05/03/2026
HUMILITY, Rare Virtue of a Good Leader: Rep Ime Okon Example
By Henshaw NYONG
The Bible has long settled the question of what should guide leadership. One of the clearest moments came during the ministry of Jesus when He noticed a recurring argument among His disciples. They were often concerned about position. Who would be the greatest among them? Who would occupy the most prominent place?
Sensing the rising ambition, Jesus turned the moment into an insightful lesson. In the Gospel of Matthew 18:4, He made it clear that whoever desires greatness must humble himself like a child. In the Gospel of Mark 10:43–44, the teaching became even more direct: whoever wants to become great must first become a servant.
It was a simple message, yet profound. True leadership is not built on noise, pride or the restless search for recognition. It grows from service, restraint, humility and the quiet discipline of placing the interest of others above personal glory.
History, both sacred and secular, has repeatedly shown that leaders who carry humility as a virtue often leave the deepest imprint on society. Why? Because humility opens the door to listening. It creates room for empathy. It reminds those in authority that power is not a throne to be guarded but a responsibility to be exercised with care.
In Akwa Ibom State today, many citizens will readily point to one example of that disposition in public office. At the helm sits Umo Bassey Eno, a clergyman turned State Chief Executive who has deliberately demystified power. The Governor mixes freely with people, answers calls, responds to messages and refuses to allow the weight of office to erect walls around him. Anyone who sits with him for a few minutes often leaves impressed by a simplicity that is rare in high political office.
Following that same path, and doing so with remarkable composure, is the member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon.
Ime.
The name itself means patience. And if names carry meaning, this one appears to be living it.
Let me quickly narrate a recent incident. A few days ago, some stakeholders in the constituency joked that the lawmaker must truly be living out the meaning of his name. They had watched him handle a situation that would have easily pushed many politicians into anger or needless display of pride. Instead, Ime listened patiently, engaged quietly and helped resolve a matter that had lingered for years.
When the dust settled at that very moment, the people left satisfied. In their excitement, they openly declared their support for Governor Umo Eno, and true to their words, they have since become active card carrying members of the APC. Their decision was largely influenced by a man who placed loyalty, goodwill and genuine concern above personal gain.
For a man of imposing build and intimidating height like Ime Bassey Okon, one might easily expect thunder. What the people saw instead was the calmness of a dove.
That temperament has steadily endeared him to many across Itu and Ibiono Ibom. His constituents have come to appreciate the advantage of having a representative who carries himself with restraint and maturity. He listens. He respects. He avoids unnecessary confrontation. And when he acts, it is rarely for self aggrandizement or political showmanship, but for practical solutions that bring relief to the people.
Now to the substance of representation.
Law making remains his primary constitutional duty. On that score, the law luminary has sponsored and co-sponsored eight bills and motions. Among them are bills seeking to establish the Metallurgical and Material Engineers Registration Board of Nigeria and the Biomedical Engineers and Scientists Registration Board. He has also moved motions on the urgent rehabilitation of the Calabar–Itu–Ikot Ekpene Road, on addressing disparities between HND and BSc holders within security agencies, and on the need to decongest correctional centres.
Now, beyond the legislative chamber, the constituency has witnessed tangible interventions.
Independent assessment tours conducted by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Coalition of Online Publishers Akwa Ibom, the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Akwa Ibom, civil society groups and the National Association of Nigerian Students among others revealed projects valued at over ₦1.7 billion attracted to the constituency within just two and a half years.
That figure becomes even more striking when placed beside the typical constituency project ceiling of roughly ₦200 million in the federal budget cycle for members. How did he do it when we all know in the National Assembly, influence grows with experience and ranking status. Yet Rep. Okon is still serving his first term.
This is why many right thinking constituents emphasise the value of continuity. A ranking legislator commands greater negotiating strength, deeper committee influence and broader access to federal interventions. In the arithmetic of Abuja politics, ranking status often determines how much a constituency ultimately benefits.
Among the projects already delivered by Okon are a furnished six classroom block at Technical School, Ayadehe; a four classroom block with facilities at PCN Primary School, North Itam; construction of the 1.5 kilometre Joshua Uwah Street with solar lighting and drainage in Mbak Itam III; a modern 450 capacity Civic Centre in Idoro; and the ongoing construction of a 1000 capacity Civic Centre in Nkwa.
Across communities, solar powered boreholes now provide clean water, while solar street lights have restored visibility and security to once dark roads in the two LGAs. Educational support has also expanded. Over 300 students, including 18 attending the Nigerian Law School, have received bursaries.
Healthcare interventions have equally made impact. Free medical outreaches organised across Itu and Ibiono Ibom attended to thousands of residents, with several major surgeries performed for patients who might otherwise never have afforded such procedures.
Okon's empowerment initiatives have touched different segments of society. Good vehicles have been donated. Scholarships have been extended to children of deceased political stakeholders and other indigent but brilliant students. Employment opportunities have been facilitated into federal and state institutions including the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Fire Service.
Just last month, the lawmaker took another step in addressing youth unemployment by sponsoring long term skill acquisition training for 20 youths from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. The training covers auxiliary nursing, fashion designing, carpentry, truck driving, automobile mechanics and other vocational trades. Fees running into several millions of naira were paid directly, alongside trading support for a widow and a business grant for a physically challenged barber.
Politically, Rep. Okon has also aligned strongly with national and state leadership, mobilising grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno. Together with his wife, Deaconess Victoria Ime Okon, he has supported voter registration exercises, party membership revalidation and ward level political mobilisation across the constituency.
For many constituents, the argument going forward is straightforward.
If humility and quiet diligence could deliver this level of intervention within a first term, what more could be achieved with the stronger negotiating power that comes with ranking status?
Ime Okon has spent these years building networks, understanding the inner workings of Abuja and identifying where opportunities lie for his people. His Constituents believe that returning him for another term would not merely extend a tenure. It would strengthen the voice of Itu and Ibiono Ibom within the National Assembly and open wider doors for development.
In politics, humility is often underrated. Yet the lesson taught centuries ago by our LORD still stands. Those who serve with humility often lead with the greatest impact. Indeed, Ime's constituents are fortunate to have a humble and altruistic representative.
