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| TuFace, proud first ever MTV African award winner (Photo credit: kaysha) |
The buzz about the receipt of the car gift from The Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Godswill Akpabio by Annie and Tuface Idibia is still very much in the air. I have not been able to convince myself in anyway,
of any reason why the Newly Wed should have rejected the offer. What is wrong with a car gift? Is this the first time we are seeing a car gift in this country? Haven’t we seen even more expensive Wedding car gifts?
The way we try to force people do what we think is right in this country is sometimes appalling. It is just like we hear and see people ready to criticize Government, even with the last drop of the blood. When things change and they are put in positions of people they condemned, we see them do worse. I am ready to see which Nigerian man or woman that would have come up to tell Governor Akpabio to “Please keep your car to yourself, I can’t accept it because, the face that you are a Governor tells me you must have used Public funds to purchase the car” If you sincerely think that you could have done that , please hit the reply button and give us your name.
For those of us saying Annie Macaulay is not the only lady getting married in that State, We forget that there is something called status, and it’s a reality whether we like it or not. Even in our different families, every body is not treated equally. Yes! The quantity and quality of food served the head of the house is not the same given to his office assistants or cleaners. If you like disagree but this is a fact. When the President plans to visit your village, Security Officials go ahead of him to ensure all is well. His entourage, the police station in your village is not even enough for security. When your Father and mine visit our villages, do they get the same publicity, respect and attention accorded them? From now till thy kingdom come, no matter how we talk about and fight for equal treatment and all that, I don’t think a time will come when people like Tuface Idibia will go get married in a particular town or state and the Leader/s of that State will not recognize him or try to be relevant in a big way. Do we want the Governor to present Tuface and wife a bag of rice and tin of oil, a carton of wine glasses, a carton of ceramics, a baby bath tub, a deep freezer or Television as wedding gift?
This is an Artist recognized the world over, and well respected. Is it because Tuface is Nigerian that we are hating on his receiving the gift? During Carnivals and Music Festivals,State Governors bring in Foreign Artists and pay them so much in dollars. We applaud and go to enjoy the shows. If the amount spent on the SUV was used to bring Kim Kardashian to Nigeria for a 10 minutes “waka pass,” we will neither complain this much nor write about it the way we are doing right now. Why can’t we appreciate our own?
Well, those of us saying that Tuface is rich and doesn’t need all that, sorry to tell you that he still needs even more than that. The Richest Men is the world are still working. Dangote, the Richest man In Africa is older than Tuface, yet has not retired. Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and others are still working very hard to make more money and we just sit here and feel like Tuface has enough and does not need a wedding present. If you were Tuface or Annie, would you have told the Governor to go to hell with his gift?
For supporters of “the less privileged who would have benefited from that money,” may God help us to remove the log in our eyes before pointing at a tiny dot in another man’s. We live in cities and are here browsing with very expensive smartphones and state of the arts Ipads, are we saying there is no body in need where we come from? Even in our extended families, What have we given up to help the old uncle in the village go for eye surgery? How many of our property have we sold to enable the old women suffering in our villages get a proper home? The poor are every where around us and we all know it is no one individual’s responsibility. How many of our posh cars and Flat screens have we sold to pay school fees for children of widows in our communities? Or, do we think because it’s Tuface Idibia, it must be different?
When you become Tuface, how many wedding gifts do you think you can reject? Oh, to give the impression that you are holier than the Governor eh? OK.
If you were Annie Macaulay Idibia, would you have counselled your husband to reject the wedding gift from the number one man in your State? I bet some of us will hold Thanksgiving Services to let the world know that after all the years of waiting and humiliation, at last, even our Governor recognizes us. Doesn’t Annie deserve to be happy in life? Nearly everyone blamed her for waiting for a straying men then, now that she owns the man, we still find ways to condemnn her, where and when we shouldn’t.
For as long as seed-time and harvest remains, as long as we have day and night, I am not against helping the less privilege, but do not forget, the poor will always be among us. I am yet to see a Nigerian who has given up chicken and meat in soups to save and give a better life to even a few poor folks.
