Chief John Okpa started out in politics in 1986 and within just a few years, he had mixed with the high and mighty of Nigerian politics. He was a focused, intelligent, determined, self-driven and disciplined man who graduated with a 2:1 in Economics from the Usman Dan Fodio University (formerly University of Sokoto) in 1982. Subsequently he took part in the formation of the People’s Front and was the Cross River State Chairman of PF (which emerged the best organized group in Cross River State). In 1990, he emerged the State Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and later in 1994 he became a member of the National Constitutional Conference, where he joined the formation of the famous People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) becoming its national treasurer under the leadership of Gen Yar’dua. Following the non-registration of People’s Democratic Movement, he joined the UNCP and got elected its National Assistant Secretary in 1996 using the platform to win elections into the House of Representatives. Being industrious, after the death of General Abacha, he invested his political goodwill with other Nigerians like Dr Alex Ekwueme and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to birth the People’s Democratic Party, a platform on which he was elected Deputy Governor with Governor Donald Duke. Recall after running for office against Mr Duke he came back to Calabar ,drove with all his supporters to the Governor’s office met Governor Duke and they made up (that was the last time he came to Calabar , the next time he came, it was in a casket) as he was killed in an auto crash with his younger brother Emmanuel and his orderly on the Asaba/Benin highway on the 8th day of September 2004. This was more than 15 years ago, yet he still lives in us He died without material wealth but he has remained alive in the hearts of his friends (both older and younger)whom he believed in. The picture of the house you see is the only house he owned in the world. He built it with the support of his wife Dr. Ivy Okereke-Okpa, before he became Deputy Governor. Chief as he was fondly called by admirers and loyalies was a beloved son of Obubra in whom we were all pleased. He was a man who rose from nowhere to somewhere, from nobody to somebody. A man who made it all by himself through sheer determination, hardwork and most importantly by the grace of God. A man who at age 30 was already talking politics with the likes Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Lawan Kaita, Shehu Yaradua, President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Tony Anenih etc. ate Chief John Oyom Okpa, a magnanimous Leader that died in active service. In September 23rd 2004 Late chief John Oyom Okpa of blessed memories, made politics sweet. He sustained followership with his hard earned money which he made as a businessman. There was none amongst those politicians who were followers of late John Okpa in cross River who never tested his money, none. including beautiful yong ladies. John loved.