By Kelvin Obambon
Former Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD has paid a glowing and emotional tribute to the late veteran journalist, Anietie Ben Akpan (fondly referred to as Roro Chief), crediting the fearless reportage of the era’s correspondents for saving his life during the intense military regimes and the June 12 struggles.
Duke made this disclosure in Calabar on Tuesday while speaking at a night of tribute organized in honour of the late journalist. Recalling the turbulent political landscape of the early 90s and the Abacha military dictatorship, Duke narrated how relentless media advocacy kept detained activists in the public consciousness, shielding them from extrajudicial fates.
“Anietie is one of those whose journalistic activism saved me during the military era,” Duke stated, reflecting on his time as a young political activist and government official.
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Detailing the perilous days following political resistance in 1993, the statesman recalled being declared wanted for two weeks. Facing the dilemma of surrendering without risking summary execution, he turned to the press for protection.
“All the journalists gathered and they escorted me to where the brigade commander lives at MCC. I announced when I arrived at the gate of the brigade commander’s house: ‘Please, I’m here to submit myself to the army and let the record show I will not run away. If I’m executed tomorrow, just know I was executed.’ All the journalists led by Anietie were there, and that’s what saved me,” he recounted.
He also highlighted how the Correspondence Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River State acted as a vital bulwark for democracy advocates. According to him, constant newspaper count-downs and international spotlighting by networks like the BBC ensured that political detainees remained visible and protected by public conscience.
Lamenting the post-retirement neglect faced by veteran media practitioners who fought for Nigeria’s democracy, Duke noted that despite their immense sacrifices, many of these journalists lacked financial security in their later years. He also noted that even though he tried to assist the late Akpan with medical expenses at Asi Ukpo during his failing health, many of the beneficiaries of his early activism were absent when support was needed most.
To honour the late journalist’s legacy and support his grieving family, the former lawmaker pledged a sum of 1 million Naira toward the funeral obsequies, requesting that the majority of the funds be channeled directly to Akpan’s dependents.
“Anietie has done his bit. Today we celebrate a life of impact,” Duke concluded, bidding a final farewell to his lifelong ally in the struggle for democratic freedom.
