the sky.
Thus, his name, apart from ringing a bell at every nook and cranny of the society, is a metaphor for success. As a political guru, Dr Unwanta had earlier served and is currently playing remarkable roles in some of these offices such as president engineering Students Association, Polytechnic Calabar; president – Akwa Ibom State Youth Association, Etinan Local Government Chapter (1988); P.R. O – Akwa Ibom State Youth Association, at the state level (1989); member – Nkana Village Advisory Committee, Nkana – Iman (1986), chairman – Nkana Village Council, Nkana – Iman (1991-1993); chapter chairman – defunct Liberal Convention, Etinan Chapter; vice chairman – Etinan Local Government Council (1991-1993); state secretary, Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Akwa Ibom State from 2012 till when he emerged as the state chairman as well as re-elected to the same office till date); State Ex-officio, Akwa Ibom State PDP (1998- 1999) and commissioner, Akwa Ibom State Law Reforms Commission.
Also as a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he has served in the following capacities such as international coordinator – Iman Ibom Support for Good Governance (IBSUGG); deputy campaign chairman – Godswill Campaign Organization (2011) Etinan Chapter; campaign director – Hon. Sam Ikon Campaign Organization (2011); campaign manager- Hon. Kenneth Ime Okon Campaign Organization (2008); chapter coordinator N2N Neighbour for Goodluck Jonathan – (2011) Etinan Chapter; director general, ( Iman Unity Campaign ) Kenneth Okon – for Chairman (2011); state coordinator Goodluck Support Group (GSG) 2015; international president – Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA) (2015 till date); director of Groups and Organizations – Akwa Ibom State PDP Campaign Council (2015). With a wide range of academic and professional trainings to his credit, from basic education to the university level, encomiums have never seized pouring on him for his kindness and humanitarian gestures.
Dr Andrew Unwanta is a recipient of many awards such as the Rotary International Club where he was honoured with the Paul Harris Fellow Award; Young Ambassador for Peace – Universal Peace Federation and Youth Federation for World Peace (United Nations); pioneer chancellor – Life Changer Foundation, Akwa Ibom State; patron, Universal Youth Fellowship, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star; state patron, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Certificate of Merit- Ikot Ebo Community, Etinan; Chieftaincy Award, Ibatai Nkana, Nkana Community, Etinan; patron – National Association of Etinan Local Government Students (NAELGOS) Worldwide; Award of Excellence – International Association of Lions Clubs District 4048A2, Nigeria, Award of Excellence – Association of Beauty Queens and kings, Akwa Ibom State Council; Award of Excellence – Forum of Youth Group Leaders, Akwa Ibom State.
Others are Award of Excellence – Christ Natural Choristers Fellowship (CNCF), Uyo Area; Award of Honour as the best political mobilizer in Iman Ibom, PDP Ward Secretaries Forum, Etinan Chapter; Award of Excellence in Grassroots Politics – Federated Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council; Award of Excellence – Southern Iman Ladies Forum, Etinan Area; Award of Patronage – Brotherhood of the Cross and Star; Association of Brotherhood Academics Scholars (ABAS), Cross Rivers State; Ambassadorial Award – Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA), Abia State; Meritorious Service Award – Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Akwa Ibom State, pioneer office holder/Long service award – Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Uyo Area, as well as Pillar of Community – Ikot Esen Oku Unity, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Dr Unwanta is a devoted Christian. Undoubtedly, he knows how to balance his public life with his Christian faith. Some say he has worked very hard at ensuring the concurrent development of both. He has maintained perfection in his service to humanity; as Christ Ambassador, he has also ensured growth in his ecclesiastical life.
