Features
Sharing The Pain Of Governor Amaechi
On the evening of 2ih of September 2010, I stumbled on the NTA Network showing a live programme during which I just heard the last few words of Prof. Wole Soyunka as he was concluding his address on the lecture organized by the Rivers State government in the run-up to the so independence anniversary celebration. Thereafter the governor of the state Honourable Chibuike Amaechi came on stage. The way and manner he abruptly ended his short but incisive talk and left the stage, which to me, seemed like a reflection of a deep pain in his heart at the loss of opportunities for doing so much to transform the lives of the people and the environment of the state and indeed Nigeria, has prompted me to write this short note.
I said I stumbled on the NTA programme. In truth I stumbled on it, because rarely do I tune in to it because I had discovered over time that in the main, some of the news items are stale as one would have read the same information from the Dailies, and because one is fed up with the news of government plans that will affect the lives of the people positively, but about which nothing is ever done to redeem the promises made by government. Such promises are often made so that people will not become too restive, while at the same time the “kidnapping” of our resources goes on apace within the corridors of power. A few examples of such promises will suffice.
All our roads are death traps, as everyone is aware, due to the very poor conditions in which they have been left, even when such agency as FERMA is established and funded. From one budget year to the next, provisions are made for their remedy so that people can travel on them without fear of the dangers inherent in them. As is common knowledge, nothing is done to get the roads usable. Not too long ago the present Minister for Petroleum Resources was the Minister for Works. While on familiarization tour she was reported to have “cried” on seeing the poor conditions of the roads manned by her ministry, particularly the Benin-Shagamu stretch. She must have contemplated the misery and harrowing experiences of the citizens of this country who have to use the roads to fend for themselves. She vowed to do something about it. Soon afterward she was reassigned to a different ministry. The roads are yet to be properly fixed.
One also remembers that during the tenure of Chief Tony Anenih as Honourable minister in charge of works, some 300bn Naira was reported to have been appropriated to that ministry to also help attend to the roads. We were yet to see the effects, as that period also expired and the roads were not done. Consider also the power sector. For several years we were harangued by the government that they would give us several megawatts of Electricity. Years on, and 100’s billions of Dollars later, we are still trying to talk of providing 6000MWs by the end of 2011. In water supply, so much is appropriated annually for the ministry of Water Resources. Yet the people of this country provide their own means of water supply. What about Education which has been allowed to die? The litany is unending. I just mentioned some of the reasons why I hardly inflict myself with the news and programmes coming out of NTA.
But by his address that evening, the governor made my day. In those few minutes he drew attention to the root cause of the problems that have led to the underdevelopment of our people and our environment namely, the “kidnapping” of our resources by a very small few.
The methodology by which they gain access to our till had not become familiar to many, but the manipulators and the adepts know the trick. They range from the “critic” who wants to be noticed so that he can be “invited to come and chop”, to the administrators who wish to establish new areas of control to attract more subvention which can be “kidnapped”, to the politician who is always after his welfare, to the “teacher” who clamours to be employed but who refuses to teach etc, etc. These points that emerged from the Governor’s address touched me and must have touched many others.
While he spoke, I seemed to have heard or may be, I perceived the inner desperate question “who are going to take over from the like of Prof Wole Soyinka?” This thought has become a nightmare for all those who are passionately concerned about the growth of this nation in all aspect of national development. It seems that his tribe has become a disappearing species.
From the present, the horizon heralding the future is mucky, cloudy and uncertain, whilst the past presents a fast disappearing thin line of brilliance which manifested itself in selfless service, courage, dedication to duty and stubborn commitment to the welfare of the people of this nation. From the present we are confronted by the horde of those who raise dust in the name of criticism only to be invited into government to make contributions that were to bring benefit to the people. They never make such contributions and they never leave even when they know that they are making no meaningful impact on the life of the people.
They “kidnap” our resources from that vantage position and begin to live it up, thereby showing the wrong values to the younger generation. It is this younger generation that will carry the future. A future that looks bleak and dreary. In the past some of these type of people joined the government against the advice of their people and peers, and when they were stung by the despots running our affairs, they ran back with their tails between their legs, but somehow unrepentant. Today some of them are trying to launder themselves back into the society. These people were more in evidence during the uninterrupted military era.
