Michael Bush is a journalist of international repute. But he combines his journalism practice with politics.
He has indicated the interest to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election against the incumbent, Pastor Umo Eno, under the PDP.
He spoke with TNN on his ambition.
Excepts:
You have declared to run for governor of Akwa Ibom state under PDP. Why PDP when the party has since been torn into pieces?
All of my 55 years on earth so far, I have always shown integrity, empathy, sympathy, consistency and courage. All of these virtues are what compel me to stick with PDP. Yes, our party is going through some turbulence but do people jump out of airplanes going through this phase? PDP is my party: I believe it shall bounce back and all those fair weather members shall flee back!
Again, see what the party has done for this country, and for our state. Which other party is even a good second? PDP gave so much to us. What exactly is the ideology of except PDP?
You intend to run against a sitting governor. Won’t you be swimming against the tide?
David swam against the tide. He won. Modern history is replete with Davidlike replays. The Bible enjoins me to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!
The sitting governor is believed to have done well in six years and has so much money and structures. Where is your money, where are your structures?
Done well? “Is believed to have done well?” Your money now belongs to him! Oh, Akwa Ibom.
And, you need money to pick a leader? You vote for a man who uses your own money to abuse, to oppress, to jail, to buy you? I believe that Akwa Ibom is not for the highest bidder. I believe Akwa Ibom deserves far better than this disaster!
As for structure, whatever that means, the people are my structure. By the grace of God, I have given all to this state in the last nearly 35 years and we all see my human fruits. Impact is my structure. My structure far transcends politics!
You had a running battle with the governor. Was that a test run of what is to come?
Running battle? Well, I don’t know. I don’t like injustice and lies. I try always to stand up for myself, for others; for excellence, for fairness, for truth; for society.
What do you think Akwa Ibom needs that Pastor Umo Eno has not provided?
A very good question! Akwaibomights are in dire need of so many things that this governor clearly cannot provide. Because of time and space or the lack of them, I can only expatiate on one: Access! Our people cannot be so poor when our state is so rich.
Access to government, to good governance, to our leaders. I am sure you know, even our big people have been shouted down or ignored by this governor, for too long. He publicly announced he is nobody’s receptionist; that he won’t pick phone calls. Imagine saying that to leaders who are older and more accomplished, what then does he think of the masses?
Access to our wealth. Let Akwa Ibom people enjoy Akwa Ibom money. If Akwa Ibom and Akwaibomights are not first in this land, where else would that happen? In Abuja, in Dubai, in London, in Washington, just where?
Akwaibomights deserve access to dignity, to freedom, and to respect; even before you mention access to education, to health, to wealth. This governor is not wired to provide these and more. Or, is he? Our senatorial district cannot waste the next four years; it is all Akwa Ibom Northeast has to salvage its name!
The governor and you used to be close, and you used to sing his praises. What changed?
Another good question. The critic you should pay attention to is the one who used to praise you; not the one who criticises you forever. A supporter who comes into a better, deeper understanding of what’s going on must be bold enough to step away and step up. That is my reality.
I owe Akwa Ibom the truth at all times. I cannot keep siding with what’s not excellent enough, with what’s not fair enough, with what’s not working enough all because of old testament alliance and position or the silly fear of what people would say. I am more blessed, I am much bolder than that. I shall always be upright, no matter whose ox is gored!
Are you of which faction in PDP?
Stop giving us a bad name, please. Our differences are being worked out. I am running on the platform of PDP. I told you the party is bouncing back.
PDP shall present a united front. The army left behind by fleeing crosstitutors and deserters is a strong one. We shall rise again. The umbrella can withstand this tsunami thrown at it.
You shall see it. Everybody shall it. The world shall see it. The end of PDP has not come!
