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Wike’s Zero Tolerance For Administrative Flops
Beyond his serial admonitions to government officials to step up their game with respect to fostering good governance, the Executive Governor of the Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike has demonstrated with action, his commitment to zero tolerance for administrative flops in governance. A key feature of his agenda in that respect is his promptness to respond to public service challenges as and when due. Throughout his first tenure, this trait was clearly manifest in virtually all his engagements, be such in policy articulation, programme implementation as well as project execution. The unmistakable dividends of such a disposition are there for all to see in the quality of service delivery recorded in the harvest of projects and programmes to his credit. Against the determined enterprise of an opposition lobby that was intent to run his administration out of town, Wike prevailed in writing his name in gold as a focused leader that was made of sterner stuff.
In a development that is progressively defining his first term as a learning season, the second term has commenced with tell-tale signs that he intends to run it on a high gear and transform the culture of public service delivery in the Rivers State. This disposition has dawned on some state officials in an uncommon manner, complete with the attendant reverberations. Among the topical instances was the ultimatum given to government operatives were the Andoni Local Government officials and chiefs in June to ensure the release of three kidnapped expatriates working on a development project in the area or face appropriate sanctions. By the same token, he warned other communities in the state that similar response from the government would follow in any instance of administrative incongruences, that put the state in bad light.
Closely following the Andoni case was that of Ogbakiri where a long standing land dispute between the Rumuoro and Okporowo communities was seeding to start another round of inter-communal hostilities between them. Even in this case, Wike read the riot act and left no one in doubt over his disposition towards any flashpoint of crisis across the state. Needless to state that his deft approach to resolution of such avoidable crises in these two cases has rubbed off on many communities that faced similarly incipient tendencies.
However, Wike’s deft and prompt response to public service contingencies manifested in the mainstream public bureaucracy with the recent removal from office of a serving Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Ministry of Transport, Samuel Eguma, as well as both the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Professor Blessing Didia and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Magnus Oruwari, over developments that put the Rivers State in bad light. The circumstances of the recently disengaged officers draw strong connection with the theme of the ongoing campaign to reposition the state as launched by the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, with the hashtag “#OurStateOurResponsibiity”, ably driven by the Permanent Secretary, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim.
In its essence, Wike’s actions so far point to his inclination to redirect government business along the state to the proper setting of responsible service delivery. Public service delivery should rightly be seen by responsible officials and operatives in line with the prompt discharge of stated actions and relevant procedures that would promote public good. Hence, whichever government official in Rivers State that does not share this perspective, is technically misreading the governor’s agenda, and has himself or herself to blame in the circumstance of any adverse consequence of such indiscretion.
With due respect to the public officers at various levels across the Rivers State and even the entire country, every position in the country’s public office has extant rules covering the discharge of the associated duties. Failure in service delivery occurs when officers abdicate their legitimate responsibilities and allow public business to suffer. This is the message of Wike’s agenda for his administration as demonstrated during his first tenure and is in continuum with the second term.
It has been severally advocated that much of the seemingly intractable challenges – particularly that of insecurity facing the country today, are simply latter-day manifestations of issues that were left untreated in the past, and have mutated into more odious forms with time. Had decisive action been carried out as and when due in the past, some of these present day challenges would not be around.
In the same vein, present day pubic officers need to appreciate the need for discretion in their service delivery actions, as such will affect society tomorrow. Ensuring rectitude in the conduct of public business today remains the central message of Wike’s agenda for governance. And he could not have been more justified.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.