Nigeria: The Maradona of Calabar

2 March 2003
opinion

LIKE a bolt from the blues and against all prediction, Governor Donald Duke of Cross River State selected from the least expected quarters the secretary to the State Government, SSG, Elder Walter Patrick Eneji, as the new deputy governor of the state. The news jolted political watchers to the marrow. Before the tremor. the rumour mill had been unchained and all manner of names had been suggested. Professional name - droppers were on the prowl. There were those who swore by their village oracle that a particular politician had been chosen. Even the press was caught up in the selection fever. There were screaming headlines, such as "Duke shops for deputy", "Duke in dilemma over choice of deputy" etc.

There were those who tipped the former governorship candidate of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, Mr. Mark Ukpo, who was said to have been considered to be a candidate that would bring the northern senatorial district fully to Duke's fold. Also, the immediate past chairman of Etung LGA on the platform of ANPP, Dr. Sandy Onor, was mentioned. Others included the former chairman of the State Local Government Affairs, Mr. Greg. Ngaji; Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Atoe; Senator Lyel Imoke; Mr. Usani Uguru Usani etc. It was widely rumoured that a deputy governor from the central senatorial district was absolutely necessary so that he or she could checkmate the activities of Okpa who also hails from the central district. Pundits argued that Duke may want to strengthen his grip in that zone as well as compensate them over Okpa's exit. None of these bothered the man who this writer would want to dub as "the Maradona of Calabar". He has quite earned that name by his recent maradonic moves.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.