Nsima Ekere’s Very Private Lifestyle

HighLife

Once an individual expresses their ambition to occupy a public office in Nigeria, or succeed in this pursuit, they lose their right to live a private life. They give up the privilege of keeping a low profile, hiding away, or making moves in secret to advance their standing in society. This is the case with the former MD of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Udo Ekere. Folks are asking about him, intent on knowing where he is.

For someone like Ekere, public visibility has never been much of a big deal. While he served as MD/CEO of NDDC, he was as visible as Nigerians wanted. When he joined the Akwa Ibom gubernatorial race in 2015 under the aegis of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he was very visible. When he repeated his attempt in 2019 wearing the colours of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekere was a public figure number one. Recently, however, he has returned to living under the radar.

The last time Ekere was caught in the lenses of a camera was during his father’s burial in September 2021. Sir Obong Gabriel Sampson Ekere passed on at the age of 90. The renowned school teacher and community leader had lived a life well spent so his passing sent into motion a deluge of condolence messages. Even President Muhammadu Buhari had something to say.

Ever since the death and interment of that great man, his son, Ekere, has returned to his very private life. His absence is even more conspicuous considering his repeated shots at the Akwa Ibom governorship seat. Has Ekere given up this aspiration or is he crouching so he can jump high enough to win the hearts of the people this time?
Only time will tell.

Even so, as Governor Emmanuel Udom prepares to hand over the baton to someone else, minds are wandering to and fro in search of potential heirs. Here is where Ekere comes to mind.