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Barr. Godwin offiono aka Goffio |
By Ogar Solomon Ogar (Solomon Island)
Fellow Cross Riverians permit me to say, it is no longer a secret that the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has announced guidelines for local government election in the state with political developments enveloping the system. Easily several contenders are officially throwing in their hats into the ring under the platform of the different political parties.
Our spotlight today is on one of the front line aspirants, Godwin Offiono Esq of the prestigious and famous Late Chief Francis Odey Offiono dynasty of Abachor Igbeku, Yala.
A few years ago his well articulated campaigns to "Make Yala Great Again" dominated Yala political parlance while the social media was overwhelmed and adorned with his massive followership and Improvement Agenda.
He is the Principal Partner of Offiono & Offiono Associates; a top notch legal firm in the federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
At various times, he has been described as a consummate grassroots politician with a composite mien, a humanist, a proponent of youths inclusiveness in politics and a grassroots politician who is passionate about the growth and development of his people.
He has always been a champion of civic betterment and unrepentant advocate for justice for the oppressed as exemplified in all the pro bono legal services he has been providing for several sons and daughters of Yala, Cross River and Nigeria at large.
Popularly called Goffio, he is highly eloquent, pragmatic, meticulous and dogged in his approach to life. His towering wealth of political knowledge is a plus for him; having combined both private and public responsibilities perfectly.
He was the president of the National Association of Yala Local Government Students, University of Calabar Chapter, (NAYLOGS-UCC) between 1995 to 1996. Between 1996--1998, he was the Secretary General and later the Chairman of Global Sports Incorporated; organisers of the famous Malabo World Cup for two academic sessions in the University of Calabar, Calabar.
Godwin Offiono is a graduate of Law, Unical and was called to the Nigerian Bar in the year 2000. In Lagos State, he worked with high profile legal firms; Andy lgboekwe & Co. and Rhodes & Rhodes as Research Counsel and Litigation Officer respectively where he carved a niche for himself in advocacy and legal jurisprudence.
In the year 2011, HE, Sen. Liyel Imoke appointed him the Director/ Secretary (Legal Unit) of Cross River State Signage & Advertisement Agency (CRISSAA). His sterling performance saw him in 2013-2015 rising to the rank of Director of Operations, CRISSAA.
Mr. Offiono has continued to develop his intellect through relevant academic pursuits. He holds certificates in Public Administration and in Journalism from the prestigious University of Calabar, Calabar and Irish Academy of Public Relations, Dun Laoghaire Dublin.
In 2003, Mr. Offiono was the candidate of the defunct National Democratic Party, NDP for the office of the State House of Assembly for Yala I constituency.
He is highly experienced and prepared to lead Yala local government as chairman of council. His chances of clinching his party's ticket are very feasible and possible if consultations, consolidation and goodwill of the people would affect the delegates' consciences positively.
Making his declaration speech yesterday in Yala, he said; “I am bringing myself forward to make Yala great again. I am going to sacrifice myself, to rebirth a new Yala of our dreams and aspirations. All I am asking for is your support because I am determined to reposition, redirect and reconnect Yala to national prominence."
Godwin Offiono is married to Susan Offiono and together they are blessed with wonderful children.
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