- …Loyalty is not a political offence, association is not a crime, and principled politics should never be distorted to suit a misleading narrative.
By Beatrice Akpala Supporters
The attention of Beatrice Akpala and her supporters has been drawn to a publication titled, “Fr. Clement Agama Criticises Beatrice Akpala Over Political Loyalty and Leadership Claims.” While every citizen is entitled to express opinions on matters of public interest, it is equally important that such opinions are founded on facts rather than selective interpretation, emotional conjecture and deliberate misrepresentation.
Unfortunately, Fr. Clement Agama’s intervention is built upon a fundamental misunderstanding and misrepresentation of what Beatrice Akpala actually meant. His commentary strips her remarks of their proper context and substitutes reasoned political discourse with emotional conclusions that are neither supported by the facts nor reflective of her position.
Beatrice Akpala’s assertion that politics is “a game of interest” was never an endorsement of selfishness or political opportunism. Rather, it was a practical acknowledgement of the reality that politics, in every democracy, is driven by competing interests, ideas and convictions. The true test of political leadership is how those interests are pursued, through service, integrity, accountability and commitment to the common good.
To deliberately isolate that statement from its context and portray it as a defence of self-serving politics is both misleading and economical with the truth.
Equally troubling is the suggestion that political loyalty or association should somehow be construed as an offence. Since when has loyalty become a crime in a democratic society? Across the world, politicians build alliances, maintain relationships and work with individuals whose vision they believe aligns with the aspirations of their constituents. Such associations are not only legitimate but are fundamental to democratic engagement.
Beatrice Akpala has never hidden her political relationships, just as countless public office holders have never concealed theirs. Political association is a constitutional right, not an indictment. It is therefore unjust and intellectually weak to imply that an individual should bear perpetual responsibility for every perceived shortcoming of those with whom they have once worked or associated.
Leadership cannot and should not be assessed through guilt by association.
The attempt to link Beatrice Akpala to every unfulfilled promise of previous administrations is both simplistic and unfair. Governance is a collective responsibility involving numerous institutions, actors and circumstances. To personalise every perceived failure while ignoring the broader realities of governance is to sacrifice objectivity for political rhetoric.
Contrary to the impression created in the publication, Beatrice Akpala has never trivialised the concerns of the people of Ukelle, nor has she treated them as bargaining chips in political negotiations. Her commitment to the development of Cross River North has always been anchored on dialogue, inclusiveness and constructive engagement rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
It is also noteworthy that while Fr. Agama accuses others of promoting politics of interest, his own intervention is laden with emotion, assumptions and selective interpretation rather than balanced analysis.
Quoting Scripture to support political arguments does not automatically validate personal opinions. The biblical principles of righteousness, justice, accountability and service apply equally to all who participate in public discourse, including those who choose to publicly criticise political actors.
Public commentary, particularly from respected moral voices, ought to illuminate issues rather than inflame passions or distort facts.
Beatrice Akpala remains steadfast in her conviction that politics should be about building consensus, fostering development and creating opportunities for the people rather than perpetuating division and hostility.
Loyalty is not a weakness; it is a virtue.
Consistency is not a liability; it is a reflection of character.
Political relationships founded on mutual respect and shared ideals should never be portrayed as evidence of wrongdoing.
Ultimately, the people of Cross River North possess the wisdom and discernment to evaluate leaders based on their integrity, accessibility, commitment and contributions to society, rather than on sensational headlines or emotionally charged commentaries.
History will judge every public servant not by political propaganda or selective narratives, but by the substance of their service, the strength of their character and the impact they have made on the lives of the people.
Beatrice Akpala remains committed to issue-based politics, respectful engagement and the continued pursuit of meaningful development for Cross River North and Cross River State. She will neither be distracted by misrepresentations nor deterred by attempts to redefine loyalty as a political offence.
In the end, democracy is strengthened when facts prevail over emotions, truth triumphs over propaganda, and constructive dialogue takes precedence over divisive rhetoric.
Written By Beatrice Akpala Supporters.
CAVEAT: Views expressed in this rejoinder are those of the author, Supporters of Beatrice Akpala, and not of Converseer, and or any of its staff.
