By Cletus Asuquo
The Executive Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi, KSJI, has attributed his ascension to the chairmanship position solely to divine providence, stating emphatically that his journey to leadership was orchestrated by God and not by any human influence.
Speaking at a special Thanksgiving service to mark his first 100 days in office, Akposi reflected on the extraordinary nature of his political trajectory, describing it as a miraculous intervention that culminated in his emergence as chairman in less than an hour. He insisted that gratitude was a moral imperative, declaring that only an ungrateful person would fail to return all glory to God.
“It is only an ingrate that will not appreciate God the way I do. From my aspiration to my candidacy and my eventual election, everything was divinely orchestrated. I have seen the undeniable hand of God in my life, and I owe my success to Him alone,” he asserted with unwavering conviction.
The Chairman further underscored the transformational impact of divine grace in his life over the past five months, expressing deep appreciation for the privilege to serve. “I have indeed witnessed remarkable changes in my life since assuming office. It has been a period of divine upliftment, and I cannot but express my gratitude for all of God’s goodness,” he added.
Beyond his personal reflections, Akposi acknowledged the indispensable role played by his dedicated team, attributing much of the administration’s early successes to their collective commitment. He described his team as the pillar of his leadership, reinforcing his vision for a progressive and unified Akamkpa.
“My team has been my strongest backbone, providing the unwavering support and synergy required to drive our developmental agenda. Their dedication is second to none, and it is through their cooperation that we have recorded significant strides in our ongoing projects,” he enthused.
Drawing a powerful analogy, Akposi likened the unity within his administration to the resilience of a tightly bound broomstick, symbolizing the strength found in togetherness. “A single broomstick can be easily broken, but a bunch remains unbreakable. That is the spirit we have cultivated in this administration—unshakable unity that fuels our ability to achieve even greater feats,” he declared.
The thanksgiving service was not just a moment of personal reflection for the chairman but also an opportunity for spiritual exhortation. Delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Obaina Agbor, Cathedral Administrator of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Calabar, admonished political leaders to embrace a lifestyle of gratitude, emphasizing that a thankful heart attracts greater divine blessings.
“When you acknowledge God as the source of your elevation, He entrusts you with more. Leadership is a calling, and those entrusted with governance must never forget to return thanks to the One who ordains kings and removes them at will,” Rev. Fr. Agbor declared.
The grand occasion was graced by an array of dignitaries from within and beyond Akamkpa, underscoring the significance of the chairman’s milestone. Among the notable attendees was the Member Representing Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Emil Inyang, who commended Akposi’s leadership and expressed optimism in his ability to drive sustainable development in the local government.
Also present were Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor; Hon. Okon Owuna and Rt. Hon. Linus Bassey Etim, members representing Akamkpa 1 and 2 in the Cross River State House of Assembly; and Hon. Yibala Inyang, Chairman of Yakurr LGA and the Chair of Chairs, alongside several other local government chairmen from across the state.
The political heavyweight Pastor Patrick Asikpo (Petido), APC State Secretary, was also in attendance, further lending credence to the occasion. Traditional institutions were well represented, with His Royal Majesty, Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, gracing the event with his regal presence.
Philanthropist and business mogul Engr. Ben Akak of the Ben Akak Foundation was also among the distinguished guests, reaffirming the collective goodwill that has rallied around the Akamkpa chairman’s administration.
The thanksgiving service was not only a celebration of 100 days of governance but also an avenue for rekindling the spirit of community, faith, and commitment to service. Attendees joined in fervent prayers for continued guidance, wisdom, and success for Akposi and his administration.
In a closing remark, the chairman reiterated his dedication to servant leadership, promising to translate his gratitude into tangible developmental strides. “This administration is founded on the principles of unity, service, and progress. As we move forward, our goal remains clear—to build a better Akamkpa where development is felt in every household,” he assured.
As the thanksgiving service drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of renewed hope and solidarity, with supporters, well-wishers, and stakeholders rallying around the chairman, reaffirming their confidence in his leadership.
With 100 days already behind him, Akposi’s next challenge lies in sustaining the momentum, ensuring that the goodwill and trust reposed in his administration translate into concrete achievements for the people of Akamkpa.
