By John Obi Odu
Power, as Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince” reminds us, is never secured by sentiment, habit, or inherited arrangements, but by clear-eyed judgment, decisive action, and an unflinching willingness to prioritize survival over comfort. For a governor still consolidating his authority and identity, often metaphorically described as a “new prince” in the state’s political monarchy, the choices made now will reverberate far beyond a single electoral cycle. Nowhere is this more evident than in the urgent need to reassess the political machinery representing Ikom/Boki at the federal level.
The reality on ground is stark: incumbency under Hon. Victor Abang (Mature), which should ordinarily be an advantage, has instead become a liability. He has not only struggled to meet expectations but has also failed to build the kind of grassroots connection and legislative impact that justifies continued support and a return to the Green Chamber in 2027. Constituents, increasingly view his representation as distant, ineffective, and disconnected from their pressing needs; ranging from infrastructure deficits to economic stagnation. In a constituency as politically aware and historically engaged as Ikom/Boki, such underperformance does not go unnoticed, nor should it go unpunished.
Even more precarious is the shadow of Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, a three-time Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) member for Boki II, whose tenure has not produced a legacy commensurate with the opportunities. Machiavelli is explicit on this point: “men who have been given power repeatedly and have failed to distinguish themselves become symbol of stagnation.” To rely on them again is to signal either a lack of imagination or a tolerance for mediocrity. Neither perception strengthens a prince; both diminish him.
The field also includes accomplished professionals and former office-holders such as Mr Alvin Ochang (Banker/Businessman), Mr. Joe Enu (Businessman), Barr. Tina Agbor (Former SSG), Hon Cletus Obun (Federal Board Chairman), Hon. Dane Osim Asu (former Commissioner), and Hon. Douglas Ogar (former Appointee/Businessman). Each of these figures presents a unique blend of public service and private sector exposure.
Amid this crowded and diverse field, Mr. Alvin Ochang appears to stand out as a compelling option for the party because his profile reflects a blend of private sector discipline and a relatively fresh political footprint which is an advantage in a constituency yearning for a departure from familiar patterns. A background in banking and business suggests exposure to financial management, strategic planning, and performance-driven environments; skills that are increasingly relevant in modern legislative roles.
What, then, is the prudent course? The prolific writer unambiguously offers a clear answer: “a Prince must rely on forces that are truly his own because mercenaries and auxiliaries possesses conditional loyalty and uncertain effectiveness. Translated into the present political context, clinging to under-performing incumbents or recycling familiar but ineffective figures is akin to relying on old mercenaries.
For the governor, the path forward demands political courage and strategic clarity. This is not a moment for sentimentality or deference to entrenched interests, but a period to assert leadership by prioritizing credibility, electability above all, a candidate whose political structure, loyalty, and legitimacy are directly tied to his leadership. Such a figure must be neutral enough to bridge factional divides, yet competent and credible enough to command respect across the constituency.
There is, of course, a cost to such decisions; alliances may fracture, and those displaced may resist. However, “it is better to incur the resentment that comes from decisive corrections than to invite the far greater danger of defeat. A prince who hesitates in moments that demand clarity risks losing not only the immediate contest, but also the broader aura of authority that sustains his rule.
Acting now allows the governor to shape the terrain, consolidate support, and build momentum around a new candidate who embodies both competence and loyalty. In doing so, he would not merely be preparing for an election, but demonstrating mastery of the very principles that have guided rulers for centuries; that authority, once tested, must be reinforced by action, not assumption.
John Obi Odu, Writes from the Forest of Boki
EDITORIAL NOTE: The views express in this article do not in anyway represent the position of The Paradise News. They are entirely that of the author.