The way we point fingers and are quick to judge others, may we learn to imagine ourselves in their situations, tell ourselves the truth, before beginning to make others look bad. Tell me who wouldn’t want to be associated with The great Tuface Idibia?
Instead of congratulating them on their successful Traditional wedding, we allow ourselves to be carried away by judgmental sentiments. OK, now we can’t handle this.What if the Governor had given them a Private Jet? What would you do?
Madam, thanks for this post though you for link to the post you're quarelling with. I agree with you anyway. Myne is vexing because it is akwa ibom money not governors money but the truth is this is naija, and those of us living here know what obtains.
http://www.mynewhitmanwrites.com/2013/03/tuface-and-annie-idibia-decide-to-recieve-their-SUV-gift.html
There's no need to argue with you. I totally disagree with you but I guess I've been out of Nigeria too long to understand the way many people reason over there. I hope never to read a post from you condemning corruption, bad roads, or other problems like that.
God bless you.
No, no, no, no dear Anon6:41PM, it's not about Myne's post. Myne didn't say anything bad in her post. Myne is one of the bloggers that inspired me to start blogging, so, If I feel that bad, I'd send her a mail and not make it a blog post.
Thing is, this afternoon, I checked my dashboard, and saw that many blogs I follow are still writing on the car gift matter and being very hard on Tuface and Annie, that's what prompted this post.*smiles*
I don't have any ill-feeling about whatever gift is given. I ve always known that many people consider status before giving gifts, but for some others too, it is out of the love they have for the receiver.
Well, I dnt see anything wrong with the gift. It is in order and there is nothing wrong in receiving it. So I totally agree with your post.
BUT!!!!
When you are a celebrity or a high profile personality like a governor, president or whateva, you have a standard to uphold. Yes, the majority of us do nothing to help the needy but if you are on television always, if you are such a public figure, you are supposed to do things to EDUCATE the people who look up to you. It is expected that you maintain a higher moral standard than the average person.
One thing I like about foreign celebrities is that they are always championing causes and involving themselves in charities and fund raisers…and they dnt have as much poverty in their society as we do! When they dnt know what cause to champion again, the start advocating for the rights of…say… Pigeons, or snails! Lol.
Our Naija celebs need to do that. Imagine if celebs like Tuface, Don Jazzy, P-Square, Omotola, Genevieve and so on come out to advocate for things like power supply or road maintenance, there definitely would be a difference. This evening I watched an ad by Matt Damon and many actors advocating for clean water supply. Pls America and Naija, who needs clean water more? Some people hardly get water, not to talk of CLEAN water.
In case we are not aware, many foreign celebs ask that their wedding gifts, birthday gifts, or gifts in general be donated to one charity or the other. Some hold auctions to raise money for certain charities. Not because they dnt need it, but bcos they realize their roles in the society as public figures. Has it eradicated all the poverty in America? Hell No! But it goes a long way to show that they are sensitive about their environment. Their involvement in these things bring more publicity to such causes and the people become more aware bout certain issues in their society.
So, should the Idibias have rejected the gift or given it away, no. Would it have made so much more sense to give it away, a thousand times Yes!!. There is such a thing as giving back to the society you know. And when you keep shoving it down our throats how big you are, then show your self to the end. I am just waiting for P-Square to really mess up. Their show off these days is disgusting. Especially that Peter… Smh
As rich as Dangote is, what very tangible thing can you say he does for charity? Which Naija celeb has any tangible steady contribution to the society? Only Kano Nwankwo comes to mind.
So Aunty Eya, before I type two blog posts in one comment, I congratulate the Idibias but it would have been so much better to donate that gift or auction it out to raise money for a worthy cause. And yes, I can give out such a gift, not reject it, but give it out.
CLAPPING for you o jare!
You couldn't have said it better!
This mata don tire me!
Like the analogy you used about having expensive gadgets, yet none of them sell am to help the poor!
They should tell me which of the ministry workers in the state or federal that is not involved in corruption? All the ejunge dem dey chop for back nko for all these ministries? A walk through the offices in the ministry would leave your mouth open yakata! Then they would come here they spew righteous talk!
