“Successful people hold on tenaciously to their dreams and vision because they know that dreams and vision do come true sooner or later” – Praise George.
His pedigree and antecedents as a politician of note, a lawyer, humanist to the core, a philanthropist par excellence, a detribalised Nigerian as well as an indefatigable political juggernaut in Rivers state and a great mentor to millions of Nigerians say much about him.
The quote above from Praise George succinctly captures the unique personality of Senator Magnus Ngie Abe, a consummate and grassroots politician whose knack for excellence and meritocracy is legendary. His immeasurable contributions to the growth of Rivers state and the Nigerian Project, close to three decades, are feats that should be commended by those who are committed to the development of Rivers state.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “The most successful politician is he who does what the people are thinking, most often, in the loudest voice” and Sir William Sapara, the first indigenous lawyer in Nigeria, also said, “A legal practitioner lives for the direction and welfare of his people as well as advancing the cause of his country”. Senator Abe, a legal practitioner of repute, began his political sojourn into the Rivers state political landscape in 1999, having been elected into the state House of Assembly where he served as the minority leader. His wealth of experience and intellectual sagacity were brought to bear as commissioner for information in Rivers state during under the Governor Peter Odili administration. To the glory of God, he was appointed as the Secretary to Rivers State Government during the Governor Rotimi Amaechi government.
Due to Abe’s diligence, dexterity, commitment to service and as a result-oriented and a great team player, he was called upon by his people from Rivers East Senatorial District to represent them at the Senate where he served from May 2011 to May 2015. He had his primary education at Bedwell Primary School where he obtained his primary school leaving certificate and proceeded to St. Patrick’s College, Ikot-Ansa, Calabar, Cross River state and later to Rivers State Akpor Grammar School, Ozuoba to complete his secondary education. As in the words of Dr Nelson Mandela, education is the greatest weapon we can use to change the world, Senator Abe was also at Gokhana Saint Peter’s State School, Yaghe and Boys’ State School, Okrika. In his quest for higher education, Abe obtained his Law Degree from the prestigious Rivers State University of Science and Technology and was called to the Nigerian Bar as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1987. One of his core principles is using the instrument of the law for social engineering, societal development, strict observance of the rule of law and constitutionalism.
As 2023 Rivers governorship elections gather momentum, Abe has listened to the voice of his people and has made himself available for the exalted office of governor come 2023 on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This is to bring the desired revolution working with his amiable team for the common good and accelerated development of Rivers state. Abe is a man of truth which he defends at all times. Sir Senator Melford Okilo (of blessed memory), a former governor of Rivers state, must have had Abe in mind in his book, ‘The Truth’. He said, “When you speak the truth, you are not only speaking the mind of one person but you must have spoken the minds of millions of people.”
As Distinguished Senator Abe set to unveil his vision for Rivers state due to clarion call by his people, it is our hope his emergence as governor will bring good tidings, prosperity and economic transformation and take Rivers state to the desired level. It is no doubt that his wealth of experience and intellectual sagacity will help to bring better life to the entire Riverians. Abe should always have in mind the immortal words of Fred Van Amburgh that, “Dream Big Dreams, then put on your overalls and go make the dreams come true.”
Fatal Ibrahim,
Abuja
fataiib5@gmail com
