Efio-Ita Nyok|28 July 2017
Acclaimed social change agent, Joseph Odok Esq., Ph.D has narrated the history and influence of social media activism in Cross River State, Nigeria particularly highlighting how previous Executive Governors like Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke would, by themselves, respond to the aspirations of Cross Riverians expressed through critics and not via proxies, unlike what is obtainable in the present administration of Gov Ben Ayade. He did this through a piece christened: 'There was once a time they Responded to our Yearnings by themselves and not through their Aides'. Happy perusal:
*Enter Sixtus Emori Lebo & the Liyel Imoke 2012 Facebook group:
Politics of engagement began with Sixtus Emori Lebo creation of Liyel Imoke 2012 social media platform. This to the best of my knowledge was the first most politically engaging and largest social media platform that ever existed in CRS. The platform was created in 2011.
'The sole aim of Sixtus Emori Lebo was to campaign for Liyel Imoke but some activist like Joseph Odok, Okoi Obono-Obla, MaryAnn E Eriom, Agi Peter, Inok Solomon, Eno Beke Eno Beké Ikwen, Eau Ad, Anthony Bissong Attah Lambert Agama, Blessing Nku Ekpang, Declan Ogar-Genesis, Amb Engr Godwin Apple, Joe Joe Osibu, Chris Edako, Abang Jobang, Maryjoy A Afu, Alorye, Bukie Okangbe, Prince Michael Nku Abuo, Onabe Edward, Kennedy Nsan Peter Offem Ubi, Amb Chris Lekan, Peter Ogar Ikibunim, Dr Rapheal Oko Ogar, Sunny Abang, etc never threw support to the Liyel Imoke group.
'Angered by the lost of Bakassi and 96 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State, most of us rose against the candidature of Liyel Imoke, we named him a sleeping governor and vowed to work against Liyel Imoke second term bid. The heat was much and Sixtus Emori Lebo could not stand the heat and began expelling us from the Liyel Imoke 2012 Facebook page. As we all know the Liyel Imoke 2012 election was only won through rigging. To put history right, the court at a time annulled the elections.
*Enter Onabe Edward & Cross River State Coalition for Change
'We almost were silenced because of impunity by the administrator of Liyel Imoke 2012 Facebook group. Rays of hope opened with the the creation of Cross River State Coalition for Change. Yes, the politicians in Liyel Imoke group could not stay aloof any longer, they crossed over to Cross River State Coalition for Change to answer our questions.
'At that time, we had Liyel Imoke come in person to address issues. During this period one Maryann Erriom opened the corruption of Obioma Liyel Imoke's management of the Destiny Child Foundation. There were allegations of Child trafficking that attracted some NGOs to investigate Obioma Liyel Imoke. Liyel Imoke and Obioma Liyel Imoke came to address us.
*Sen Victor Ndoma-Egba & the Agbokim Water Fall Project
'In another time, the heat came on Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, over the Agbokim Water fall project. Sen Ndoma Egba came to address us in person and in humility he offered explanations and eventually completed the Agbokim water project.
'Great minds and politicians were not spared, democracy was at work and the people had a voice to force even the governor to respond to the yearnings of the people. This was a story of Cross River State politics before sycophancy set in
*Gov Ben Ayade & the challenge of Attack-Dogs-Appointees
'Today, no one gives a response to our many agitations. Even the governor's aides have got social media militants turned attack dogs. They either attack contrary views or remain negligent of the agitations of the people. Today, the people and their yearnings no longer matters because of sycophancy. When will we realise the damage caused by sycophancy?
'A check as history make me feel great, I have remained consistent, I have paid my dues. We were many but most of those we began the journey today have abandoned the course of agitation. When new faces begin to claim being activist, I just sit and laugh at them.
This is inspiring! This is the history of how Cross River evolved into being a Facebook state. If what these patriots did via Facebook was done with Twitter, Cross River would be trending every week on Twitter and Nigeria. Hmmm!
Kudos to these patriots especially to the trail blazing Sixtus Emori Lebo and the consistent Joseph Odok. A good name is better than wealth so they say!
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven
