NYARA NYARA IBIBIO: THE GODS DON'T FAIL

By AK Kingsley

The days of Ibibio Students Union were such that portrayed a mixed grill of ancient and contemporary culture of the Ibibio ethnic group, evident in the union's
activities on campus.

Of all the folk songs originally composed and sang in the union, one stood out (and still stands out) and its lyrics are very instructive.

In the light of this piece, I shall rely on some issues posed in the song, while seeking to do justice to the heading above.

Speaker Onofiok Luke of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly summarised his two minute electrifying speech at Asan Ibibio with this folk song which he must have learned in school as a unionist. In what was arguably the most intriguing speech after Senator Akpabio's, I
perceive that Speaker Luke meant to send a ciphered message through the lyrics of the song which goes thus:
"Ibibio anye ami o Nyara nyara edungo
Nyin idungo ke ata Nyara nyara edungo"
I am moved to author this piece following the recent grand reception of Gov Udom Emmanuel by the Ibibio Nation at Asan Ibibio ground, a development whose
significance cannot be disregarded.

Back to the song; 'nyara' (Ibibio word), plural of 'ayara' which means male
(usually referring to non humans), represents the masculinity, bravery and general strength of Ibibio society in this context.

The line, "nyin idungo ke ata" (we live by
guts) carries bulk of the message intended to be sent.

This is the summary of the matter. By gods, I mean all stakeholders and partners of the Ibibio unity and by extension, Akwa Ibom project.

By gods, I mean those whose influence and position on issues, reflect that of a greater majority, and by gods, I refer to
those who by precedence, have never failed to get what they want, when and how they want.

Anytime these gods assemble in Asan to proclaim, demand or deny, their position stands and of course, their decrees come to pass, perfectly.

Not long ago, Governor Ben Ayade and the people of Cross River State, in a bid to make a statement, looked away from politics and held a reception to honour their son, Walter Onogen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Such was rare, especially considering the magnitude of disunity we have cuffed ourselves with, in the name of politics.

That is why the Asan Ibibio event was exceptional and timely.

Again, the gods had it right. Let me explain. Isn't it a wow that even when some sworn sadists pledge by everything never to see anything good in Governor
Emmanuel, people outside the boundaries of Akwa Ibom State uphold him as an enviable brand? How come all the APC governors in Nigeria through the fearless, outspoken Rochas Okorocha (Chairman, APC Governors Forum), not only showed up at Asan, but spoke glowingly of this
Udom and called for unity in our own state? Of course the presence of Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and
Gov. Ikpeazu of Abia State, validated the relevance of our governor outside the state.

Now, regardless of the steady antagonism from within, it is instructive to note that for the entire traditional institution in Akwa Ibom, for statesmen of Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok's class and all quarters of the Ibibio ethnic stock and the state to rise in unison and celebrate the governor and give a nod for another term, the gods cannot be mistaken.

One can hardly fault the move. Indeed, the gods don't fail.

For the lessons, let the discerned decipher the message in Speaker Luke's song and be guided, properly.

As "mme nyara" (Alpha males ), Ibibio people (and Akwa Ibomites by extension) are resolute on matters of unity and as
usual, shall remain united as a matter of challenge, now and always (not excluding the choice of the endorsed leader when obligation calls).
May the gods not fail!