A'Ibom at 30: Fellow young people, know when to criticize!

By John Ntekim

There is time for everything!
Akwa Ibom State is marking her 30th year of existence and the government of the day has lined up activities to ensure an exciting and remarkable anniversary celebration. This is done through various ministries, particularly the Ministry of Culture and Tourism led by Rt. Hon. Victor Antai who has introduced commendable concepts and programs in an unprecedented manner to make the 2017 anniversary experience memorable.

In all, a cankerworm to watch is the worrisome and lamentable attitude of some young persons and a few elders who have extended their 'dislike' for the Udom Emmanuel led administration either for party sake or unknown reasons to the state herself, even in her times of felicity like this.

Yes, we all claim to love our dear state and seek the best for Akwa Ibom. This encourages us to be vocal in pointing out unfavorable conditions where we meet any.

But, we must realise that there is clear difference between patriotism and indirect hatred for one's land. Of course, criticising an indifferent government, poor execution of projects or detestable policies of government is patriotism, but constantly coughing negative commentaries to make a government unpopular at all chances is hatred and abhorrence.

I really do not know how you feel, but I feel insulted as an Akwa Ibom citizen whenever I see people(especially those who enjoy a reasonable level of respect from me) try to make jest of the orange September concept.

This is in my opinion is very disgusting, shameful and infantile. For me, those who are carried away by the unpleasant trend are those who have lost touch with the pride of citizenship and have nothing to offer their state other than sitting back to castigate those who turn out to sacrifice their time and energy.

-Excuse me please, what are you really criticising?
-Is Udom Emmanuel Akwa Ibom State?
-Aren't you aware that governments will continue to emerge and expire while the state and her orange color (just like Nigeria and her flag colors) will remain? If you are, then, why ridicule the name 'Akwa Ibom' which you should rather promote as a brand?
-Of what benefits and contributions are your innumerable jokes and embarrassing presentation of Akwa Ibom in public domains?
If you must know, there is absolutely no difference between any government that is not committed to the progress of her entity and a citizen who publicly mocks his/her state in an attempt to gain an image of a social crusader.

That is foolishness in every sense of the word.

I don't needs more words to convey this message, because it is a message for the wise for whom a word is enough. All I can say in conclusion is: We must understand that mocking a government who is merely celebrating our state's anniversary is like abusing your mother on your parents' marriage anniversary because she hasn't been living up to expectations. We must learn to draw the line and know when to criticize.
Your points may be apt and genuine, but the season is very wrong. You can't be fighting on your birthday. Wait, let's celebrate first.

Please, suspend the bitterness and use your head!

- (The Chief Priest)