Meet The Man Who May Unseat Gov. Wike

By FRANKLIN AHAOTU

When knowledge meets humility, integrity is born, but integrity alone cannot take one to his or her destination unless it’s backed by divine mandate. How else can we describe a man who became a media sensation recently when the current minister of transport Rt. Hon Rotimi Chibuike  Amaechi anointed him as the preferred candidate in Rivers State governorship election.

Before now it’s a known fact that for anyone to win an election in Nigeria, such a person must either be a desperate or money-bag politician. Or still, one who has the so-called blessings of a God-father. None of this is the case for the young and vibrant Engr. Awara Biokpomabo Festus (MNSE), owing to his virtuous upbringing and personal ethics.

No wonder when he told friends and families that he has the vision to change the bartered destiny of Rivers state through good governance, many including those of us, who is in the know of the nature of politics in the country, felt that perhaps he was venturing into what was impossible: a mere “academic exercise” as my lawyer friend would always say.

Little did we know that God was about to manifest his nature in him. Even when he began “The Hope for Rivers” Messages, as part of his divine mandate; political observers in his locality looked the other way; confirming the biblical report of the attitude of the Jews towards Jesus Christ when they learned of his origin and family. But as Jesus Christ himself rightly acknowledged, a prophet might not be regarded in his home town, it, however, would not stop him from accomplishing the divine mandate as in the case of Engr. Awara.

Among his cardinal objectives is to restore, rebrand and recover whatever that might have been stolen by the present greedy politicians in the state. Hence, the “Take it back” campaign slogan

Married to beautiful Christabel  Awara, Engr. Awara is a Happy father of two from Kula community in Akuku Toru local government Area of Rivers state.  A quick look at his work history revealed that he has served perfectly in the oil and Gas sector, both in an operational and managerial capacity; having acquired his first degree (Bachelor of technology) In Mechanical engineering at Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port Harcourt, and about to obtain his Masters in Engineering Management at the same Rivers State University, which he began sometime in 2016.
Among his many personal desires is to serve humanity and be a role model to many young Nigerians who indeed desired a genuine change for this great nation. Engr. Biokpo, as he is fondly called was born on the 27th of June, 1978, in a modest Christian family that imbued in him the ethical values that today formed the greater part of his personality.
Engr Awara, had his early education (Primary and Secondary) at State School and C.S.S, Kula respectively before proceeding to fulfill his Engineering career dream at the University.  He completed the Mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC) in the year 2007, at the Plateau State Ministry of works, Jos Plateau state.
Tell me about a man who has never complained about unemployment in his career journey, I will show you Engr. Awara. Who is not only an employer’s delight but a man who believes in proving his best administratively, whenever the need arises; as can be seen in his short work life, as career Engineer.
Between 2008 and 2011 –Engr. Awara worked at Gredor Nigeria Ltd, Warri and Belema Gas and Oilfield Ltd, Port Harcourt, as Safety officer and Project Coordinator respectively.  He later joined Kariboms Ventures, Port Harcourt sometimes in 2011. His excellent track record took him to Chevron Nigeria Limited: South Offshore Area SONAM NAG WELLS PLATFORM, where he gathered enough experience that is now working to his career advantage.       

Until recently, when he declared his interest to join the Governorship Race in Rivers state, industrious Engr. Awara while excelling career-wise, ensured that he pursued his master degree program, in other to be in tune with the academic reality of his profession.
Let me not bother you with his numerous oil and gas related training and certifications, including but not limited to his certifications in Advance Health, Safety and Environment courses at the Institute of Safety Professional, Port Harcourt.
He is a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers and also, of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering .in Nigeria (COREN)
 when you hear people say who is this man, tell them that he is nobody because he has not been involved in any criminal or financial crime related issues before and that nobody can blow the whistle on him for EFCC to investigate, and as such would not be popular like many corrupt politicians.
It’s not surprising however when Rivers people came out en masse to vote for Engr. Awara  Biokpomabo, the AAC Governorship candidate in Rivers State. Those who still in doubt of his leadership strength should wait until he is sworn in as Rivers state Governor.