Beyond The CPA Confab

More than 600 delegates from Commonwealth member-nations in the African continent, last month, brainstormed in a gruelling 13-day conference which was significant in more than one respect.
Under the aegis of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the conference deliberated on issues of both continentally mutual and economically global concerns, compared notes on legislative principles and practices and above all explored the many investment potentials of the host state, Rivers, in Nigeria.
Being the first of its kind, this part of the continent, the event no doubt, afforded the delegates first-hand knowledge of the peculiar deltaic terrain and the challenges faced both by government and the people, in daily addressing their fluctuating fortunes.
But more importantly, it afforded the host-state, ample opportunity to open up its frontiers for continental assessment, against the backdrop of negative media reports on the security situation. That no single incident of security breach was recorded all through the days of the conference, no doubt, attests to the state government’s commitment to not merely ensuring security of lives and property under its watch but also to providing a conducive environment pivotal to attracting trans-national investments and boost tourism.
The Tide commends the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his State Executive Council, The State Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry, traditional rulers, conference planners and indeed all other stakeholders for a memorable hosting.
Even more commendable is the honour of having elected a Rivers son, and Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Harry as the First President of the African Regional Conference of the CPA, an achievement which would have been unthinkable were the security situation as volatile as a section of the press has painted it.
Little wonder, a member of the Botswana Parliament, Hon. Shiela Ttow could not hold back her excitement when, shortly after a colourful cultural performance at the Government House, Port Harcourt, she relived her childhood days, when as member of her country’s cultural contingent to the FESTAC 77, she first visited Nigeria. The parliamentarian commended the Rivers State government for being such a great host and expressed the shock that a place of such great hospitality, cultural pride, peace and lasting friendship could be painted in dull colours of perceived insecurity.
Ttow’s views stick with that of American basketballers, who, on a recent visit to the Garden City expressed shock over uncomplimentary media reports on the security challenges in the city, which in their assessment did not reflect the true situation.
The Americans, Cecil Sievers, Nathaniel Achibald and Mitch Duren had accompanied the President, Royal Hoopers Basket Club, Port Harcourt on a courtesy call on the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Amaechi, where, they voiced their conclusions.
Perhaps, those who knew of the security situation in the state before the inauguration of Gov. Amaechi still find it impossible to expect any marked difference within so short a time, a reason which might have contributed to the negative speculations by a section of the media, without finding time to see things for themselves.
The CPA Conference, no doubt, offers many, far out of the country’s shores the opportunity to have a clearer picture of the situation and should help form a better public opinion on the numerous investment and tourism potentials of the state and indeed the Nigeria Delta.
Even so, The Tide sues that the main import of the conference agenda which centres mainly on legislating responsibly in an era of awesome economic challenges, must not be lost on the conferees.
Instructively, wife of the state governor, Dame Judith Amaechi made the exact point in a statement in Port Harcourt, when, she urged the CPA to help advance women interests among other pressing global needs, in pursuit of their constitutionally provided parliamentary duties.
Happily, President of the CPA, Rt. Hon. Harry, upon inauguration assured that the African Parliamentary caucus was better equipped and even more challenged to addressing issues affecting their fundamental responsibilities to their peoples. That is what it should be.