On a more serious note, what has been desperately lacking among those that have purported to rule us are focused leadership and selfless service. Countries where these requirements became the basis of governance include Malaysia, Cuba, Indonesia, libya, “small” Dubai, South Korea and very recently Brazil. Some of these countries were dubbed “Communist”, but their leaders took them to such heights that we look at them today in awe. They uplifted their people.
However the above is a digression. What really made the day for me was the candid realization by the governor, it seemed to me, that governance has now got to get to a higher level from the present pedestrian rigmaroles if the people are to reap the “dividends of democracy”, an expression which today is only noise, signifying nothing whatsoever. Governance has to be lifted from the concept of the “kidnapping” of resources to the concept of “rescue” of resources from the kidnappers to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of the governed. Such good include the provision of good roads, water supply, electricity, healthcare, and a sound education.
One is thrilled though by the efforts the Rivers State government is making in the areas of beneficial infrastructural changes in the state and in the field of education. No nation advances without the proper education of its citizens. Good education ensures enlightenment, and hands-on practical experience. Democracy is advanced as education enables the citizens to be free and articulate, which enhances their ability to make informed choices and decisions, particularly in the area of who governs them. Ignorance leads to backwardness, and the promotion of ignorance encourages autocracy and dictatorship.
One may then be able to draw the conclusion as to why the military governments destroyed our educational system over so many years they were in control of our affairs, helped by their civilian collaborators who helped in the “kidnapping” of our resources, and thereby dealt a death blow to our otherwise organized efforts at training our youths. Today those who helped to produce “illiterate” citizenry are sending their children to foreign countries to get better trained.
Nevertheless and with due respect, in spite of the wonderful work the Rivers State government is doing to transform the state in all aspects, the governor who is directing these wonderful changes is still a politician and all politicians have a few maladies in common. They are afflicted with the diseases of double speak, selfishness and egotism. However it seems to me that the governor is trying, through his simplicity and naturalness to transcend those weaknesses and beating a new track in development, which will write his name in gold, particularly in Education.
It might be necessary to remind the governor that good education is made up of many components: A sound policy, Good infrastructure, Well trained manpower in the field, Willing and enthusiastic children, and Motivation for the teachers. If the newspapers are to be believed it seems to me that the government is seriously addressing most of these components.
In particular the government is promoting literary Arts through the regular organization of conferences and symposia on literary works. This has the potential of encouraging the children to develop interest in the arts and particularly the interest in reading. As everyone knows Reading Culture has collapsed as the younger ones these days DO NOT read and cannot read and understand. The revolution in education will come to naught if the children cannot read the books that the government is providing. One can only say congratulations to the Rivers State government for these efforts.
However to drive the point home, it may be necessary to draw attention to the fact that Rivers State is still regarded as Educationally Disadvantaged State (EDS) in admission to Federal Universities to which the state is attached. This designation should hurt our self pride and would signpost a disservice to the memories of people who held the reins of power in the state and pushed funds into education to train the citizens particularly at the end of the civil war. In relation to our number, only a few of the children from the state get admitted into other universities outside Rivers State due to poor performance. As the government lays the good foundation in education, I am confident that in a few years from now this trend will change.
That should be the target But the question asked earlier is still there and intimidating “Who will take over from the Soyinkas and his tribe of crusaders for a better tomorrow for our future generations?” Those who will be able to look authority in the face and tell them the bitter truth? Nevertheless I see a silver lining in the darkling cloud, heralding a promise of a future that will be led by young men and women who are well educated. The effort of the government in the area of education in Rivers State seems to me to be laying the solid foundation for producing young men and women who will be independent minded and critical; men and women who will be able to dream dreams for their future; young men and women who will know that the future is theirs.
They must be encouraged to take free and independent decisions that will lead them and their country men and women into the future that is full of promise.
As everyone knows, Brazil is on the march, lifting more than 20m people out of desperate poverty and getting more than 20m into the free-spending middle class which is the stimulus for production of goods, and all this under the selfless and pragmatic leadership of President Lula da Silva. Rivers State can start the revolution to transform this nation. The state has the resources at its disposal. What is needed now is a crop of persons who share the vision of the governor, not those who pretend to do so for the purpose of getting their fingers into the honey pot to “kidnap” the honey meant for all and who can be characterized as political jobbers that have only “I am loyal” as their certificate and contribution to the rigorous task of fashioning out policies that will bring the greatest good to the greatest number of the people.