Like they say, a prophet is never honoured in his own town….state o, federal o, NATING CONCERN US! WE SHOULD LEAVE THE COUPLES A-LONE!!!!!!!!!!
Daz all!
P.s this mata dey give me headache…abeg, make I go take panadol.
Thank you Ahdaisy. I'm grateful to you for making me realise that our celebs are actually not giving back to society.
The PSquare matter eh, u are not the only one waiting for the duo to mess up even a little. Their show off is beyond me. No sense of decorum, no giving back to society that made them in anyway whatsoever. They behave like it's the import/Export business that is bringing money, forgetting that Nigerians/fans are the reason why they have climbed that high. No giving back in any way, just continous show off. God Bless Kanu Nwankwo, the Rest, FAIL and CARRY LAST
God pls help PsQuare not to make any mistake cos if they do, SORRY!!!
Aunty Ojay plz I beg to disagree. And am going to buttress my stand with some few points.
First and foremost in everything u do,u must put into consideration ur immediate environment,viz a viz the society live. With that in mind,its no longer news that many Nigerians are leaving in abject poverty,and narrowing it down to d state in question,there's no doubt that what is obtainable in every part of this country as it pertains standard of living,is also applicable in Akwa abasi Ibom state. Then one can't help but ask d place of gifting a jeep to an already made person in improving the living standard of the common Akwa Ibomite.
Secondly,your status in the society: aunty Ojay if Akpabio weren't a public office holder,no one would av raised an eyebrow,but he gave the gift in his capacity as the state Gov,which implies this is a gift from the good people of Akwa Ibom state,and at this juncture am sure the common on the street will ask "WHAT FOR" this takes us to the 3rd point of mine.
The reason being that she stoodby her husband,who was busy impregnating other women,and she was so good hearted to forgive him,and as the Governor tagged it,dats the spirit of an Akwaibom woman. This I termed too shallow and quite mediocre of an excuse. I guess every AkwaIbom girl dat stood with her guy for some years,while he went about misbehaving deserves an accolade. If dats is d case lemme get back with my friend Inemesit,bearing in mind dat a gift from her Governor awaits us.
The other point is the personnality of such individual,Tuface no doubt is a super star,Annie on the other hand is the wife of a super star kapish full stop. Of what benefit has their union being to the ordinary people of Akwaubom state. If Annie was floating an NGO and d government sees dis as an opportunity to reward and honour her,I wouldn't av been here typing dis essay. I don't want to be dragged into the arguement of why should he give a jeep to someone that can afford it,coz most of the super eagles players can afford the gits dey received after their success at the Nations cup. Lil wonder the nobel peace prize even comes with a cash reward.
Finally am not surprised we live in a society where anything is obtainable,and anything can be taking for granted. A society where u can't help but question the judgement of our public office holders,a society where the rich is allowed to get richer and the poor,getting poorer.
Lets live eachday that posterity will be fair with us.
~BONARIO~says so via NOKIA3310
I read your post and I was weak, but Ahdaisy and Bonario have given me the power to write this comment. Let us continue to share and see our different points of view. God bless the Idibias, and bless Nigeria too with good leaders. #thatisall
@Ahdaisy.. Please don't make assumptions without having proof!
U r a cmon citizen and in no way wud u know all the happenings in the society. U mentioned Dangote not giving back. That was such an ignorant thing to say. All you had to say is that you are not aware of it and not stating it like its fact. Dangote has provided uncountable job opportunities and is still providing! If that alone isn't giving back to the community then I don't know what else is. Apart from dat, d Dangote group hav numerous charity project going on and if u r current u would hav bn aware of this.
Apart from Kanu, der are other celebs helping out in their own little way. You seriously don't expect that Dangote for example will automatically tranform 9ja just cos they say he is d richest man.
Please get real and back up ur statements next time.
Thank you.
