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Wike’s 100 Days Exams …Tackling Arm-Chair Critics
Criticism in is objective form, is a necessary fire and potent weapon that enhances positive change and puts governments and elected representatives of the people on their toes. It is indeed rooted in one of the key determinants of true democracy, which in its simplest meaning, is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.
A democratic bond simply means that citizenry choose willingly to donate part of their natural rights and powers to an elected representative or government to decide certain issues on their behalf. That means, public servants must, at all times, consider the needs, hopes and fears of the citizenry, because the surrender of power is not total or permanent, but temporary.
It is also to ensure that those in power do only those things that positively affect the well-being of the citizenry and indeed put such needs first that the Nigerian constitution empowers the press to, at all times, endeavour to hold public officials to account. That too, is mainly to remind such public servants that the power they enjoy is temporary and can be withdrawn as easily as it was earned.
Surely, the most effective tool for ensuring such constant reminder, is objective criticism which not merely criticises for criticism sake but indeed also offers alternatives to the policy or programme or solution to problems being criticised. Criticism that sees nothing ever good in the criticized, is indeed a vain one and very often actuated by malice. It is more destructive than the corruption of an elected representative.
For instance, in the months leading to the last general elections, such was the nature of criticism Nigerians found in the political class. Virtually every issue was politicized, no matter how important it was to national security and the peoples’ well-being. In fact, the opposition saw nothing good in everything government did or service rendered, without necessarily offering any viable alternative.
With the elections contested and won one would have expected that winners and losers would have by now, struck a common chord in the interest of the nation and indeed states. Politicians, one would have thought, would let go the results of the polls and prepare early for the next round of elections, by offering objective criticism that would offer better options to general challenges, and for the good of the people.
Instead, what has been generally observed is an avalanche of vain criticisms that are so worthless, they end-up endearing the criticized, to the people. That indeed has been the scenario around the 100 days programme of the Nyesom Wike-led Rivers administration.
In one such criticism, the spokes person of the All Progressive Congress (APC) quoting the party chairman, Ibiamu-Ikanya berated the state’s executive governor, who they often called “Caretaker Governor,” of taking credit for works virtually completed by the immediate past governor of the state, Gov. Chibuike Amaechi.
According to them, all the road projects and other accomplishments Gov. Wike has been moving around commissioning were works initiated by the Amaechi government. Another critic even said roads like the Abonnema/Obonoma Road, Iloabuchi/Eagle Island, Woji/Abuloma road and the Law Faculty building of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt among others, were all Amaechi projects and already 85 percent complete. That Wike merely completed the remaining 15 per cent to enjoy cheap popularity.
What manner of talk is that? If a government embarks on a project up to 85 percent completion, why should such be abandoned? At what point did the project lose its priority status in the estimation of the government in question?
Let’s talk of the Iloabuchi-Eagle Island project. By 85 percent complete, do the critics mean that the road had been virtually completed and merely required finishing touches? That the road was already in use by residents?
Another is the Law Faculty building. If indeed such a project was 85 percent complete as the critics want Rivers people to believe, why was it not delivered, commissioned and put to use by the Amaechi government?
In countless public events Gov Rotimi Amaechi himself repeatedly assured Rivers people, even vowed that his government would complete all projects initiated by it.
That it would not abandon any project of any kind for any government to inherit. All such projects were commissioned by the then APC Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
If amaechi is to be believed, it means that those other projects that Gov Wike has done, within the first 100 days were Wike’s own works, since Amaechi completed and commissioned all his works at various times as he had vowed or did he lie to the people? Hope not.
What of the 50 housing units at Iriebe? Were they also initiated by Amaechi? No. The project was started and completed within two months. That too is verifiable.
Now, let’s talk about Port Harcourt roads, which before Nyesom Wike’s inaugurals were indeed glorified death traps. The area linking Ikwerre/Abonnena Wharf roads was a disgrace. The frontage of the Silverbird galleria in Port Harcourt an eyesore. The Creek road in the old Port Harcourt city area was a death trap. So also was the Woji/Eleme road.
What would it have cost the fromer government to ensure regular road maintenance so that such roads did not end up becoming a curse to road users? If they too were initiated by the Amaechi government, why were they in the condition, Wike met them?
Without a doubt, these redemption works, have truly endeared Wike and the new government to Rivers people because they were works that positively touch them. They are indeed projects the people can see and feel. Take for example, the Abonnema/Obonoma Road complete with bridge or the precincts of the Boro Park fly-over or better still, the frontage of the Silver-Bird galleria.
What of Creek Road? Or Harold Wilson Drive in the new layout area of Port Harcourt, the only link road to parts of Borikiri and New road? The people know the difference and do not require such criticisms to make the people hate Nyesom Wike. Instead, the new governor’s popularity is growing daily.
For instance, on knowing that Gov Wike as at the precincts of the Boro Park flyover last Friday evening to inspect on-going reconstruction works there, motorists, workers and traders abandoned their businesses to catch a glimpse of the man who has truly touched their lives. Chanting ‘our governor,’ ‘Redeemer,’ ‘peoples’ governor.” The huge crowd accompanied the governor to his convoy before it drove away.
The same was true of residents of Eagle Island, Creek road and indeed Harold Wilson drive in the city, along with many others elsewhere in the state. What is good is good and bad, bad.
A question for the critics. Were the three months salary arrears paid civil servants and retirees, upon Wike’s assumption of office also funds left behind by Amaechi? Were those too also 85 percent paid before Wike paid the 15 percent difference?
What Wike has done was to verify and pursue issues of urgent public concern. The payment of arrears of workers’ salaries and retirees’ benefits, opening of the courts for anxious litigants and servants of the courts, address the issue of poor road network in spite of the rains, and give the state assembly its pride of place and independence.
Under Wike, all three arms of government, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary are functioning. All of these institutions have workers with families and who depend on their duties to survive. Some lawyers were so deprived in those dark days; they were forced to search for better deals in other states, on account of the closure of the courts. Some even died of heart failure.
Simple as these issues may appear to a vain critic, addressing them in a positive and proactive manner has indeed added to the popularity of the new governor in the eyes of the people. Wike is today adored, respected and indeed loved by beneficiaries of his redemption programs, so much so that no amount of vain criticism can change that.
This takes us to the Commission of Inquiry investigating activities of the past government. The same critics have repeatedly dismissed the probe duly endorsed by a court of competent jurisdiction, as one for shadow-chase and witch-hunt, without necessarily countering the accusations that are in the public domain.
Issues such as sale of state-owned electricity power plants and Olympia hotels and disappearance of documents covering the then Assembly’s approval of a N35 billion loan, same day, among others are indeed very serious accusations and require clear defence by the Amaechi government.
In a similar fact-finding exercise during Amaechi’s tenure, some of Gov Amaechi’s perceived enemies notably, Dr. Peter Odili and Dr. Abiye Sekibo appeared before the panel and indeed defended themselves. Gov. Amaechi should do same and not use the non-discharge of an earlier court ruling barring anti-graft agencies from all forms of investigation of activities of the state government, as an excuse to allow his reputation to suffer such irreparable damage.
My Agony is, if it is very easy to complete projects already 85 per cent gone, within 100 days, why didn’t the critics advice Gov Amaechi to use his last 100 days to deliver such works, so he does not share the glory with any body? Or are they oblivious of the fact that in a relay race, it is the finisher that brings victory to the quartet and not the starter?
The end justifies the means.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Gov. Nyesom Wike
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.