Bob Otobong, a 26-year old lawyer is part of the House of Assembly members in Akwa Ibom state.

Bob, who turned 26 in August 2018, contested in Nsit Ubium state constituency, under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and won.

In this interview with Bella Naija, he spoke about his inspiration going into politics, his winning strategy, and advice to young Nigerians who want to go into politics.

Here’s what Bob shared;

What inspired you to go into politics?

Just like every other Nigerian, I have always believed that the government owes Nigerians more. I believe there is always more the government can do to make Nigerians happy. In essence, the citizens are the number one priority of any government.

I equally understand that there can never be too many progressive individuals with a heart full of genuine love for service to the people in government.

Secondly, considering that I am young, with fresh ideas, I believe I am part of a generation that will chart the course of our nation’s future.

Did you dream of going into politics when you were little, or it came along the way?

Yes, I did. I had the rare privilege of being raised by a man who has lived a life that epitomizes effective service to his people.

My father (Senator Effiong Dickson Bob) served at different levels of government through his lifetime, while holding his head high in excellence. So I was exposed early to the intricacies of being a politician in a country such as ours, as well as thriving while holding on to the principles that drive your vision. This sparked a keen interest and an early desire in me.

In my younger days, I would imagine myself in a position of leadership, being responsible for the interests of so many people and standing firm through the rigors of Nigerian politics. This scared me sometimes, I must say. However, as I grew older, the better I understood that it was ultimately God’s responsibility to determine my destiny. So I continued to live my life, believing that God’s will would eventually come to manifestation.

What were your strategies to winning your party’s mandate and then the election afterwards?

The very foundation of my strategy is God Almighty. I have grown to believe wholeheartedly that those who put their trust in God can never be ashamed.

I was equally blessed to have a strong, hardworking and passionate team to work with. We pursued this project with rigor, full commitment and dedication.

By committing to consolidating on the achievements of my predecessor while providing assurances of a fresh and new approach to uniting and developing our constituency, we were able to find a balance that afforded us a chance to appeal to the electorate, cutting across age and gender. We are charged with a vision to unite our constituency under one strong voice and to facilitate development to ensure that there is room for everybody, old or young, male or female, to be carried along.

Did you experience ageism? How were you able to deal with it?

Of course I did. This is Nigeria. It was the renowned author Chinua Achebe who described Nigerians as a people who respond more to the symbolic than the actual. Our cultural values have molded us to believe that age is a parameter for competence, maturity and capacity. Many have forgotten that the founders of Nigerian democracy, such as Sir Tafawa Balewa included youths in his cabinet, such as the late M.T Mbu, who was appointed Minister of Labour at the age of 24. He had no prior experience, he was just a young man who was determined to work for his country.

Furthermore, my approach was to objectively and constructively engage with stakeholders and the electorate, encouraging the focus to be on the message and not the messenger. It was challenging but by the time the Not Too Young to Run Bill was passed, and in the light of the new wave of young leaders emerging all over the world, we were able to capitalize on all that favored us at the time, while still holding strongly to our message. By the time I emerged the candidate of the party, age began to hold less relevance.

When did you venture into politics?

It’s been just over a year now.

Is this your first time contesting for public office?

Yes, it is.

Have you worked in the government or held any public office prior to now?

No, I have not. But I have experience in the private sector as a lawyer.

Final word to young Nigerians looking to go into politics.

Like I said earlier, there can never be too many progressive individuals with a heart full of genuine love for and spirit of service to the people in government.

Bearing this in mind, we can also agree on the fact that what becomes of Nigeria over the next century is largely determined by the choices we make today on our level of involvement in government. We should start from the bottom of the pyramid so that we might walk through the stages of governance to the top. We should ensure at each level that we make the essential impact through creative and sustainable policies, so that when we reach the top of the pyramid the necessary structure is already built for rapid development.

Admittedly, delving through Nigeria’s political terrain is not a walk in the park; but with the rising level of youth participation in governance all over the world, it would be a shame if Nigeria fails to get caught up in its domino effect. I expect and encourage more young people to get involved and interested in their own way, engage with your community, and let us all jointly chart a new course to move Nigeria forward. May God bless us all.

http://www.amagitesblog.com/2019/03/meet-26-year-old-bob-otobong-who-won-a-seat-at-akwa-ibom-house-of-assembly.html

Very good, start your political journey on a good note and you will be in politics for a very long time. Congratulations

Like seriously?

this is good, not too young to run


meanwhile,
learn how to make butter and start producing with a token of 1k you will get the complete guide, don't miss this great offer.

Just a friendly reminder...

Desmond Elliot built toilet for us.

Davash222:
Just a friendly reminder...

Desmond Elliot built toilet for us.

Yahaya Bello is yet another disgraceful albatross!

Good for him.. Hope that is not football age sha

Politics age? This fat man is not 26. I know him well. Stop the lie

hisexcellency34:
Politics age? This fat man is not 26. I know him well. Stop the lie

Common keep quiet. You don't know him.. Even if you do, how does that affect us here with your lie.

with this, big hope for the youth. Nigeria is upgrading. in the next few years youth will take over fully. Congratulations Mr Otobong

Yea


His dad is a former senator


Ajebo guy sha


Let's see what he has to offer. Overall he is down to earth

This old man is 26?...Abegggiii

Nice one

Handsome bobo kudos to you,and i hope you will be careful cos you will surely have many haters

Good for him but extremely difficult for an average Nigerian.

His dad was a Senator

Looks like tonto's husband in that second picture.

Inspiring

Only PDP can give this kind of opportunity

all we see are sons of former politicians and wealthy folks...
I see lai Mohammed's son posters in lag, oba akiolu's son, taye currency's son et al.

perhaps what we needed was a ''not too poor to run'' bill.

Congrats to him. Knowing Nigeria mentality though, they won't even listen to him. When he has something to say they will say shut up and sit down small boy.

He should start by telling us who he is related to. We cannot be fooled

The shallow minded don't get what is happening
They can't see the elite is beating them to the not too young to run crap. I am waiting for Buhari's and Atuku's children what's taking them so long?
Keep chanting APC/PDP like the 'masses' u are

Not too young to run....one of the many amongst Bukola Saraki's achievement.

onimama4real:
with this, big hope for the youth. Nigeria is upgrading. in the next few years youth will take over fully. Congratulations Mr Otobong

Don't be deceived by this story. His father, SEN Effiong Bob, is former attorney general of the state, a two term senetor and a Pro Chancelor of Uniben. He hasn't work before, its just his father's name, money and influence that put him there

If this guy na 26 then dey never born me be that... na inside womb I dey type right now.


see as he cut 6 years comot for him age