The Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Architect Ezekiel Nya Etok, has defended his decision to accept an appointment from President Bola Tinubu after actively supporting Peter Obi and challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.
Speaking on VOP This Morning’s program on Voice of the People (VOP) TV, the former African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate recounted how he moved from being a staunch opposition figure to serving in the current administration, insisting that his appointment came unexpectedly.
From opposition to government
Mr Nya Etok disclosed that he was a “100 per cent Obidient” during the 2023 general elections and had pursued his legal challenge against the APC up to the Supreme Court before receiving the appointment.
According to him, he was not expecting to be considered for a position in the Tinubu administration because of his political stance.
“As at that time I’d gone up to the Supreme Court with the APC. I was not a supporter. In my post, I was 100% Obedient. So it was least expected that he would call me. For six months I retained my position in ADC, I refused to change parties,” he said.
Speaks on governorship ambition
Responding to questions about whether he would contest the governorship election again, Mr Nya Etok said Nigerian politics demands enormous financial resources and suggested that political ambitions are often influenced by higher authorities.
While insisting he was not tired of politics, he said the timing of any future ambition would depend on what he described as “clearance” from his “master.”
“It took a lot of my money. I’m not tired… but I also see myself as a man under authority. Sometimes you want to do something and your master says wait. So for now, I don’t think I have clearance from my master to get into the race,” he stated.
‘Politicians don’t care about you’
During the interview, the FHA executive director criticised Nigeria’s political class, accusing many politicians of exploiting citizens for personal and political gain.
He argued that the persistent blame game over insecurity and economic hardship diverts attention from the country’s real challenges.
“The politician really today does not care about you, he’s not interested in you. He wants to exploit every situation, he wants to use your brain for his own good, and we are following them,” he said.
Advocates citizen surveillance
As part of his recommendations for tackling insecurity, Mr Nya Etok proposed what he described as a “Social Police” system anchored on extensive public surveillance.
According to him, increased deployment of surveillance cameras would discourage criminal activities by creating the perception that offenders could be watched at any time.
“Insecurity thrives in secrecy and darkness. There is nothing that scares a wrongdoer as much as the fear of being seen or being caught. Even if those cameras are not working… the knowledge that you could be seen is a restraining factor,” he said.
‘My loyalty is to God and Nigeria first’
Mr Nya Etok also stressed that his service in government does not translate to unquestioning loyalty to the President.
He maintained that his primary allegiance remains with God and Nigeria and vowed to oppose any policy he believes is contrary to the nation’s interest.
“My first loyalty is to my God, not the President. My second loyalty is to my nation, not the President. The President is only my third line of loyalty. So if he takes a decision now that is against the interest of Nigeria, I’ll be the first to deny it,” he said.
WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE:
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