Dear Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Our natural leader.
As a son of Bakassi and an emerging leader who deeply respects your legacy, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to share an honest and heartfelt advisory with you regarding your role in Bakassi’s political landscape. This message is crafted with the utmost respect and admiration for all that you have achieved, and I hope it will be received in the same spirit of respect and foresight with which it is offered.
In recent years, there has been a visible shift in the political dynamics within Bakassi. Many who once looked up to you with reverence have openly criticized and, at times, insulted you. We have seen protests emerge from various quarters, including from those who previously benefited from your unwavering support and protection. It is painful to observe these changes, as those closest to you politically—those you once shielded and lifted—have at times spoken out in ways that have been both shocking and heartbreaking.
In the name of politics, these individuals have capitalized on the very foundation of trust and respect that you have built over the years. Ironically, many of these same individuals still surround you, urging you to remain active and deeply involved in Bakassi’s politics. However, it is essential to recognize that their motives may not be as pure as they seem. Some may seek to leverage your established relationships and influence, not out of loyalty or respect, but rather for their own political gain. They may be driven by a desire to benefit from your network and influence without genuine regard for your legacy or well-being.
Senator, the political climate is unpredictable, and the stakes are high. Continuing to engage deeply in Bakassi’s politics, whether directly or indirectly, may inadvertently expose you to further public scrutiny, criticism, and potential humiliation. The harsh reality is that the more visible and involved you remain, the more vulnerable you may become to criticism and insult on a national scale. There are moments in a leader’s journey where the most powerful act is to step aside gracefully, creating room for the next generation to carry forward the legacy that you have built. By choosing this path, you safeguard your dignity, reputation, and, most importantly, the enduring respect and admiration of Bakassi and the nation at large.
This is not merely a call for you to step back but rather an appeal to recognize the natural rhythm of leadership. Your contributions are etched in the history of Bakassi, and your influence is felt in the hearts of many. Yet, as time moves forward, so must leadership. True leaders know when to step aside, allowing new voices to emerge while guiding them with wisdom and offering support from behind the scenes. In doing so, you ensure that your legacy remains untarnished and that your contributions continue to be celebrated, not contested.
This appeal extends beyond just yourself, Senator; it applies to other esteemed leaders who may be holding onto past glories while time and relevance shift around them. It is a humble call for introspection, to assess the right moment to pass the torch and to recognize that leadership is as much about knowing when to step forward as it is about knowing when to step back.
In closing, I speak not just as an emerging leader, but as someone who holds you in high regard. My intentions are rooted in a genuine desire to see your legacy preserved and honored. The time has come for a new chapter in Bakassi, and your role in shaping that future can be even more powerful if done with careful distance and respect. I urge Senator Florence Ita-Giwa to consider this course not as a withdrawal but as a strategic step toward ensuring that your legacy remains untouched, your influence unchallenged, and your contributions cherished.
With utmost respect and admiration,
Austine Ibok
Writing from my balcony
