Since the 5th Century BC when the concept of democracy is said to have been birthed in Athens, Greece as a concept where eligible citizens had a say in the decision-making process, Michael Francis Moore, an American film director, producer, screenwriter and author, is one of the very few with the most inspiring, encompassing and laudable submissions on it.
According to Moore, "Democracy is not a spectator sport. It's a participatory event. If we don't participate in it, it ceases to be a democracy."
Although Nigeria, as well as most African countries, is said to be practicing democracy, the level of citizens' participation in the affairs of state has remained a source of serious concern, especially for political activists who believe like the famous American Baptist minister, Jesse Louis Jackson, does, that “inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth.”
This philosophy by Jesse Jackson is unarguably the underlining motivation for Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who has, since assumption of office, upheld and operated on the ideals and tenets of democracy.
The Ibom dialogue, scheduled to commence on Monday, July 24, 2023, through Thursday 27, 2023, is aimed at assembling captains of industries and experts in various subject matter to dissect the economic development blueprint of Pastor Umo Eno's administration, the ARISE Agenda, is, to say the least, an unprecedented approach and a rare content in Nigeria's perception of democracy.
It is worthy of note that Pastor Umo Eno had prior to his election as the state governor, put together his thoughts and development plans, with contributions from several development strategists, in a document he christened, "The Arise Agenda." He took the document around the state during the campaigns.
However, as a democratically elected governor of the state, he has deemed it necessary to assemble more subject experts across party lines to make contributions to the document which will become the template for his administration.
Although the ARISE Agenda has been adjudged by many as a very rich development document for the state, Governor Umo Eno believes that it will be richer with the injection of multiple ideas, according to Sundar Pichai, an Indian-born American executive, who is the CEO of Google, “a diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.”
It is expected that citizens of the state irrespective of political affiliation, civil societies, professional bodies, trade unions, religious community and the political class, including different aspirants and/or candidates in other political parties, will be in attendance.
This is to provide a platform where most citizens (since it is impossible to have all citizens in one location) could contribute and be part of the discussion to chart a course for a new Akwa Ibom.
With the ARISE Agenda which is an acronym for Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructural Maintenance, Security Management and Educational Advancement, Governor Umo Eno intends to strategically build on the achievements of previous administrations to ensure a new Akwa Ibom.
The Governor has thus far shown commitment, especially with the unscheduled visit to CKS Primary School Wellington Bassey Way, where he ordered that the school be made a model primary school with staff quarters. A similar pronouncement was made at the Cottage Hospital, Akai Ubium, in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, with an extension to six other cottage hospitals across the state.
Never has it been heard (at least within Nigeria) that a governor, at the beginning of his administration, assembled subject matter experts to contribute ideas that would help run his administration. Research has shown that for the states which had, during their administrations, held a state dialogue, the exercise was mere political jamborees as the recommendations ended up only on the pages of newspapers.
While many may still be awed by this rare liberality of Governor Umo Eno, it must be said that as a pastor, the biblical version of democracy as postulated by Solomon in Proverbs 11:14: “where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety,” has eaten deep into his administrative fabric and has become his compass.
This indeed is a trailblazing stride and a beautiful democracy, which according to Wealth Dickson Ominabo, does not hide; but has earned admiration from all.
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