lfere Paul|22 December 2015|5:55am
What you are about to read is a conversation that transpired between Ifere Paul and a serving politician in the Gov. Ben Ayade administration of Cross River State through a social media platform, Messenger recently. Ifere has decided to leave out the identity of the politician for obvious reasons. Happy perusal.
My Friend: Hello Ifere, the strongest most powerful opposition of Cross River State. The Whistleblower.
How are you doing?
Ifere: I'm fine oooo. How you dey?
My Friend: I'm fine. Now that almost all your recommendations to the governor has been accepted and adopted including the people you
recommended for appointment recently, what are you going to do? Isn't it time you begin to work for
the government? I see that you have successfully contributed to Cross River State development more
than anyone I know. The governor must secretly love you for your ideas. I think it will be better you
consider changing to support the government.
Ifere: Hmmmm. Thanks. That's nice of you to say about me. I'm very touched. But I don't know those I
recommended for appointment.
My Friend: There was this article you wrote advising the governor in your usual style to appoint DC Enamhe,
Orok Duke, Etim Ayombi, and Venatius Ikem. Today, I can assure you that the governor is listening to
you in particular. Orok Duke has been appointed Chairman and Director of Cross River State Sport
Commission. Etim Ayombi has been appointed as the Chairman Cross River State Border Commission.
Perhaps, Enamhe and Vena will be fixed soon. But your expert advice was taken to consideration. You
are one-of-a-kind critic Paul. The governor will do anything you recommend just so to weaken you
further.
He understands that you are the only opinion that may not be bought easily. Your price is too high
for him, and he cannot allow you continue to weaken his grip. This game is interesting. But get
something for yourself in government then you can share your wonderful ideas and help move the
state.
Your recent analysis of COP21 Paris Conference of Ayade Speech was discussed in the Department of Environmental Science, University of Ibadan. This is why I decided to give you this advice.
Ifere: Thanks so much. But I have taken a position. I'm not doing what I'm doing to get a political
appointment. I'm not doing this for money or anybody. I'm doing it first, because I like it. Like I have said time without number, my ideas are free. There are a lot of people who don't share their ideas because they want to sell it. But I share my ideas
for free. I won't wait until I get an appointment to share it. I don't want any appointment with this
administration. We have to have government watchdogs. I am happy with myself the way I find myself.
A lot of people in Cross River State, home and abroad depend on me to have a different side of the story. Transparency organizations depend on my analysis to make a position about Cross River State. Environmental Organizations are taking my ideas and are using it to make decisions. For the first time in my life, I stand out as an authority not only to my students, but also to politicians like Ben Ayade, who is a celebrated professor. It is hard to
be doing what I am doing and not like it.
Ayade cannot weaken me because as you have observed, I present ideas that no one gives to him. So, he jumps at them the moment he gets them. That's why his media aides are doing everything to hack into news platforms I publish my article so that the articles are not published. They hack into my computers and phones. Because of their idealess brains, they are out to destroy the channels I use so that I can be removed. I laugh at their foolishness because they limit themselves. I'm setting up one of the best website that will rival Channeltv online in terms of security. No one can weaken me.
My Friend: You have presented wonderful standpoints. I respect you for what you stand for. You are right. It is difficult to weaken you out. Even me, despite all the newspapers, I still run to your wall to read the
latest in Calabar, and to gather one or two environmental tips. I will like to meet you someday. And I pray that you succeed in your endeavor.
You're one youth that people are looking at with potentials. Only time will tell like you always say.
Wishing you the best. Merry Xmas in advance and Happy New Year.
Ifere: Same to you dear. Thanks a lot.
Ifere Paul
Is a Public Policy Analyst & Social Critic & an Environmental Activist
