There are moments in the political history of a people when certain individuals become more than politicians. They become institutions of experience, bridges across generations and repositories of wisdom whose value becomes increasingly obvious whenever political turbulence threatens to tear a community apart. Chief, Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien belongs to that category.
There was a time when Chief Nduese Essien stood firmly at the centre of political affairs in Eket Senatorial District, providing direction, strategic counsel and a rallying point for politicians and stakeholders. His influence was not built merely on occupying political offices. It was strengthened by decades of experience, relationships, negotiations and a deep understanding of the political terrain.
When Chief Nduese Essien “held the forte,” politics in the district was characterised by intense consultations, calculations, alliances and negotiations. He was able to bring people together, manage competing interests and provide a sense of direction at critical moments. Such leadership does not disappear overnight simply because political seasons change.
Today, as political disagreements and competing interests continue to test the cohesion of the APC in Eket Senatorial District, the question is not whether the party should return to the past. Rather, it is whether the wisdom and experience of respected elders such as Chief Nduese Essien can be brought to bear on the challenges of the present. In our view, the answer should be an emphatic yes.
Political disagreements are normal in a democracy. What becomes dangerous is when disagreements destroy trust, weaken party structures and alienate stakeholders. Once members no longer feel heard or fairly treated, loyalty begins to decline, grassroots mobilisation suffers and the political opposition inevitably benefits.
This is why the APC in Eket Senatorial District must look beyond personalities and temporary victories. A fragmented political bloc cannot effectively bargain for political appointments, development projects, representation or strategic influence. Political strength is derived from unity of purpose, internal democracy and the ability to accommodate divergent interests.
It is against this background that we believe the call on Chief Nduese Essien not to “hang his responsibility” deserves serious consideration. Retirement from active politics should not necessarily mean retirement from leadership. There is a difference between seeking political office and providing political guidance. The latter is precisely where experienced statesmen can make their greatest contribution.
But the responsibility should not rest on Chief Nduese Essien alone. Those seeking his intervention must also demonstrate humility and sincerity. Consultation cannot be a ritual performed only when political structures are in crisis. The younger generation must be prepared to listen, while the elders must remain accessible and willing to guide without imposing themselves.
The present moment calls for genuine consultation, fairness, transparency, reconciliation and respect for party institutions. Aspirants must be treated equitably, grievances must be addressed through dialogue, and the grassroots must not be reduced to spectators in decisions that affect their political future.
Eket Senatorial District has produced political leaders whose contributions have shaped Akwa Ibom’s political history. Chief Nduese Essien is undoubtedly one of them. His greatest legacy may therefore not be another political office, but the ability to help a new generation of leaders avoid the mistakes that weaken political organisations and to build structures capable of surviving individual ambitions.
The Evangelist believes that wisdom should never be allowed to retire. If Chief Nduese Essien still has the strength and willingness to contribute, then Ekid and the wider Eket Senatorial District should not hesitate to seek his counsel. At the same time, the younger political generation must rise to the occasion and demonstrate that they are ready to learn, reconcile and build.
History will remember those who held the forte. But history will judge even more favourably those who, after holding the forte, used their experience to prepare others to carry it successfully.
That is the responsibility before Chief Nduese Essien and indeed before every elder and political stakeholder who genuinely desires a stronger and more united Eket Senatorial District.
© The Evangelist News
