By Ubong Etetor

Some may say it's too early in the day to write or talk about 2023. While those who think this way may not be wrong outright, it is however of great importance that we prepare the minds of our people towards what will certainly come.

A lot is being said about who should succeed Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2023. Many are saying that the governor should round off his eight years in office and leave the stage honourably without any attempt of producing his successor.

Others are of a different opinion altogether. According to those in this latter group, as governor, it is not out of place for Mr Emmanuel to have interest on who succeeds him in 2023. To these ones, a good leader deserves a good successor in order to keep the wheels of governance and development running on the right path.

Those who hold diverse opinions are in order given that they are all entitled to whatever stance they take. As free beings, they have the inalienable right to air out their views on issues of interest. No one should muzzle the voice of another in a democratic setting. One of the fine features of democracy is the freedom of choice, association and speech it affords citizens.

But as Governor Udom Emmanuel continues to deliver on his completion agenda, methinks it is important that he hands over the baton of leadership to someone who shares, if not all, but the fine qualities that have turned the state into a mini industry when he completes his two terms of eight years in 2023.

The state needs a good manager of resources; someone that thinks of the good of the generality of the people rather than one that will pursue sectional and primordial ends. Most importantly and without any attempt to mince words, Akwa Ibom deserves a God fearing governor that will, like Mr. Udom Emmanuel, place God at the centre of all his actions and engagements.

No state wishes to have a leader who places less emphasis on the things of God. Such a leader, of course, does not mean well for the people or the state considering that without God, no man, nation, can truly make any meaningful progress let alone a sustainable one.

In 2023, Akwa Ibom State must continue on the path that breeds development, prosperity anchored on the virtues of deep and sincere devotion to God. Handing the state over to a proven cultist will, of course, inevitably lead to retrogression that will plunge the state into a bottomless pit of stagnation.

It is of the essence, above everything else, that as we make projections and take positions on the 2023 sweepstakes, we must carefully and thoroughly screen those angling to succeed Governor Udom Emmanuel to be sure that they do not belong to deadly secret societies that will not have any positive impact on our state's march to greatness other than halt it.

Akwa Ibom deserves a leader who fears God, serves Him and clothes himself with no other god but the one and only God who made heaven and earth; the one that Governor Emmanuel has reverenced with unflinching devotion since coming onboard as governor of the state.

Having embarked on people-centred policies that have seen the youths rise to their faith of greatness and self-worth, it'll amount to several steps backward if the next man on whose shoulders the collective aspirations and hope for a better life of the people will rest is not in tune with godly virtues and values that Udom's administration has painstakingly wrought on the state.

Anybody known to flaunt antecedents that are at variance with the emerging new Akwa Ibom should not be allowed anywhere close to the Hilltop Mansion. The seat of power is a sacred stool that must not be desecrated by a man or men who are known cultists. A state that has since proscribed cultism cannot afford to hand the keys to government house to someone that will open the floodgates to cultists and cultism to make an unwanted comeback to our streets.

The state must continue on the path of peace and unity which Governor Udom Emmanuel has brought to bear. The era where kidnapping became a daily occurrence has since become history hence we cannot reawaken that dark era by making the costly mistake of allowing someone whose worldview is in conflict with these new ideals to assume the reins of power.

Akwa Ibom has become a destination of choice today. Industries have sprung up. Investors are streaming in. Steady power supply will soon be achieved. Healthcare has improved. The man on the driver's seat is focused, dedicated and committed to leaving behind enduring legacies that posterity will always cherish and be proud of.

The people must not allow those who wear deceptive robes to mislead and misguide them. We must strive to get it right come 2023. Let's shine our eyes and be ready to make an informed choice that will keep our state on the pathway to economic renaissance, ethnic tolerance and political maturity.

Let us rise and make the right decision that will bring about the right governor, the right policies, the right focus, the right objectives, the right energy and the right attitude to leading a people who have sworn to remain under the peaceful umbrella of the Most High God.

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Is this propaganda not too early? Whether Udom chooses his successor (and force him on Akwa Ibom) or its chosen by people in the ballot, whoever the successor is or will be... He will not be dancing to his tune.

And isn't it funny, that everyman seems to say their designs, whims, wills are God's making and will?