FEATURE
As Comrade Nsibiet John Clocks One Hundred Days In Office
As Comrade Nsibiet John Clocks One Hundred Days In Office
By Kenneth Jude
He has put no foot wrong. Assured. Deliberate. Sure-footed; what we have seen is a workaholic. The vim and verve he has exuded belie his slender frame. So, it is not about physique but inner power and ingrained mental stamina.
Light in body, heavy in wisdom and leadership acumen, the man on the top chair has shown with sterling clarity that you don’t need a broad chest to bear great responsibility. Each passing day has revealed one that was ready for the job. Charisma emblazoned with courage, vision clear as crystal, he is on a speed lane to reshape, rebrand and reposition the union.
Step forward, Comrade Nsibiet Udo John, the affable Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council as we raise a glass of some fine wine, some crispy chewables to keep the palates busily elated to mark, even if celebrate your mesmerizing and simply superlative, yet rollercoaster 100 days in office as NUJ helmsman.
A man whose campaign for the top job was far-reaching, penetrating and exhaustive, he has spent his first 100 days ticking the right boxes, minding the affairs of the union with religious devotion and led with characteristic simplicity and felicity.
Prior to the contest that gave him the leadership mantle, Comrade John always enjoyed a cult following. Simple, easy-going, firm and fair to all manner of persons, he is down-to-earth and unassuming. If NAWOJIANS, the female soccer wing of NUJ proudly and giddily – even to date – call him “Nsibiet Babies”, then one ought to have had an inkling that a trouncing was in the horizon at the polls.
The journalist number one has in 100 days brought a breathe of fresh air to the union. He has remained his debonair self. Surgically focused, eyes on the ball, he has neither blinked nor left anything to chance. True to type, he has not allowed himself to be consumed by the allure of power. It is the same man relating freely, mingling and pumping fists with his friends and colleagues without class boundaries.
After a successful first term and months into his Chairmanship of Federated Chapel, the Eket born media chief sought the NUJ top chair. Having built a groundswell of goodwill over the years within and outside the media ecosystem, his entry into the race was widely received cheerily. Only a few faint voices felt otherwise. But even with His healing, love and all for the people of His time, not everyone, every town or village accepted Him. I mean Jesus. So, there is no way a minority of naysayers wouldn’t have emerged. A man loved by all should watch lest he stumbles. Some must dislike you for no sake.
We need all sorts to make a world. Despite a raft of made-up tales to discredit him or derail his aspiration at the time, he carried on gingerly, winning hearts and strengthening the base of his long-standing goodwill within the pen fraternity. Something that spans over two decades.
When in 2017 he had a brush with uniform men in black on the orders of then deputy governor with the monicker “Uncle” as a prefix to his name over a report that verged on alleged pocketing of huge sums in security votes, the arresters had no peace. From the time news hit town that they had Nsibiet John, the social media went into overdrive. A firestorm. Posts of “free Nsibiet John” filled every available space. It was as though a stubborn fly had perched on their scrotum. They saw the risk of deploying a sledgehammer. And so, to get the matter and Nsibiet off their neck was top priority because they were overwhelmed by a wave of solidarity and calls for the immediate release of the man they had in their kitty.
Without further ado, the men in silk had the matter on their desk. After a long-drawn legal fireworks, Nsibiet John returned a hero. It was as though a carnival at the court premises as colleagues, friends and well-wishers turned up in solidarity with a man that made the arresters lose sleep few hours after they took him till they got him off their grip. Barr. Ekemini Udim I think, led the victory team. Rev. Osondu Ahirika played a key role, I recall. Many others too.
Comrade Nsibiet John has always been a man of results. It is no wonder he was made to plan and chair the NUJ Press Week twice in quick succession at a time. It was a case of one good turn deserves another. That was a first, if memory serves me right.
So, when he threw his hat in the ring for the NUJ top job, this writer knew that a man of this stature who has always enjoyed massive followership will easily clinch the trophy. When he emerged chairman with a number of votes that made the contest a cakewalk, it didn’t surprise those who know him. To these ones, it was more of a matter when rather than if he will win.
Since taking office, he has left no one in doubt that a man with the Midas touch is on the top seat. His office now wears a look of modernity. Work is ongoing within the secretariat to align other parts with the new reality. With only a password for connection, members with smart devices have unlimited access to internet facility courtesy of the Nsibiet John-led EXCO. His team remains intact and working in concert.
Few days into his three-year tenure at the first instance, he fixed the damaged metal water tank and other related appurtenances to ensure water supply was restored in the centre. To foster effective and good working relationship, he led his team to a meeting with members of the host community to discuss issues of common interests and strengthen the existing good ties between the union and the host community.
His achievements are legion. A few will suffice for an already snaky piece. The Nsibiet John-led NUJ has trained and empowered over 100 journalists within his 100 days in office. Facilities within the secretariat that had slipped into disrepair have gained a new lease of life. A welfare package covering financial aide, health support and emergency assistance are in place; For him, it is members first.
Members have been energized to acquire new skills. Protection of the rights and privileges of Journalists has remained a priority. To encourage entrepreneurship and enhance economic empowerment, some members have received grants to power their businesses. An up- to-the-minute international standard football pitch now sits snugly on the expansive grounds of the NUJ secretariat courtesy of a useful partnership with For the Love of Nigeria (FLON).
Collaborations and partnerships are being forged with agencies, corporate bodies, NGOs, and government establishments all for the benefit of members. Commendations and awards are trickling in in quick rush. A lot is taking shape within the council. Indeed, When the righteous reign, the people rejoice, so the Holy Book says.
With Nsibiet John, one is in no doubt that the NUJ has a fitting square peg to pilot its affairs not just for a term but more. It is no pride to say that just like the jinx-breaking former NUJ Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert, members will be willing to go on bended knees to push for his retention of the chair beyond the first three years. This of course will be propelled by his expected achievements in office. The days ahead clearly bear good omen.
As weeks turn to months and years, members of the NUJ and indeed Akwa Ibom State can rest assured that the leadership of the fourth estate of the realm is in the hands of a man who knows the way and is willing to go the way with courage and resilience.
Nsibiet John is a perfect blend of a man with character, empathy and know-how who is treading on the path of excellence and is committed to delivering on his campaign promises to the letter.
In 100 days, he has done it. He is poised and fired up to do even more. The signs are clear!
Kenneth Jude is journalist and three-time NUJ Columnist of the Year.