Madam, I no go lie. This your post made me weak. I am with Ahdaisy and Bona on this one. I can't even begin to bring up arguments to counter what you have written because truth is I am shocked that you are actually justifying things that we should not be saying outside. I don't mean to offend you but like Myne said, let us hold on to our different points of view. I will keep reading your blog for food recipes and nothing else.
Well, I m really surprised at U Eya, saw ur comment on Mynes blog and I began to wonder if U were from Akwa Ibom.
Tuface and Annie do not NEED that car, dey can afford it many tyms over.
There are many area in that state that REALLY NEED finanacial resources.
And to think the Gov said that in the next one yr when they d b coming for their child dedication, the road to their village will b tarred. Wasnt it meant to be tarred all ds whyle??
29/30 delegates to join them to Dubai?? On the same state funds??
If the state is looking for social responsibilities to engage in, w barely hv good primary health centers in the rural community, pipe-borne water, standard primary education, to mention but a few……
If they accept the gift and donate to charity like Ahdaisy sd we d be happy really.
But o well, ds is Naija where no government is accountable to its people.
Meanwhile d Bill Gates U mentioned and his likes outside Nigeria, do U know they regularly donate over 70% of their earnings to charity.
Your point of view is really skewed, God bless Ahdaisy for her wisdom and Bonario, I am ur number one fan ryt now.
As d other anon sd, ur blog may just be good enuf for food recipes only.
People rush to leave comments without first digesting an article. All you people saying Eya didn't do well, sorry for you all because if put in Tuface's shows you will ask for three jeeps to keep one for your unborn child.
Eya didn't say that Tuface should not donate to charity, all she said is, if I understand her, is that people should not blame Tuface for accepting the gift when he is already a rich artist. Eya simply said that even rich people like the ones mentioned above have not stopped working to make more money. No one should sit down in their houses and feel like Tuface has too much money for a wedding gift. No, he doesn't. If he choses to donate the cars or not to donate, that's his cup of tea, but, please let us read with understanding and see that Eya did not applaud the Governor for donating a car as wedding gift. No, she didn't. Put yourselves in Tubaba's shoe, and none of you commenting, except may be Ahdasy, but not even Bonario would have rejected that wedding gift.
I am so skewed up with Nigerians finding faults and blaming people when they shouldn't.
Eya dear, I'm with you on this one. I and my husband would have collected the gift just like Tubaba and Annie. Yes we would. Our decision on what to do with it is our business.
I love reading Eya's articles because she is not judgemental. She says it the way she feels. Love her or hate her.
I am your number one fan Eya.
Mrs D.
*Tuface's shoes*
What would you do? To answer your question Eya, I would accept the wedding gift, sell it quietlt to avoid offending his excellency and then quietly donate to Charity.
Tuface Idibia, with all his fame and everything is still very humble and respectful. He is not the type that would step on other people's toes by publicly rejecting a gift. I like his humility. I have a strong feeling he may not drive the cars, will quietly do something about it.
For the people raining fire and brimstone, what gift have you ever rejected? Or are you saying no one has ever given you an inappropriate gift?
Answer let's hear you!!!!!!
I disagree with you Anonymous, yes Bona and Ahdaisy have good points. Do you expect Eya to think like them? If she does, and if everyone begins to write the same thing, I'd stop reading blogs because monotony will kill me.
I am on the side of women like Eya who have the guts to stand solo when every other person is saying the same thing. #IHateMonotony That's All
Can you specifically state the things that Aunty Eya justified?
Myne, truth be told, I read your blog too. You like to please everybody. You tend to go with what the majority is saying all of the time. Why can't you try to be controversial a times? That's when we know a blogger. Say something different.
