End-time Reportage

The Greed of Politicians

Politics in Nigeria has often been described as a game of service, sacrifice and representation. But somewhere along the line, many politicians interpreted “public service” to mean a permanent tenancy arrangement funded by taxpayers. And nowhere is this comedy more visible than in the unfolding drama surrounding Alex Egbona and the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency seat.

After spending about seven years in the green chambers of the National Assembly, many APC stakeholders reportedly believed the honorable thing for Egbona was to take a bow, shake hands with constituents, and perhaps retire into the prestigious league of “former lawmakers” who now appear only at burials, thanksgiving services and political consultations.

But Nigerian politicians rarely retire willingly. In fact, many treat elective offices the same way village elders treat ancestral lands - inherited, sacred, and transferable only within the bloodline.

Just when APC faithful thought Egbona’s political curtain was finally closing, the lawmaker reportedly staged a dramatic return to the PDP, perhaps convinced that the Abi/Yakurr seat is not merely an elective office but his ancestral stool. To him, democracy may simply mean: “government of Egbona, by Egbona, for Egbona.”

Observers say the defection has left many constituents confused. Some had assumed that after two terms, the lawmaker would mentor younger politicians and support fresh ideas. Instead, the political equation now resembles a landlord chasing tenants out of a house he considers family property.

Meanwhile, the emergence of John Gaul Lebo has added fresh suspense to the unfolding political theatre. Lebo, a former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly and a close ally of Bassey Otu, is now widely seen as the establishment’s preferred successor in the race.

Ironically, many constituents who had hoped for political renewal now fear they may simply be witnessing another elite recycling program - where one familiar face exits the stage only for another long-standing insider to replace him. In the Nigerian political marketplace, “change” often means changing drivers while the same old bus continues the journey.

Analysts say the contest is gradually transforming into a battle between political entitlement and elite continuity. On one side stands a lawmaker unwilling to let go; on the other, another seasoned political heavyweight backed by powerful interests. The ordinary voter, as usual, watches from the sidelines like a spectator at a wrestling match arranged by the same promoters.

In the villages and beer parlours of Yakurr and Abi, residents have already started joking that the ballot paper in 2027 may need a special inscription:

“Warning: This seat is reserved for political shareholders only.”

Still, in Nigerian politics, nothing is impossible. Politicians who have tasted the comfort of Abuja often develop a rare medical condition known as Post-Term Withdrawal Syndrome — a disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to remain in office indefinitely.

For now, constituents wait patiently to see whether democracy will speak louder than political greed, or whether another miracle of “continuity” will once again descend upon the people.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

My dear fellow constituents and respected APC stakeholders, this is not the season for divided loyalty, whispering camps, or political gambling. The mandate before us demands unity, discipline, and commitment. Victory is not built by noise-makers at the corners, but by committed hands pulling in one direction.

Hon. John Otu represents more than ambition; he represents a movement for purposeful leadership and responsive representation. If we truly desire progress for Boki II, then we must rise above personal interests and stand firmly behind a mandate that reflects competence, accessibility, and courage.

JOHN OTU means:

J - Justice for all
O - Opportunity for the youth
H - Hope for the people
N - Nobility in leadership

O - Organization and unity
T - Transparency in service
U - Uncommon commitment to development

The time has come for APC stakeholders to close ranks and speak with one voice. Politics is local, but destiny is collective. A house divided may shout loudly, but it cannot win elections.

Let us not be spectators in our own future. Let us be builders of it.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage

They say leadership is about vision, but in Boki II, we are tired of visions that require binoculars to see. What we need now is someone who can do, not just declare. Enter John Otu, a man described by admirers as actionable, focused, and ready to lead… which, in our political climate, already qualifies as a minor miracle.

While others are still drafting “strategic blueprints” and attending meetings to plan more meetings, John seems to understand that roads are not built with grammar, and communities are not developed by press statements. Refreshing, isn’t it?

Of course, we have heard promises before - enough to build a flyover made entirely of campaign speeches. But there is something comforting about a candidate whose biggest selling point is simply: “he might actually do something.”

And so, with cautious optimism (and a backup plan of continued endurance), the good people of Boki II are looking in his direction. By God’s mercies, and perhaps a little pressure from constituents who now ask questions - John Otu may indeed become our next MP.

At the very least, we can know he understands that leadership is not a title to wear, but work to be done. In Boki II, that alone would be revolutionary.

Omah Ambrose Muabe
End-time Reportage