By Edet Okpo, PhD
"Do you see a man diligent in his work?"
Wise King Solomon poses this rhetorical question in the Bible book of Proverbs 22:29. Interestingly, he does not bother the reader to decipher for answers but goes straight to reveal what shall be the ultimate station and status of such a skillful and diligent man: "He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men".The above words synoptically encapsulates Mkpisong (Hon.) Frank Archibong's life and Public Service. They speak to diligence, creativity, dynamism, value creation, excellence and elevation as commensurate rewards for a man who knows his onions. In other words, the profound and existential inquiry in Proverbs 22:29 encourages and edifies excellence in one's occupation, showing that being dedicated and Committed to what one does and is known for naturally leads to prominence, respect, and opportunities that could make one indispensable in every formula that works for good. This is the storybook of Mkpisong (Hon.) Frank Archibong, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Akwa Ibom State.
Without any sentiment or exaggeration, those who know Mkpisong Frank Archibong even in his growing up days would readily agree that there was a star on his forehead that was only visible to the discerning. They would agree with the above biblical attestation that Frank Archibong has been blessed to dine and wine with kings because he is diligent with whatever opportunity that comes his way. He is the very definition of his name, a frank man who is characteristically skillful, thorough, humble , purpose-driven, focussed and therefore has in his pocket a permanent invitation card to always be in the circle of value providers and royalties.
Whereas providence certainly has played significant roles in the story of his life, it could be argued with modesty that Frank's strongest credentials have been a sound character defined by dependability, resourcefulness, integrity, hardwork and value-adding capacity to whatever assignment he has been entrusted with or any cause for public good he has been a part of. This is perhaps why it is not surprising his steady and rapid ascension on the public service staircase and his leapfrogging status in the discourse of Who Is Who in Akwa Ibom State. This foregrounds Frank's public service sojourn and increasingly productive pedigree from the very moment he stepped into politics - public life. The movement has not been arithmetic but geometircal, with corresponding impact that justifies his innate leadership gift and acquired competences.
Back in the days when he broke a jinx as the youngest Transition Committee Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Frank clearly proved himself as a meteor aiming at the skies, to break through galaxies. His scorecard accordingly won him automatic elevation to becoming the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area and Chairman Of ALGON in Akwa Ibom State.
Again, judged by merit as it had always been, he was subsequently appointed by the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel into the State Executive Council as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Satisfied with his proven track records of excellent performance, he was reappointed into the same office by the current Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno PhD.
Today, traditional rulers in the State rally around him as a confidante and dependable ally. It is the prayers of traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State that Frank Archibong remains permanent Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs throughout the eight years term of Pastor Umo Eno as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and it is believed the Governor will grant that royal prayer. To say the truth, Frank Archibong has stabilised traditional institutions and grassroots administration for the Governor. He enjoys tremendous goodwill from Paramount Rulers, Clan Heads, Village Heads, Family Heads, local government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors and Supervisors/ Special Advisers. He uses this goodwill to galvanize and mobilise support for the Governor beyond 2027.
I argue strongly that his invaluable impact in this office must be the open secret that two of Akwa Ibom Governors never wanted to shift the goalpost but to rather always have him there for things to work as they've been working for specific targets and general interest of Akwa Ibom people.
Frank has by dint of hard work and loyalty grown to become a reputable brand sought by everyone with high taste and appetite for quality Service delivery. As Chairman Of Eket Local Government Area, he raised the bar of grassroots leadership and administrative proficiency so high that till today no one has close to reaching the height and record he bequeathed. He is a noiseless achiever. A politician with human face. He has built a structure of loyal followers and politicians across the length and breadth of Akwa Ibom State, a structure that will be very difficult for anyone to break. And he enjoys robust loyalty and followership from these people.
A politician in a special class of his own, Frank Archibong is consistently and widely celebrated for his dedication to public service and community development. Let us sample just a few.
In the area of human capital development and capacity building, Mkpisong Frank Achibong has prioritized education, providing scholarships, JAMB forms, and tuition support to students, especially Law Students through the Archibong Udo Foundation. In terms of healthcare, Frank Archibong has organized free medical outreaches in the past years, offering quality healthcare services to the less privileged, giving hope and bringing many back from steep edge.
In the area Of community development, Frank has Sponsored and supported various community projects, including infrastructural development, vocational training, and human empowerment initiatives. This explains why hαΊΉ is widely loved, admired and celebrated by individuals, high profile groups, professional organizations and corporate bodies.
Hence, the story of grassroots governance in Akwa Ibom State cannot be complete if the name Frank Archibong is not mentioned. Man and history know him as emancipator, benefactor, humanist, pragmatist, reservoir of solace and bridge-builder of most selfless didpositions. Yet, he doesn't naturally crave credit or seek recognitions for whatever he does. HαΊΉ believes in Service to God and Humanity. His beloved Wife, Dr. Bright Archibong shares in the same belief. Mkpisong Frank Archibong's outlook to public Service is anchored On the philosophy Of a renowned British Author, Douglas Adams who once postulated that " to give real Service, one must add something that cannot be bought or measured with money which is integrity, humility and sincerity.
If anyone was ever in need of any proof of Mkpisong Frank Achibong's unquestionable democratic credentials, unblemised record Of dedicated public Service and impact On Humanity, the recent attestation and Strong Commendation by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, during the dedication of Master Emmanuel Frank Archibong at Insight Bible Church, Uyo, would sufficiently surfice. Here was the governor's eulogy:
"Frank is a character so consistent and reliable.
HαΊΉ is loyal and has more than a million Support structure for me. By gathering this crowd and class of people in the State for this event shows his strength of character, and who he truly is. Frank has been one Of the pillars of support to this admistration.
He is always consistent, extremely consistent in his contributions to the success of our mandate, Frank is called 'the Royal Commissioner' by our Paramount Rulers', to show the love and confidence they have in him. And, he is always defending and advocating for them".
Only a man truly deserving can get this from a governor who loves good things and appreciates distinguished characters like Frank Archibong. For sure, Eket people, Akwa Ibom South (Eket )Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State, and indeed Nigeria need more from Frank Archibong who has carved a niche for himself in the chronicle of public service. Yet, History beckons on him as days and times unfold, because he is a divine project in God's hand.
*Edet Okpo PhD, is the Chairman Of the Association Of Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District Media Professionals
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