However with a single mindedness of purpose, dedication and absolute trust in the lord the hard working governor will attract to himself men and women of his kind who will support and help him to achieve the objectives he sets for the welfare of the people. In trying to achieve those objectives however, he must not forget what Niccolo Machiavelli said, and I quote:
“And one should bear in mind that there is nothing more difficult to execute, nor more dubious of success, nor more dangerous to administer than to introduce a new order to things; for he who introduces it has all those who profit from the old order as his enemies; and he has only lukewarm allies in all those who might profit from the new. The lukewarmness partly stems from fear of their adversaries who have the law on their side, and partly from the skepticism of men, who do not truly believe in new things unless they have personal experience in them.” By the efforts of his government, new order is being introduced and the government will not look too far afield to notice what Niccolo has said. It is in the light of this that one can appreciate the near absence of applause during his address referred to earlier, an address that would elicit a standing ovation in other climes where governance is first and foremost regarded as a service delivery to the people.
History beckons on this government under Governor Amaechi. Seize the moment, lay a foundation for the future and write the name of this government in gold.
The Yorubas will never forget Awolowo in a hurry.
Nworgu, an associate Professor, wrote from University of Benin
Deric Nworgu
From the fore going, the fight against drug trafficking should be treated as an international challenge with open collaboration, if the world leadership must win the fight!.
The circumstances or should I say the improvement on drug related activities are modifying and updating on daily basis. A close friend of mine in the United States of America who recently visited Jamaica, came with a lot of complicated information about drug trafficking and transaction. Being a qualified Nurse in US and on a visit to the Reggae Country (Jamaica), she said she was put aback when a man approached her and introduced himself as a Pharmacist. According to her, she immediately picked interest due to her professional background. To her, a business partner is birthed. But she was shocked to the narrows on learning that drug dealers or traffickers and subriquited Pharmacist in that Country. From her account, they ( The Jamaican Pharmacists), are the first set to people to meet and greet you at the Airport. No government or authority challenges them in the open due to the sophisticated nature of their transportation
Come to think of it, who would want to attack a Pharmacist on duty? Nigerians are not left out in the improvement on drug deal. A chat with a confident in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) Rivers State Command, so revealed. The Officer draw my attention to the movement of Dispatch Riders. He said part of the reasons they ride with almost speed equivalent of the thunder lightning, is to meet up with the appointment of delivering hard drug consignment to a client of theirs. According to him, those guys popularly referred to as Yahoo Boys are the ones who now payroll dispatch riders so that they can deliver their consignment ( hard drugs) on schedule no matter the sort of traffic or weather condition. The fear of loosing rich clients and that of the unknown treatment that may come of the Boys, as the officer puts it, drives the Riders crazy thus the reason to speed even at the expense of their lives.
The account of a prominent Party Promoter, Wayne Anthony, as obtained online recently, also pointed out that ‘No Legislation Will Stop Clubbers From Doing Drugs’ Party promoter, Wayne Anthony, arrived in Ibiza, a Spanish Island in 1988, at the same time as dance music and the party drug ecstasy. Despite hallucinating badly enough to make him give up the lifestyle forever, he says laws will never stop clubbers taking drugs. “I don’t think you can control these things,” said former party promoter Wayne Anthony. He arrived in Ibiza in 1988 and began setting up club nights and raves in some of the island’s most iconic venues. In the years that followed, the sleepy Spanish island turned into a raver’s haven of clubbing and hedonism, with party drugs like ecstasy commonly found. “What Ibiza represented was this beautiful, hot island which was visually stunning and we knew you could party there quite legally,” said Wayne. “You didn’t have to look over your shoulder. You could just be as free as you possibly could be.”
That freedom came with a price. Along with the lavish clubs, all-day-benders and hot Spanish sun came drug cartels and crime. The city transformed into one the world’s most vibrant party capitals, “fuelled by a dangerous and lucrative drugs trade which drew as many criminals to its shores as it did party animals”. Wayne, one of the contributors to the documentary, spoke to Sky News ahead of its release.”I’m not going to sit here and say the cartels aren’t there. They are all there and they’ve been there from the ’90s,” said Wayne. But he said most people tried to ignore the organised crime going on around them. According to Wayne, clubbers usually took the approach of: “‘Give me 10 E’s . Behind the scenes of the filming of Ibiza Narcos with Wayne Anthony. Behind the scenes of the filming of Ibiza Narcos with Wayne Anthony. Hallucinating giant spiders Although he described the Balearic island as the “motherland”, it was eventually a bad experience with drugs that convinced Wayne it was time to leave Ibiza.
