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| Hon. Orok |
Opinion By Richard Edem
As preparations for local government elections in Cross River State gathers momentum, there is increasing need for political actors and stakeholders across board to ensure that this time around, the right people emerges as flag bearers of their different political parties.
In doing so, a few factors must be carefully considered. This is even so because of the cardinal role local government administrators play in the overall development of our national life.
Some of those factors that political decision makers across party lines should carefully consider should include; capacity, proven track record, experience, integrity, age among others.
Owing to the peculiarity of Calabar south and its political antecedents, it becomes imperative to all lovers of our state and people to insist on aforementioned characteristics and leadership qualities of anyone who aspires to become the next chairman of the LGA. I say so because of the dire need to turn around the fortunes of that LGA,
It is on this premise that as February, 22, 2020 LGA elections draw near, I have become an unapologetic and unrepentant advocate for an Archibong Edem Orok led adminstration in Calabar south
Few things clearly convinces me and makes him the man fit for the job. And I will try to highlight those points here.
First is his leadership capacity and love for his party, Peoples Democratic Party-PDP. As the majority leader of the last legislative council in the LGA, it is on record that against the 'tradition' of threats and counter threats of impeachment, infightings etc, the LGA is usually known for. Hon. (Deacon) Archibong Edem Orok was able to successfully manage the entire legislators in such a way that brought so much peace and tranquility to the council, which in no little way, enabled the Chairman of council, Rt. Hon. Marjory Asuquo carry out her functions very easily without rancour.
In every legislative business, it is a known fact how powerful leaders of the legislature are. They usually evoke so much power and respect among their peers but Hon. Archibong Orok, being a naturally very unambitious man a core party loyalist, decided to galvanise his colleagues lawmakers to see the need to uphold party unity for the overall good of the council. Such loyal and humility even while in power is indeed rare.
Hon. Archibong Orok could easily be described as a level headed politician. He is not desperate, this was again proven during the 5th assembly, when at one point as the majority leader, there were plans to impeach the then leader of council even when that was to clear the coast for him to become the leader. But as a real party man and a team player that he is, Hon. Archibong Orok decided not to throw the lawmakers, party and the LGA into confusion and backwardness. He decided to make peace among the warring legislators. A move that was greatly applauded by many.
As CEO of Motherboard (NIG.) Limited, he has a history of successfully piloting chains of businesses for almost two decades without any dent.
Having been in the business of private motors terminal operators, his tenacity, tact and loyalty endeared him to many and when there was need for a new leadership of the association, he was overwhelmingly elected as the National Chairman of Private Motor Terminal Operators Association ( a key player in the road transport sub-sector).
With the dire need of a capable hand to consolidate the gains of the industrialization drive of Governor Ben Ayade in an important LGA as Calabar south, Hon. Archibong Edem Orok immediately comes to mind as a perfect man to compliment the efforts of the present administration.
Young and intelligent, with both business, administrative and legislative experience combine with deep party loyalty, Hon. Archibong Edem Orok is like a child that is born in due time.
Born in Calabar to the family of the late (Chief) Edem Okon Orok a renowned chartered accountant and Chief (Mrs) Rosaline Ebun Orok, Hon. (Deacon) Archibong Edem Orok is a son of Ekpo Edem Royal House in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State .
He had his primary school education at the Calabar Preparatory International nursery and primary school, and secondary education at the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institution Calabar.
He holds a Diploma in business Administration and a B.Sc in Banking and Finance from the University of Calabar. Amongst his previous positions held are; Special Adviser on ICT to Hon. Ekeng Henshaw, then Chairman, Calabar South between 2010 & 2013. Member (Director of finance) Cross River State Rice Management Board, Member Transition Committee on Information Technology / Youth & Sport sub-committee (office of the chairman- elect Calabar South, October in 2010 etc.
Hon. (Deacon) Archibong Edem Orok is married and blessed with four children.
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