Eya asked a question,WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Just tell us what **YOU'd do.#That'sAll
If u've ever left d shores of Africa then u will understand wot she meant by dangote aint giving back!you talk of job opportunities he is providing,who will he use to run his company at cheaper cost if not nigerians?I'm an immigration officer and I can tell u dat d cost of bringing an expartriate into our country,his monthly salary and up keep expenses is enough to pay 10 nigerians so don't seat there telling me giving jobs is charity bcos it's 4 his own benefit.Rich people like Richard Branson and all in d uk and celebs in america,Canada and countries where we have rich pipo who think of others do more than providing jobs for pipo,they assist d sick,orphans,provide roads,go 2 d poor and assist in a lot of ways.Ps let not even bring up d issues of our shameless nigerian celebs who go to orphanage,buy indomine,buscuit,sweet and bobo drink probably worth 5 to 10,000 naira and spend over 50,000 publicizing it on air,newspapers and other sources.I go to orphanages from time to time and have neva posted it on my dp or fb for the world to see becos it shd be btw me and God.If ure giving from your heart,u don't need no camera to cover it but if u must,ps give tangible gifts to them.We read d papers everyday and see pipo soliciting 4 help,do u know most of them die without getting help?
Eya, I like that you are both good in the kitchen and with the pen. Not many women are. Seriously.
Nigerian Women I mean!
Hahaha, blogger fights blogger.
Thank you Madam Eya, you just opened my eyes to little sacrifices/things I too can do to bring about a change in my immediate society. I never thought about giving up anything to put a smile on someone's face. Thank you too Lady Ahdaisy, for your point.
Thank you.
Anon 6:55, I wish there is a like botton. There is a way to do things LIKE A BOSS. Somone said, he shud quietly sell it and give the money to a charity. I agree but he should not do it quietly, he should tell the whole world so that others can learn.
Pls, providing job is not an act of giving back cos the jobs are not for nothing. That is how he makes his money. I even heard that his workers are not paid well.
@ anon 12:20, pls dnt get me wrong, I did not say he or they are not doing anything at all, I am saying that for people of their capacity, they are doing too little. That is why I said ‘what very tangible thing' are they doing. Not providing food and clothes. Those ones are good but for their status you wud expect to see something that will be big enough to make the news. So if I dnt know it, it's bcos it's not significant enough. As for the Governor, dat is another story. He was just excited to show himself forgetting that he is representing the people as a whole… If it was his money, would he do that?
Like Spider-man was told, Great power comes with great responsibility.
To whom much is given, much is expected.
Exactly, these are not regular people. Like Aunty Ojay said, they wnt bring security men just becos my Dad is going to his house in the village. The highest celebrated entrance we have had is from small children wearing pant running beside our car as we bump around on the dirt road. My dad gives them money and 'does Christmas' for them.
That said, you wnt expect my dad to provide education or water for his village and when he does, he is highly celebrated and appreciated. But you would expect a Governor to do it. It is his job. It is what he was elected into office for.
So the same way he will be welcomed with reinforced security and women in their best lappa, that is the same he will be expected to provide for the people.
No please o, I actually like discussions like this. She should not stop. We are all learning. So please apart from recipes, read and comment on other things. One Love!
OMG*phew*,,,,for everyone dat keeps saying d Idibias dnt need dat gift,,,wats ur point actually? People gives us prensets like blenders, kitchen utensils et al as wedding gifts, do we accept dem because we cnt afford dem? A gift is a gift,,,u guys are jst shying away frm Eya's question. Let a lady stand Up and say if she waas offered dat jeep, she will sell it and donate to charity, mitsscchheeewww. Let's not act holy jst because we have not tasted power.
