APC Failure In Leadership Recruitment
I wish to respectfully share my thoughts on the recent appointment to the Local Government Service Commission.
While I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for the effort and commitment shown in making appointments that will move our state forward, I must also be honest in expressing a concern that many young people quietly feel.
The continued recycling of the same individuals who have held several government positions over the years raises important questions. For instance, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo was recently appointed to head an agency, and now another appointment follows. One cannot help but ask: are there not capable, intelligent, and committed young people within the APC and across the state who can also be given the opportunity to serve?
The party and our state are blessed with vibrant, educated, and forward-thinking youths who have remained loyal and dedicated. Unfortunately, many of them are often limited to grassroots mobilization, street-level political work, or small support roles, while major offices continue to rotate among a familiar circle of older political actors.
Leadership is not only about maintaining established structures; it is also about building the next generation. If we truly want sustainable progress, our leadership recruitment strategy must intentionally create room for younger voices to participate meaningfully in governance.
Many people will praise every decision, but sometimes true loyalty requires honesty. I have chosen to speak not out of disrespect, but out of concern and hope for a more inclusive system that recognizes the contributions and potential of young party members.
This appointment, in my view, does not reflect the progressive leadership style that many of us have come to associate with His Excellency. I therefore humbly suggest that it be reconsidered, in order to give deserving young leaders the opportunity to contribute their energy, ideas, and innovation to the development of the state.
To the youths within the APC, this should also serve as a moment for reflection. We must continue to advocate for inclusion and meaningful participation in governance, rather than being seen only during election seasons or mobilization efforts.
I sincerely hope that moving forward, the party will prioritize a more balanced and forward-looking approach to leadership appointments, one that values both experience and the fresh perspective of the younger generation.
Austine Ibok