THE PROPOSED SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING (SGM) OF ORON UNION AND THE MISCONCEPTIONS: THE NEED FOR SOME CLARIFICATIONS

We have observed with dismay, the dimensions to which the mind of a few can fly in distrust and the extent to which that distrust can go in damaging what should be the genuine pursuit of all sons and daughters of Óró: peace and goodwill. For the danger that this unfortunate state we have found ourselves can pose, therefore, we have decided to make some clarifications, hoping that it will make the intention of the CEC for the SGM clearer, the purpose emboldened and the goal trusted. Thus, it's important to state the following:

1. The present CEC came on board with a resolve to put things in the right perspective toward ensuring that Óró gets it right wherever it failed and consequently reclaims its former pride of place in the Committee of Ethinic Nationalities in Akwa Ibom State nay Nigeria .

2. To this end, at the start of the administration plans and programs that the Union would pursue in the course of the tenure were made public and approved. In pursuance of those plans, which almost every Óró sons and daughters lauded, the upcoming SGM was proposed.

3. The SGM is expected to stimulate conversation as to why Oro as the third tripod has suffered so much deprivation, oppression, marginalization and in the process come up with time tested strategies and processes that will help Oro reclame it's position. Starting from recruitment imbalance, Appointment imbalance, promotion imbalance, and political opportunities and Resources appropriation imbalance. Which other Socio Political group is empowered to do this if not Oron Union? This role is in pursuant to Article 3, item H, I ,J , and K of Oron Union Constitution.

4. The SGM, contrary to the unfortunate misconceptions being peddled in the last 24 hours all over the place, has the intention of bringing all aspirants, of all political parties, for the Federal House of Representatives seat for Oron Federal Constituency, together, to interface with the Óró people all over the world which they intend to represent. The interface is therefore expected to afford every constituents, either directly or by representation, the opportunity to assess these aspirants, engage them and make informed choices for the betterment of Óró as a people. The Aspirants interface will not result in any test or judgement. Aspirants will answer the same questions and in the probability sequence not to be determined by the Union or any of it's Officers.

5. Contrary to the negative and divisive speculations being sold from different quarters in the last 24 hours, with seeming intent to strangulate what should have been a unified purpose and pursuit of all Oronians, the committee set up by the CEC was not, in any way, meant to endorse or cause others to endorse any aspirant, and in any case does not possess any powers to do so. The whole duty of the committee was to plan the SGM for Óró. It is also clear, for those whose intentions are to understand and build and without any intent to vilify, criticise distructively to distract and divide, that the members of the committee weren't selected along party lines or across party/aspirants affiliations. The selection was based on citizenship, availability, capacity, willingness of the people to help within the timeline and proximity. It is therefore sickening to see that such destructive views that trailed those harmless and patrotic efforts could ensue. We tend to wonder as a Union what those individuals, whose sole aim was to help their motherland, would feel reading those conversations on the Órócentric platforms since yesterday. We find those remarks to be insensitive, demeaning and discouraging.

6. The President General of Oron Union, Bishop Etim Ante has proven to have this consultative ability and stamina to always make utmost efforts at reaching out to all and sundry, stakeholders and well-meaning Oronians on matters of policy and effects on Óró. This results in some very subtle decisions being taken wittingly, but succinctly. It is therefore our believe that, at worst, a leader elected by the people should be given the benefits of the doubts.

7. The SGM is tomorrow, the least we can do is attend either to confirm our fears or assuage them. If our intentions are to build together, we will conver mistakes than magnifying them and giving them undue publicity. Let us not be consumed in our vendetta so much that we forget the unflinching reality that the fall is our fall and the rise is our rise!

Godwin Essang ESU, PhD
ASG1 - Oron Union
16.04.2022

For the Secretariat, Oron Union.