By Emmanuel Ndon
Some studies led me to discover that the word “culture” has its origins in the word “cultivate”, meaning “to care for”. Culture is known to be the beliefs, customs, (or generally a way of life) of a particular society. It includes a way of thinking, behaving, or even working, the DNA of Pastor Umo Eno
Under the full definition of culture is the entry “cultivation”. One entry defines cultivation as “the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations”. So, when we say, in our usage, that someone is cultured, we indirectly mean that the person is ‘cultivated’. The adjective cultivated is used to describe someone who is polite and civilized, and is familiar with the arts, current events, and most importantly, history.
In the DNA of Pastor Umo Eno, there is a culture of “humility”. I don’t know how it came about, but the truth is that humility is ingrained in him He is not only humble in character, he thinks it, acts it, and reflects it in every aspect.
Humility is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people; the quality or state of being humble”. Humble simply means that you’re not proud. Last week, I stumbled on a newspaper report credited to a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ikot Ekpene senatorial district of the state and titled, “Umo Eno: Akwa Ibom does not need the least qualified aspirant to be governor”.
The local tabloid had asserted that Pastor Umo Eno, a leading PDP gubernatorial aspirant “has said during many consultative visits that though he is the least qualified aspirant, he is only favored by God”.
Even though the intent and expression of the stakeholder in reference may be regarded as blackmail in the political lexicon, the underlying truth behind Umo Eno’s comments which is a reflection of his humility and the identity of a godly personality must be established here.
To begin with, the aspirant, as a minister of the gospel, cultivates humility. It is his nature, his character, and his personality. Naturally, he will always conceal his towering achievements under the context of his simplicity. He relishes his successes by not ‘looking down on the next person.
Also read: A’Ibom Traditional Rulers Council Bless Pst. Umo Eno For Guber 2023
The point must be made here that politics should not make us lose sight of culture and civility. Pastor Umo Eno’s least qualified remarks do not necessarily mean that he does not have the credentials to vie for the office. It does not diminish his capacity or intellect nor does it take anything away from his quantum ideas, integrity, and wealth of experience. His least qualified remark also does not make his candidacy or aspiration less fancied than others. It simply demonstrates his politeness and respect for other contenders.
And, come to think of it, as a revered pastor, Umo Eno delights in the scripture; God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). This underscores the value of humility – and of course – the nadir of pride. For the true (Christian) believer, this is a clear admonition as demonstrated by our Savior, Jesus Christ, “…being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).
For whatever level can be reduced, it must not degenerate to the level of culture – that of thinking and decent behavior. Without sounding immodest, Pastor Umo Eno has more quality and record than what some opponents make of him. Umo Eno is an accomplished businessman who had carved a niche for himself in his chosen career and endeavor. Added to that is his unquestionable character and integrity. Evidently, whatever he has achieved, no matter how small in the eyes of detractors, is by his own sweat.
He had accomplished everything he wanted as a private investor before venturing into full-time politics. Should he decide to leave politics or government today, he can be traced by his second address. Yet, so many of our 5-Star generals who have participated in politics and governance in the last 10 -20 years may not have something tangible to point at – particularly that which benefits the common man.
Understandably, Pastor Umo Eno would certainly not be the Goliath, he doesn’t look like a man of war, but he cometh in the name of the Lord.
Again, it needs be emphasized that politics should not be confused with culture especially as it has to do with the perception of a people. Everyone has a character. Umo Eno’s identity is humility because of his consciousness that whoever’s exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12)