He’d been partying for days when he realised he’d taken too many drugs. A friend told him to drink cough medicine, dangerous advice that he now says could have killed him. “I saw the worst hallucination I’ve ever seen in all of my life. I ended up locking myself in the villa with all the shutters down. When he sobered up, he realised he had “come to the end” of his party life on the island. “I never looked back. I never took another drug. I got away from the club world.” ‘I don’t think you’re going to be able to stop it’ Despite his life-changing experience, he doesn’t think criminalising drugs is a good idea – or particularly effective. “If you’re old enough to vote for who’s going to be a world leader, if you’re old enough to put your name down on debt for 25 years, I feel like you should be old enough to govern what you put inside your own body, you know?” said Wayne.
Back to Nigeria, some illicit drugs worth over N30billion seized at Onne Port in Rivers State.
This blood chilling development forced the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency at the Onne Port, following what authorities described as repeated incidents of importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition through the said port. To this effect, the government said it was immediately implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port for the next three months by conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers in the premises.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, in charge of the port via a press conference, said it henceforth, unveiled the seizures of illicit goods by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. In defence for his action, Adeniyi said the recurring incidents posed a threat to national security, adding that the health of citizens at the Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo, describing it as a disturbing trend.
The customs boss stated, “Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne. “As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern. This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security. As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports, Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to Trade facilitation and economic development. “It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches”.
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port, coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago. It is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts. Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens. Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination. Seizures on Display include: Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a Paid Duty Value (DPV) of N4,716,573,846.
“Others are, three x 40-feet containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of N17,432,506,000 were seized”.
According to the report, more seized items were, “Five (5) x 40-feet containers; Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of N8, 128,568,295,90. This very action of the Nigeria Customs Service, further complicated the hope of how soon the fight against drug trafficking could be brought to a halt owing to its high profile nature.
Another hair-raising report of the illicit drug deal has it that when NDLEA bursted a Snake-Guarded Shrine Used For Storing Illicit Drugs sometime ago in Edo State. This very news report was published in The Tide Newspaper on June 24, 2024. According to the report, NDLEA said its operatives uncovered a shrine, guarded by a snake, being used for storing illicit drugs, during an operation in Edo State. The Agency in a statement by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, added that its operatives discovered a specially constructed large hole in a wall, hidden behind wallpapers and fetish objects used for drug storage. It further noted that methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado and Arizona, all strong strains of cannabis with a total weight of 8.743kg among others, were recovered from the shrine.
To be cont’d
King Onunwor
The persistent clash between farmers and herders in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue. These conflicts, often, over resources like land and water, have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of large numbers of people, deep-seated mistrust between communities and insecurity. Herders, traditionally nomadic, move their livestock in search of grazing land and water. Farmers, on the other hand, require the same resources for their crops. This competition often leads to clashes, especially in areas where land is becoming increasingly scarce due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. As these clashes intensify, there has been a growing call for sustainable solutions. Two weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu took a bold step towards tackling the issue by inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The committee which has the president as the chairman and the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega as the deputy chairman has the mandate to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain as well as propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers, ensuring the security and economic well-being of Nigerians.The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development was part of the recommendations of the National Livestock Reforms Committee. Part of the 21 recommendations submitted to the president include: “This agenda should include the establishment and resuscitation of grazing reserves as suggested by many experts and well-meaning Nigerians and other methods of land utilisation.
“Create the Ministry of Livestock Resources in line with practice in many other West African countries. In the alternative, Federal and State Governments should expand the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production to address the broader needs of the industry,” among others. Experts in the agricultural sector have posited that the livestock industry can create millions of jobs directly in farming, processing, and distribution, and indirectly in related sectors like feed production, veterinary services, and marketing. It provides livelihoods for rural populations, helping to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in rural areas. It also increases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings through the exports of livestock and livestock products such as meat, dairy, wool and leather.
According to them, a well-funded livestock industry supports the growth of agro-processing sectors, such as meat packing, dairy processing, and leather manufacturing, adds value to raw products and creates additional economic activity as well as stimulates the development of supply chains, including logistics, packaging, and retail, contributing to broader economic growth. It enhances economic resilience by diversifying the agricultural sector and providing a buffer against crop failures or other agricultural shocks and many more. Some other agriculturists have also opined that the livestock industry in Nigeria is currently underdeveloped and that by the creation of the ministry of livestock development will open up the industry which will be a huge money spinner for Nigeria.
