DEFENDER PERSONALITY: “AKIN RICKETTS – The return of the calculative political master”
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
By his leadership skills, which surely played part of the qualifications by which eminent players pushed him forward as Protem Chairman of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), he is leading the newly formed opposition party, reflecting his capacity to mobilize and galvanize support for new political initiatives.
His is a structured profile founded on a well concretised rock of ages that whatever he lays his hands upon has always flourished and endured. That is the case with DEFENDER PERSONALITY of the Week, Chief Akin Rickettes, as it connects with his new and current and national assignment as the Protem Chairman of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), recently formed and is now seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a formidable opposition political party in Nigeria.
This great Nigerian, youthful looking with resilience comfortably seated at the base of his mind, will make history as pioneer head of the coalition’s party calculated and fully pressurized to effectively deliver Nigeria to a new planet of democracy between now 2027.
By his experience in political footballing under the sky of Africa’s most populous African nation, Nigeria, skepticism is problem only with the inexperienced as, with him and very quality political bigwigs like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (GCON), former Kaduna State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor and Buhari Administration’s Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Osun State and Buhari Administration’s Minister of the Interior Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Obasanjo Administration’s Minister of State for Justice Abdullahi Musa Elayo, who has also become the Protem National Secretary of the ADA, among others thickly lining up behind him, success of the coalition’s effort to take Nigeria’s government and give it back to its rightful owners – the masses of the Nigerian people – is a matter of future assured.
Commissioner for Information under the Cross River State Administration of Liyel Imoke (2012-2015), Chief Akin Ricketts was a key player in the last coalition party the All Progressives Congress (APC) that produced Major General Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) through the February 25, 2015 general elections as the second Nigeria’s former Military Head of State to return to power as democratically elected President of the country for two consecutive terms of four years each.
Aside his foray in Cross River State as Commissioner, he was also Chairman Board of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), beginning from March 2020, under Rotimi Amaechi as Minister of Transportation during Buhari era, which that saw him overseeing port operations across Lagos, Calabar, Warri and Onne. The successful entrepreneur and agriculturist had had a working experience spanning over 20 years in the construction, oil and gas industries, and had managed an
oil-palm plantation successfully before his political appointments.
Chief Ricketts, therefore, has a background in politics, having been involved in various capacities within the political landscape of Nigeria. His previous roles include serving in local, national government or leadership positions in political organizations and activism.
By his leadership skills, which surely played part of the qualifications by which eminent players pushed him forward as Protem Chairman of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), he is leading the newly formed opposition party, reflecting his capacity to mobilize and galvanize support for new political initiatives. His leadership is characterized by strategic vision, communication skills, and the ability to unite diverse factions of the opposition.
The ADA was formed recently as an opposition party in Nigeria, indicating a response to the current political climate and the desire for a platform that offers alternative policies and governance strategies for the better today and greater future of the nation and its good people.
This Akin Ricketts-led party, by the well structured leadership he has been made to peddle, aims to provide a voice for those disenchanted with the existing political parties in Nigeria. Its objectives include promoting democratic values, enhancing accountability in governance, advocating for grassroots participation, and addressing pressing national issues such as corruption, economic development, security, and social justice.
Expectedly, as no great idea comes without its own challenges, Chief Akin Ricketts and the ADA may face various challenges, including establishing a strong organizational structure, gaining recognition among the electorate, building coalitions with other opposition groups and individuals, and navigating the political landscape dominated by established political parties.
With the vision of ADA as former by the notable leaders, Chief Rickettes is committed to fostering a more inclusive and effective political environment in Nigeria. His vision for the ADA would encompass striving toward improved governance, greater political participation by citizens, and ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are heard.
For public engagement, Chief Ricketts has diverse ideas which include to engage with the public through rallies, social media, and community outreach programs, aiming to raise awareness about the ADA’s initiatives and garner support from the populace.
Conclusively, as Protem Chairman of the All Democratic Alliance, Chief Akin Ricketts plays a pivotal role in shaping the political discourse in the country and, through his leadership, the ADA has been well positioned seeking to provide an alternative path for governance and representation, aiming to address the challenges faced by the nation.
By the afforestated, it is convenient to tag the All Democratic Alliance leadership by Chief Akin Ricketts as “The return of the calculative political master”.
