Features
Amaechi’s Developmental Strides In Rivers
I am a true Rivers State man and proudly so. I believe that Rivers State money should be judiciously used for the benefit of all who reside and do business in Rivers State. As Speaker, adequate provision was made for the development of the state. It is my intention, God willing, that during my tenure as governor, sustainable foundation will be laid for the development of this state and the improvement and welfare of the citizens. This is my solemn pledge to my people”, Governor Amaechi on speaking on his mission as Rivers governor.
For those who do not know or know little about the governor of Rivers State, this piece may be interesting to them. Governance in Rivers State should not only be of great concern to the government at the federal level, it should be the interest of conscious citizens owing to the fact that it is the centre of oil and gas activities which hold the economy of Nigeria today.
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is that name which has got a memorable stand in the history of Rivers State. It is becoming a name which history will have to contend to compare, not only in Rivers State and the South-South geo-political zone, but in Nigeria as a whole. This is not an avenue to match the performances of governors. But little should be explored to clarify facts.
I was one of those field workers in journalism who were in Rivers State between 2003 and early 2009. Those who dwelled in the state during these years would need little or no effort to comprehend the events that characterised life itself in the first place, then business activities whether of government, individual or corporate. These years were one of the harrowing periods in the history of the state. The period was the peak of temptation when Rivers people and residents looked at one another in fear and despondency just as captured in “The Casualties” by John Pepper Clark, and wondered when peace and development would return to the state.
However, Amaechi’s successful journey to Government House, Port Harcourt remains a wonder in Nigerian politics. It should be an episode every faithful politician must recall. Amaechi was so loyal to his then master (Odili) to the extent that he preferred to disobey the supreme order of the then lord of Nigeria (Obasanjo). He was quite aware of the roles Odili played in his life. It is true that Amaechi’s history in politics cannot be complete without reference to Odili. That he knew this fact very well, he dared Obasanjo with the highest level of wisdom to save Odili from presidential hammer and humiliation.
Amaechi suffered because he saved Odili’s position. K-leg in the Nigerian politics can only be associated with Amaechi’s political life when Obasanjo concluded to deal with him and deny him his God-ordained position as the then governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Obasanjo gathered the powers that could be on earth in Nigeria and staged a war against divine will. Odili was Obasanjo’s boy and preferred to forsake his then only begotten son because of transient power. Remember, Amaechi was ready to sacrifice his precious blood for Odili.
Do you know what it means to say no to a sitting president in Nigeria? It is like digging one’s grave alive. Obasanjo fought and lost, though he still persists. Odili, in fear of Obasanjo’s sledgehammer, fought and lost. Omehia fought and lost. Soberekon and other candidates of diverse political parties have fought and failed. What is the singular lesson in all these? It is clear that, as it has always been, one with God is majority. If God says yes, no one can challenge God’s decision.
In December 2006, after the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party which saw Amaechi triumphant in the state, some acclaimed powerful people gathered and perfected their ploy to deny him. Although, it was widely reported that Odili backed Amaechi at the primaries, the Abuja force eventually overpowered him and thereafter, he yielded to throw his weight behind one of his then kitchen cabinet members, Sir Celestine Omehia who was crowned the PDP flag-bearer far in Abuja, against the desire of Rivers people.
The state continued to witness civil disturbances until the 25th and 26th of October, 2007 which will ever remain green in the history of Rivers State. The Supreme Court returned Amaechi’s stolen or denied mandate. It was at the time the man who was nationally and globally recognized as the Rule of Law was presiding over the affairs of Nigeria. It was at the time former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of blessed memory lived. Rivers people rejoiced and things began to change positively.
After his mandate was divinely returned to him, Amaechi revealed that throughout his struggle to reclaim his mandate for Rivers State, no single casualty from political violence was recorded. He promised that his administration will initiate a process of genuine reconciliation with all aggrieved parties and interest groups. This has been corroborated by many prominent citizens of the state and the nation.
To achieve this goal, he formed his cabinet basing the appointment of commissioners, members of advisory councils and special advisers on merit. He took special interest in bringing the opposition parties on board. Here, he brought the leader of the then greatest opposition group, Prince Tonye Princewill of the Action Congress who has contributed immensely in the struggle to revive the state economically, socially and culturally. The calibre of people like Hon. Magnus Abbey, Alhaji Sani Okiri and Ogbonna Nwuke in Amaechi’s government is a blessing to Rivers State.
Unlike in the past where the state assembly had it very hard to operate independently, Amaechi has allowed the honourable members of the state’s hallowed chamber to do their job. The state judiciary has never enjoyed their job better than now. Budgets are implemented, bills to better the state are duly and timely signed into law, the cleansing of the state has, as regards war on militancy, kidnapping, corruption, indiscipline, environmental de-sanitation has reached enviable level. Public Procurement Bill, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Agency Bill, Sustainable Development Amendment Bill and Rivers State Reserved Funds Bill are few to reckon with.
Due process is strictly followed in government businesses. Attention is seriously being given to the building or rebuilding of markets, Independent Power Project (IPP), roads, and the Port Harcourt metropolis which is reclaiming its nearly lost glory as the home of hospitality and gardens, are on top gear. Relationships with the civil servants, the legislative and judiciary arms of government, civil societies, journalists, traders and even village dwellers is quite cordial. Amaechi is the man in the eye of his people.
The successes of great men are more trumpeted by their contemporaries. A four-time Minister of the Federal Republic, Chief Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas cannot hide his feelings with the tremendous developments in Rivers State of today. Hear him describe Governor Amaechi, “Rotimi Amaechi’s administration is the greatest thing that has happened to Rivers State since 1999. He is humble; he is intelligent; he is a Port Harcourt boy that grew up in the Diobu and Borokiri areas; so he knows and understands perfectly well the yearnings of the Rivers state people.”
He continues, “There is no dichotomous divide amongst the people. He is bent on developing the state; you can see that the roads are on; the waterworks are on; and everything is being done to resolve the epileptic electricity situation. There is rule of law; there is now prudence where there used to be financial recklessness, and confidence among the Rivers people has been restored. He has demonstrated unprecedented honesty and uprightness; I believe that his fear of God is giving him wisdom with which he is doing his works”
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River state once confirmed that the new face of democracy in Nigeria is Amaechi, owing to his provision of good governance in Rivers State. Said he, “I see change and hope in Rivers State; I see Rivers state providing basic amenities to the people; I see Rivers state overcoming the environmental challenges, and I see Governor Amaechi making a name for himself.”
As for the revered elder statesman, Prof Tam David-West, Amaechi has made history and has institutionalised accountability, transparency and discipline in the life of Rivers people.
Journalists are not left out of the trains of admirers who hold Amaechi and his leadership style very high. In his assessment of the new dawn of development, a veteran journalist and media consultant to Prince Tonye Princewill, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze boasted, “If the essence of governance is to provide basic amenities for the people of the state and to alleviate the poverty level of the citizenry, then this selfless, humble and visionary revolutionist called Amaechi has definitely been sent by God to take the Rivers state to the next level of development. What Amaechi has achieved is great”.
With all these achievements and assertions, there can be no hiding the truth that one good turn deserves another. Rivers people must insist that Amaechi continues for another tenure to ensure that more giant developmental strides come to the state. 2011 to 2015 would be another blessed period for Rivers state under Amaechi, for those who can see, hear and reflect.
Ajah is an Abuja-based writer on good governance.
Muhammad Ajah
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