CROSS RIVER 2023: WHY OWAN ENOH STANDS A CHANCE

Margaret Akpa

Distinguished Senator John Owan Enoh stands tall as a rock of integrity. In the years that I have known him as a leader and as being part of his world. I have observed that what you see is what you get. One of my great personal joys is having the opportunity to hear him at the interactive forum organized by Cross river state journalist forum,CROSJOF. He does whatever he says. Which makes political folks and followers like to call him “Senator talk and do.”

Owan Enoh is from Agbokim Waterfalls, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, John Owan Enoh attended St. Gregory Primary school, Agbokim Waterfalls and St. Augustine Junior Seminary, Abakaliki, in the present Ebonyi State. His enrolment into the junior seminary was in anticipation of joining the Catholic priesthood. His destiny was reshaped, At the early age of 22, Owan Enoh graduated from the University of Calabar. He was also a member of the Students Parliament in the Students Union Government with former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, as the Speaker. He later earned a master’s degree in Demography from the same university and was immediately employed as a lecturer.

As an astute professional with a tact for perfection, Owan Enoh, a fomer Senator, was one of the power houses needed to guide the senate in the real business of law making. Specifically, in formulating policies and enacting laws that will tighten Nigeria’s financial system. Arguably, Owan Enoh is one of the most experienced lawmaker in the country. In 1999, he ran under the platform of All Peoples Party ( APP) and won, representing Etung State Constituency in Cross River State House of Assembly; the same time with my my brother, late Barrister Enim Akpa of blessed memory who ran under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party in Ikom I Constituency and won but died before swearing in.

In 2003, Senator Owan won his elections under Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) to the Federal House of Representatives, where he became Vice Chairman, House Committee on Finance. He returned again in 2007 and later became Chairman of the Finance Committee. In 2011, having made it to the House of Reps for a record third term, he was made Chairman of the Appropriation Committee of the house. Within this period, he attracted several projects to his constituency ranging from street lights, roads, health centres, educational facilities, job/ employment, empowerment and many more.

Sen. Owan Enoh’s life ambition is to hold the key to the Governor’s Office at Leopard Town, Calabar in order to free Cross Riverians from the shackles of poverty and underdevelopment. Detribalised, generous and simple, the entire people of Cross River State, cutting across the three senatorial districts, are yearning for that day when this people person would give their state effective leadership through effective relationships. As he stands the better chance in the coming general election.

Barr Margaret Akpa is Legal Practitioner in Nigeria with interest in politics, business, property and humanitarian services.
margaretakpa77@gmail.com