Governor Godswill Akpabio has advised elites in the state to emulate Charles Esu Foundation in organizing events to sensitize the people on the need to internalize democracy for the state to attain its full potential. The governor gave the advice while speaking at the 2010 Charles Esu Annual Dialogue held at the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo.

The governor said that such events would expose the people of the state to certain truths about their democratic journey and steps needed to be taken towards moving the state forward.

Represented at the occasion by the state commissioner of Housing and Urban Renewal, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, the governor acknowledged the contributions of role models and achievers in the state, maintaining that no society can exist without them, as such a society would lose its feet and identity for the unborn generations to comprehend their ancestry. The governor added that the essence of having role models and achievers in the society was to remind us of “who we are, where we are and what we are capable of becoming”.

Chief Akpabio commended the founders of the Charles Esu Foundation for their ingenuity and steadfastness in sensitizing the people, assuring them of government continued support for the foundation, as a measure to encourage other people to follow suit.

Charles Esu Foundation lecture is held annually in memory of the late patriarch, Chief Charles Esu, who was an accomplished educationist, businessman, sports enthusiast, politician and religious giant, who also stood as a towering symbol of selfless service, and a beacon of educational light and a vehicle of modernity in the Ikot Ekpene sub-region and beyond.

The chairman of the dialogue, Chief Asam Asam (SAN) while speaking on the occasion, expressed appreciation to the founders of the foundation, pointing out that such a show of wisdom was a worthwhile endeavor. He however frowned at the flagrant abuse of the phrase “good governance” by some politicians, reminding the participants of those indices that should always be looked out for, before a serving office holder was returned back to office. He further blamed bad governance in the country on the leaders whom he explained have no conscience and maintained that “what makes a good country is good governance”. Chief Assam however accused leaders of being corrupt as well as every individual. According to him “all Nigerian leaders are corrupt; we are all corrupt”, and therefore warned that unless Nigerians recognize this and change, good governance will continue to be an illusion.

Speaking on the theme “Good Governance: A Bifocal assessment of Nigeria’s Democratic Performance since 1999”, a guest speaker at the event, Prof. Nsongurua Udombana noted that Nigeria was a country with a legion of political decadence compared to a country such as the USA. He condemned the attitude of most Nigerians during elections and advised the federal government in this direction, because according to him, would reposition political parties to be more focused and decisive in their arrangements. He called on Nigerians to resist any political arrangements aimed at defederating the Nigerian entity.

Also speaking, the dialogue coordinator, Dr. Effiong Edunam, thanked God for the success of the event, and expressed appreciation to the dialogue chairman, Chief Asam Asam, for sacrificing his time to attend the occasion. He said he was particularly happy at the turnout of people to the event, adding that it is the beginning of good things to come.