Why The Speaker Deserves 3rd Term

Honourable Nicholas Andy may not really need much introduction. He's an Elder statesman par excellence as long as the game of politics is concerned in Ibiono Ibom and Akwa Ibom State at large. He has been at the helm of affairs as chairman of the former Itu L.G.A and he is currently the Special Adviser to the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (Engr. Ignatius Edet) on Political Matters and also the Chancellor of Network 2, 3.

In this interview with our correspondent, he bared his mind on the forthcoming election and stressed the need on why the Governor and the Speaker should be returned to office by 2011, including other contemporary issues. Excerpts...

Sir, briefly about yourself for the interest of the people that haven't really known you.

I am Hon. Nicholas Andy; I am an indigene of Ibiono Ibom L.G.A, a one time chairman of the former Itu Local Government Area. I contested election in 1997 for the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and I was voted into office but wasn't sworn-in due to the death of the then Head of State (Gen. Sani Abacha). That election was aborted and since then, I have been in the political field precisely within my local government (Ibiono Ibom) and the entire state. I was also a one time secretary of the electoral panel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Uyo. I am currently the Political Adviser to the Honourable Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Ignatius Edet and I am also the Chancellor of Network 2, 3. So that is who I am

What are the aims of your group and what does it stands for?

Like you have already known, I am the Chancellor of the group. The group is known and addressed as Network 2, 3. The group has a clear vision of campaigning and making sure that His Excellency the Governor of this state is returned for a second term and also our life patron, I mean the Hon. Speaker is made to win for a third term to the House of Assembly. So that informs the name Network 2, 3. We network within Ibiono Ibom and outside for the duo of the Governor and the Speaker to succeed in their ambition of coming back to office as Governor and also Speaker of the House of Assembly come 2011. We are not in anyway to fight, oppose or rubbish anybody nor group.

What about intending members?
Yes! Network 2, 3 is open to all indigenes of Ibiono Ibom and beyond, that believes in the philosophy and ideologies of the organization. The organization is open for all those that believe in the tenets of the organization as follows: the second term of the governor and the third term of the speaker.

Sir, when you talk about 3rd term, doesn't it sounds strange? How does it sound strange? Haven't you heard of third term or more terms before? Let me tell you, there is nothing like tenure in the legislature. In advanced countries like the United States, you will see lawmakers repeating themselves for more than the third term we are even talking about here. So the speaker deserves a term in the legislature because of this unprecedented performance since he came on board.

Can we take a look into his score card so far?
Ah! Of course yes. I want to tell let you know that he is a bridge between the House of Assembly and the Executive. This state is the most peaceful because the legislature which he is heading is at work and having a good harmonious working relationship with the executive. That is the leadership style that we need from the legislative arm in order to foster unity and proffer good governance within the state. He has tried and I want to give him a 100%.
This is a man that has stood with the Governor and has made Ibiono Ibom people so proud. Over the years we did not have any good road within the enclave of Ibiono Ibom, but now that he is the speaker, to the glory of God, Ibiono Ibom is proud that we can walk on a road that traverses length and breathe of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. Apart from that, he has given the people of Ibiono Ibom light in so many communities. He has given us water in many communities too.

He also assisted in refurbishing dilapidated secondary and primary schools in Ibiono Ibom for e.g. the Ididep Science College. If not for him, that school would have still been in the stage it had been over the years. But not for the speaker, most of the development we are seeing in Ibiono Ibom today would not have been there. After all, we had so many people that were also elected and appointed within the geo-political frame work of Ibiono Ibom and such tremendous developments were not recorded. I want to believe that it is because of the appointment of the speaker that we have attracted so much development projects to the area. That's why we are clamoring and believing God that he will win for third term to the State House come 2011 because of his good works.

Sir, Ibiono Ibom people says he's not performing…
Let me tell you, no matter how hard you try to please people, even if you give your head, they will still criticize you. Criticism is a normal thing and every living being is expected to be criticized or the scriptures will not be fulfilled. My brother, this is democracy, we have freedom of speech, let them say, I want to let you know that we are not bothered at what ever they say, rather it's giving us the zeal and encouragement to continue serving our people and forge ahead of our future Endeavour's.

As the political adviser, what makes you feel the speaker will be returned come 2011?
It's very simple; his good works speaks for him. Besides, the entire people of Ibiono Ibom are solidly behind him. So I am very sure that come 2011, the Governor and the Hon. Speaker will be voted and sworn into office for continuity.

Come 2011, do you also have plans to contest election?
(Laughs…) That's a big question. Well, I don't have plans to contest election come 2011; my main focus is to make sure that the Governor and the Speaker succeed. But if I'm found fit to be given an appointment, I will gladly receive it with all amount of humility.

What's the relationship between the Speaker and the Finance Commissioner?
Very cordial, they are brothers but from different mothers. The duo is contributing their experience towards the success of this administration.

But they are strong rumors that they see face-to-face…
Thank God you said rumour, I don't believe in “I hear say”

Lastly, Network 2, 3 and 2011…?
I want to reaffirm that Network 2, 3 is out with a vision and that vision shall be attained by making sure the governor of this state, Chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio is returned to office in 2011 and beyond and also, we are out with the mission of seeing to the enthronement of the Hon. Speaker back to the State House of Assembly in 2011. We call on the people of Akwa Ibom and Ibiono Ibom people, those within and in the Diaspora to join hands and make sure that the duo of the governor and the speaker are returned to their respective offices.


Thank you for giving us the time to speak with you without minding your busy schedule.
Thanks too for having me.