Reports have shown that a Livestock Ministry can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders by implementing policies and programmes aimed at fostering coexistence and sustainable resource management. The Ministry can work towards clearly demarcating grazing routes and farming areas. This would reduce instances of trespassing and accidental crop destruction, a common flashpoint for conflict. While introducing rotational grazing systems can ensure that land is used sustainably, preventing overgrazing and land degradation, establishing water points and boreholes specifically for livestock can reduce competition for water resources. Similarly, promoting the development of pasturelands through reseeding and controlled burns can improve grazing conditions.
According to a veterinary doctor, Dr Andrew Obadiah, by providing training for herders on sustainable livestock practices and for farmers on conflict resolution, both parties can understand the importance of coexistence. He said that extension services of the ministry can offer advice on improving livestock health and productivity, reducing the need for large herds and extensive grazing. “Setting up local committees involving both farmers and herders to mediate disputes can provide a platform for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Encouraging community-based conflict early warning systems can help prevent clashes before they escalate”, he emphasised.For Mrs. Stella Ugwu, a farmer, having a ministry dedicated to the development of the livestock industry can help in diversifying income sources for both farmers and herders and in turn reduce dependence on land.
”For instance, promoting agro-pastoralism can provide farmers with livestock and herders with agricultural produce”, she explained, adding that providing incentives for adopting sustainable practices, such as subsidies for fodder production or crop insurance, can ease economic pressures. Ugwu was however of the opinion that the creation of a new ministry to handle livestock affairs was uncalled for, since the job can effectively be done by the Technical and Service Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security and its equivalent on the states level.In some countries, the establishment of a Livestock Ministry or similar bodies has shown promising results. For example, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture includes a dedicated department for livestock which has successfully implemented programmes to improve pastoral livelihoods and reduce conflicts.
In Kenya, the establishment of the National Drought Management Authority has helped manage resources better, thus reducing clashes between herders and farmers during dry seasons.The president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Othman Ngelzarma, sees the Ministry of Livestock Development achieving the same feat for Nigeria in the near future. He told newsmen that, “MACBAN expresses its deepest appreciation to the Federal Government for creating a ministry of livestock to unlock the trillion-naira livestock economy and create qualitative and productive jobs across the value chain to improve the Nigerian economy. With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the Middle Belt Forum took a different view of the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development, saying it was not enough to sustainably resolve the decades-long farmers-herders crisis in the country. According to the National President of the association, Mr. Bitrus Pogu, what is needed to end the perennial farmers/herders clashes is a deliberate action by regulatory bodies and the government to stop criminal elements from carrying out deadly attacks on innocent Nigerians, mainly farmers. Hear him: “If the reason for creating the Ministry is to stop clashes, I think it is wrong because all of these attacks and killings that are happening have nothing to do with conflicts between farmers and herders. “Farmers have never connived at any given time to go and attack herders, but rather, criminals who happen to be Fulani gang up and attack farmers, kill, maim and chase them out of their ancestral homes.
“Then, the Fulani will come and occupy them. So, it is more about invasion, criminality, and terrorism. And the majority of those they hire to do these evils are not even those who have cattle. So, a deliberate action has to be taken by the government against the perpetrators, which will address the criminality.” Mr. Pogu suggested that the government should adopt ranching for productivity and enduring peace between the pastoralists and farmers in particular and the entire country in general.While the establishment of a Livestock Ministry presents a viable solution, it is not without challenges. Funding constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption can hamper its effectiveness. Additionally, deeply ingrained cultural practices and mistrust between farmers and herders can be difficult to overcome.
Critics argue that without a holistic approach that includes land reform, climate change adaptation, and broader economic development, a Livestock Ministry alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, it must work in tandem with other governmental and non-governmental bodies to ensure comprehensive solutions. “A dedicated Livestock Ministry, with its focus on sustainable resource management, conflict resolution, and economic incentives, offers a promising avenue to address the root causes of these clashes. However, its success depends on effective implementation, adequate funding, and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved. With the right strategies and commitment, devoid of any political or selfish interest, it can play a crucial role in fostering peace and prosperity in affected regions”, they advised.
Calista Ezeaku