23 July 2019
The nomination of Prince Goddy Jedy Agba as the ministerial nominee from Cross River to many is a surprise but to yours sincerely, it isnt. As a matter of fact, many will bare me witnesd that i had predicted his nomination sometime last month.
Before i proceed, let me say that the Obudu born son of the oldest serving traditional ruler in Nigeria is likely to oversea the ministry of petroleum either as a Senior or junior minister depending on the disposition of the President who till date is still serving as Nigeria Minister of Petroleum.
The truth of the matter is that while it is normal that as minister from Cross River State, Jedy is expected to serve as a stabilising and unifying factor of his party in the State, Jedy's task is to serve as the eyes and ears of the cabal in the oil Ministry having been a long standing friend of the North from the South.
Jedy has proven overtime that he can be trusted and dependable with all the position he has occupied, the last being GM Crude, NNPC. I can bet that apart from his experience in the oil industry, one major factor that worked in his favour is the numerous friends and contacts he made as GM who are from the North. His relationship with Powerful and influential northerners is what has done the magic.
Let me ask; Who are Jedy's friends in Cross River? Am not talking about political friends o, i mean real friends. He may have two or three here and there, but like somebody jokingly remarked, if you see Jedy in the midst of 10 people, you can be sure that 8 are Hausas. Jedy can pass for an Hausa man for anybody that doesnt know him. He dresses like Hausa, speaks hausa and behave hausa. Now tell me, between Jedy and all others who until today were hoping to be nominated, who would the Buhari presidency have trusted better? Dont forget, Buhari had told us he didnt know his former ministers, hence the reason he is taking his time.
Jedy as Minister of state for petroleum will not have issues with the current GMD of NNPC who is a Northerner like his predeccesor was having with Baru, the immediate pass NNPC GMD. The reason is obvious, they come from the same source.
The good thing is that, inspite of his long standing affiliation with the Hausas, Jedy has never forgotten his root. He has always remembered where he comes from. Am sure that his reign as minister will provide jobs for Cross Riverians in DPR, NNPC, ministry of petroleum and other agencies of the ministry.
Who's time is it; It is Jedy's time!
Congratulations Prince.
Richard Romanus writes from Calabar, Nigeria