And u are sure u will donate it to charity,,,we jst keep lieing to our selves
@Frank abi oh
D Governor has offered 30 people trips to Dubai,,,for God's sake does dat mean d governor has no fund of his own at all? D way Nigerians think eh, its amazing. I knw deep down u pray to be in their shoes. My dear dat can only be possible if u dnt hate dem now :p rubbbiiissshhhhh
How does Myne knows dat its Akwa-Ibom money? Is she a signatory to Akwa-Ibom account huh
Dey is somtin Naija celebs dnt knw,dats dey r d next gud thing dat happened to Nigerians afta God bkos no one turn 2 watch NTA wen dey r bored,we either play music or watch movies.I dnt blame d gov for giving d gift n I dnt blame d Idibias for receiving bt naija celebs shuld learn frm foreign celebs on hw 2 convert gifts.tuface knwz he has inuf money to tek care of himself n if he wantd 2 give bak 2 d society dey r many ways to go abt it.he culd had asked all his wedding invitees to convert dia gifts to cash or hold an auction dinner wie he wl auction dem n use d money to maybe renovate one of d dilapidated schools in his state or in Akwaibom,he culd also hv his wedding hie in d country n convert d rest of wot he's sopozd 2 go n spend in Dubai to help Kanu heart foundation. Nobody is asking him 2 go an fix Benni-ore road,Naija celebs shuld learn dat its little things dat matas n dat Nigerians r easy to impress,jst do a little thing n dey wl like u
Bro/sis on ur wedding kindly tell ur invitees to convert their gifts to cash. Since d celebs are not living up to expectation perhaps u will do better. In Nigeria d poor ones sit back and feel its their right to obtain from d rich, why not try to be hard-working atleast to take care of yourself. Just becos a celeb collected a car gift now u are suggesting he should give it to d less priviledged. I guess if u have/had d opportunity to celebrate your wedding in ghana not even Dubai, u won't think twice.
I see nothing wrong with d governor giving a gift or sposoring tuface's guests trip. Lets be real here, we all know dat even dese ppl get payed alawance, it wnt be rong to also assume he did it frm his alawance as a governor. I dnt like it wen ppl poke dere noses were they shouldnt. If na u make me belive dat if u get a gift frm ur govt even if its a duplex dat u will turn it down wen dere's no proof he stole d house; car or money. In my opinion, ppl r just being jealous.
For christ sake let's call a spade a spade!how can u take money frm public fund meant 4 development of d state and up keep of citizens and give it out as wedding gift?C'mon we shd b intelligent and stop sounding like kids jux bcos we are star struck.The same governor spent millions on a private jet and recently bought bullet proof vans for wot purpose?Some money miss road politicians like to spend recklessly when dey get into power bcos they lack gud leadership skills.If gov akpabio had taken d money from his personal account trust me,only few pipo wud hv been angry.For Christ sake,u don't go about using public fund for that.If fashola decides to do dat wth d numba of celebs who do child naming,weddings & birthdays every weekend @ lagos,think of how much money dat wud be.Jux bcos ure comfortable in your home doesn't mean u shd 4get dat there are poor pipo out there.Let's stop applauding corrupt leaders who spend recklessly without regard for the poor ps.
Please dear,take your time to read properly before you comment.Did you even follow the story before today?Akpabio clearly stated that the money was taken from state pocket and not his allowance as you stated here.
No one says don't give gifts,rather not state money
Wow. It took just one post to make me this weak. Aunt Eya, I am quite disappointed at your stance especially because you're from Akwa Ibom. Taking from the poor and giving to the rich is never oky. Myne, Ahdaisy and Bonario thank you for standing up for what is right!
I cant be looking forward to anothers shoe when I have my size and taste, I hv my own dreams and aspiration and will carve a niche for myself. Bottomline, state funds for a wedding gift no good at all. If U support it, gud for U!
The question is, will you collect a gift like that from the governor of your state?
You can say Eya, Ahdaisy and Bonario because these three say their minds no matter what. For Myne, she flows with the tide. I don't like bloggers who go with the crowd. Take a stand whether controversial or not and let us argue it out. I want intellectually challenging debates, not just writing articles that support what everyone is saying. That's my 2 cents. #ThatsAll
Thank you, we are waiting for all those ranting to answer that simple question!
No wonder Nigeria is where it is,such a thing will never happen in a develop society where a gov will use state fund for such nonsense,i thought nigerians are crying about how corruption has bedevil the country yet from a state pocket someone get an suv and 29 people sponsor to his wedding yet you guys see nothing wrong with it.i fear for the future of our kids since we no longer see anything wrong in things like this.
Give gift from personal account,not state account!
Controversial gifts like that should no doubt be collected but donated on the spot to charity.part or d whole money should have been given to charity then none of this would have come up.At the end,na their yam done,they have collected it so make una rest for the matter or carry cane go flog them.mtscheeeew
One thing I have realised is that if you are settled in a developed country were things are working as it ought to in the open, you see things differently. I guess thats the angle Myne and others opposing Eya's view are taking it from. But then, there is no morally justifiable reason why they should have rejected the gift. Oh well, it their gift so they can do whatever they like with it.
