By Edet Ikotidem
There is a need for Itu youths and all well-meaning citizens of Itu to rethink the growing habit of using community platforms to attack, ridicule or deliberately undermine our leaders.
Building Itu Together: Why Pulling Down Our Leaders Is Retrogressive
Leadership is not perfect, and constructive criticism is part of democracy. However, there is a clear difference between constructive engagement and deliberate attempts to bring down those who have been entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
We should understand that the consequences of pulling down our leaders go beyond the individuals we attack. When we constantly pull our leaders down, we weaken the collective strength and bargaining power of Itu.
If anyone has a personal request, needs assistance, or wishes to seek intervention from any of our leaders, such matters should be handled privately and respectfully—not turned into unnecessary public debates on community platforms such as Itu Vanguard.
Why Pulling Down Our Leaders Is Retrogressive
The people of Itu are aware of the position and responsibilities of the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem. As one of the principal political leaders in the state, he deserves the respect and support of the people he represents. Disagreements should never become an excuse for disrespect.
It is also important to recognise the collective leadership provided by the trio of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem; the Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Henry Archibong; and the Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon Ubong Nkutt. Attempts to deliberately drive a wedge between these leaders should be viewed with caution.
Dividing Itu’s leadership serves no useful purpose. A divided political family cannot effectively negotiate, attract development or protect its interests. Rather than creating suspicion and conflict among our leaders, Itu people should encourage cooperation, understanding and unity.
We must also be careful about prematurely declaring any individual as the “only person” destined to represent Itu in the House of Representatives in 2031. Such declarations are unnecessary and politically myopic. The people of Itu are the ultimate stakeholders, and when the time comes, they will decide through the appropriate democratic process who deserves their mandate.
Nobody attempt to take that decision away from the people.
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What Itu needs today is not political rivalry fuelled by social-media arguments. What Itu needs is unity, maturity, constructive engagement and leaders who can work together for the common good.
Political ambitions will come and go, but the future of Itu will remain with us.
Instead of destroying our leaders, let us build them. Instead of dividing ourselves, let us unite. Instead of speaking against one another, let us speak with one voice for the development and progress of Itu.
The strength of Itu is in its people. Let us protect that strength by choosing unity over division and progress over unnecessary political bickering
Itu first. Unity first. Progress first