However, d morale behind d governor, a public office holder splashing out gifts to d couple so publicly with senseless excuses is to me a slap to d people of Akwa ibom. In a developed country, he will be brought to book.
In Nigeria again, anything goes. And its sad that we have dont even know the difference between good and bad anymore.
Its not about pleasing everybody. I think Myne has a right to her opinions. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion even if it is in d majority or not.
The way some of you talk atimes…smh!
Frank and anon, every1 arguing 4 or against de gift collection is tellin u why dey will or will not collect it. Stop talkin as if u didnt go to school. That's how people fail verbal reasonin. Do the have to spell Y-E-S or N-O 2 u before u understand? Dats why dis is a discussion. Just yes or no answers will b boring.
Tuface has money and fame. If he cannot make our leaders see the wrong in some of their actions, then honestly we have a very long way to go.
AK Governor should know as a public officer you do not give gifts like that. Was is given in the capacity of a governor or as goodwill? The answer lies therein.
Exactly!ps help me tell dis frank of a guy.
Wow! I love you and your blog Eya, but I vehemently disagree with you on this! I cannot believe there are people who don't see anything wrong in a public officer using state funds to fund such lavish gifts for celebrities and their families! Truly a people get the government they deserve! Not only did he provide lavish gifts, he is funding 30 of Annie's family members to Dubai for the wedding. And that is only the ones that have been made public o. SMH!
Pls, this is not about charity or no charity, so the proverb about people removing the log in their eyes etc does not come to play here. Whilst a private citizen should engage in charitable acts it is the primary duty of an elected officer especially a governor to deliver on the dividends of democracy to his people – good roads, security, education, potable water, health care etc. A governor who has not delivered 100% on these has no business doling out flashy gifts to celebrities who can afford such gifts ten times over! Or is Akwa Ibom so developed now and has all these amenities, so there is enough cash to squander?
Pls, let's stand up to bad govt and stop being sentimental about these matters possibly cos of the personalities involved! This is the same governor that bought luxury bullet proof buses recently, in addition to the bullet proof cars he has already o. To my knowledge, even govs in BH-ravaged states don't need or use that many bullet proof vehicles. Akpabio also bought private jet and is generally known as a profligate wastrel and spendthrift! He seems to spend most of his time in Abuja hobnobbing with the presidency instead of rolling up his sleeves and delivering democracy dividends to his people. Haba! What's bad is bad!
I've heard of Tuface's philanthropy. I truly expect him to sell the car and donate the proceeds to the numerous charities he supports if he feels it will be impolite to return or reject it. Annie accepting the "gift" so happily and smiling and posing… Hmmm, she's gone down several notches in my estimation of her!
Also when govts bring in big celebrities during carnivals etc like you said, that is considered an investment of sorts cos those events rake in lots of money for the govt, which we expect will be put towards developmental projects. It also serves to boost the profile of the state to encourage foreign investors and the like. Pls, how does this gift compare? If anything it ridicules us as a people. This is why citizens of countries like US and UK whose govts give financial grants, loans and aids to countries such as ours get mad when they read how lavish our govts seem to live! They can't see where their hard-earned tax payers money is being put to good use through such grants and loans.
God help us in this country and open our eyes to see the injustices and wrongs we allow to continue because we allow profligacy and bad govts to thrive
Anon 10:14am, I'm not from Akwa Ibom, I just love their soups. Don't let me say what my oga at the top has not approved. #thatsAll
Looool! This Aunty Eya sef!
You're right, Ahdaisy. I shouldn't have said I will come to here for recipes only. It was uncalled for and I apologize to Madam Eya.
Everybody is entittle to his or her opinion, no matter how bad it is.as for me i still feel is a waste of resorces whether the money is coming from state fund or from his resources and he is even sending delegate for their wedding in dubai how does that add value to AKWA-IBOM.i keep telling people that some of THIS OGAS ON TOP dont know their prorities and is affecting the country.
Madam Eya,u have said it all,they both deserve even more,though I wish the governor had given it to them quietly,but I understand he had nothing to hide…Annie is a strong woman,it takes grace to stick to a man wt flaws,talk more a man dat kept on cheating n avin evidence to show 4dem…but funny enuf Tuface aint so bad,cos I knw all sin r equal in d sight of God,there r lota men that ave slept wt several ladies n also made dem ave a D&C,Am sure Tuface has changed his ways,they love each other….I pray that God blesses them wt a true union,where u ave to b honest n transparent in ur dealings…I love them both,Annie is a strong woman of Color,n deserves more than an SUV..
I don't think it was wrong for the Idibias to accept the gift. Rejecting the gift wud have looked insultive. If he had refused it, people wud still talk. Is it bcos its Tuface, what abt the Governor giving 1million to PDP state chairmen for mr biggs. His refusing d gift, wud dt have made any difference in d lives of d ordinary akwaibomite.do u think d Governor wud have sold d car or given it to charity, the ans is NO. Rather he wud give it to one of his mistresses. The system is corrupt already and all we can do is to pray for God to give us leaders who will have the plight of the down trodden @ heart.
*right* nt wrong pls.
Well, i will tag this article senseless and ridiculous. In a country where the quality of life of people is 0%, you ( Governor ) dare give out a car worth N6.5M to an individual for getting married. Damn! A politician in Australia couldn't account for $10,000 for proper country use, guess where he is now? IN JAIL. I was at Hugh Jackman's wedding years back, i never heard of a ridiculous gift given not to talk of a Mayor gracing the occassion. Is Tuface bigger than Hugh? Not in a billion times. It seems that country still remains stagnant after many years of Independence. Mrs writer, you need to travel to a developed or even developing ( Nigeria is under developed in my view ) country and reside there for just one year. I am sure your pen would be doing a different work then, not writing an ignominious article.
Anonymous talking about Dangote providing jobs,are the people not working for him? peolple are his greatest resources. I wonder what he will do without people! Please i do not support ur comment at all by saying he provides job for countless people. It is a mutual benefit!
EH! EH! (clears throat) I just want to use this medium to thank each and everyone of you for your time and effort commenting on this particular issue..GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS NIGERIA!
I am sad, deeply sad because things are just getting even more sinful. giving out gift is not bad, receiving a gift being given to you is not bad either..my area of concern is not about the gift itself… its about the "truth and reality"..
the "TRUTH": the governor lacks wisdom.
the "REALITY": corruption runs in his administration
for Christ sake aren't we tired of bad governance? its high time we as a people stand tall to tell every public officer, that we are not happy with the way things are in this country and be rugged about it.. the attitude towards money in this country is so annoying and evil.
all i see is public officers waiting anxiously for a chance to show off..no moral justification.. and they act as if everything has been done so there's nothing to do for the land anymore.
someone said it could be from his own pocket.. that's the problem, how much do you think he's paid? and how much do you think he ought to be paid as a governor? what was he doing before he became the governor of Akwa Ibom state? you see, sometimes i feel we the citizens allow this happenings..how many times have you seen on dstv or internet the governor of California giving out gift of that nature to a celebrity? we worship money a lot in this country and that's the problem.
seriously speaking the time and stage we are now in this country demand us to be solemn, especially the people in government because a lot of money have gone down the drain and nothing has been done about it.
until the states in Nigeria can boast of all the basic amenities of life…our people in government mustn't sleep talk less of showing off. i want them always to feel sorry for the lies and deceit…
FELA says "they leave behind sorrow, tears and blood" (dem regular trade mark) we need a change..don't stop talking.
as for tuface and anne..i pray God give them the wisdom to do what is right before God. am sure by now they now what is going on around them.
some saying it's state money… Prove it! Just discovered you can't? Shouldn't have said it in the first place! And a fellow said rich business men like dangote and bill gates still working hard… Check again! Bill just pledged his $56 billion or £30 billion to charity last week. He plans to retire this week