Amaechi’s Giant Strides In Rivers

To say the least, Rivers State is at it again! This time on the right direction towards the realisation and fulfillment of the dreams of indigenes and residents of Port Harcourt. The incredible and unfolding beauty in the metropolis bears testimony to the insightful leadership qualities and the performance streak of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, the State Governor and his team. This is not surprising, knowing how ebullient, diligent and resourceful the amiable governor is.

Let me preface this article and my candid observations with the fact that I am pretty new in Port Harcourt. Be that as it may, true riches they say do not hide. Just as the proverbial true riches which is often likened to a goldfish hardly hide its stature or presence, the current huge construction site and beautification of the entire state and Port Harcourt in particular leaves much to be desired. Apart from good road network projects, Amaechi has equally added more feathers to his enviable nest with the construction of 105 health centres, together with the on-going Dubai-like Garden City Galleria, which is a close shot at (Donald Duke’s Tinapa experience) in Cross River State. What is strikingly interesting in Governor Amaechi’s overwhelming giant strides is the fact that he is actually playing the role of a timely interventionist who inherited Rivers State without any tangible critical infrastructures on ground. Infact from credible sources, “Governor Amaechi is a leader with an unbelievable magic wand to have brought Rivers State to this admirable level with backlogs of infrastructural problems”.

I seriously believe in this candid and honest opinion without picking a hole. Like I said earlier I am still new in Port Harcourt and can hardly mention most of the roads and schools that are currently being reconstructed and rehabilitated. Though there are still a lot to be achieved, I dare to say that even when Rivers State is not yet where she desired to be, she is certainly not where she used to be before Amaechi took over the mantle of leadership. The historic commissioning of the following projects: The 750 meter quay/berth 4,5&6 at FOT, the 376 meter quay/berth at FLT4 4.5 kilometer road linking the FLT to the FOT and the comprehensive network projects, a major project at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT). Others are the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) Onne, credence to the fact that Governor Amaechi’s human-faced administration in collaboration with that of President Goodluck Jonathan administration means well to Rivers State indigenes and Port Harcourt residents in particular.

In all of these my observations are correctly objective. Governor Amaechi’s giant strides are simply a definition of avid, passionate and enthusiastic commitment to excellence and good governance.

The obvious impact of the focused and committed leadership has written a new song both in the hearts and on the lips of indigenes and Port Harcourt residents. Such loud songs continued during my recent trip to Obior/Akpor local government secretariat at Rumuodomaya, greeted with a conspicuous bill board that has the following inscriptions: “The roads, the schools and primary health care centres are living testimonies; we say thank you for giving us the chance to complement your efforts. YES WE BELIEVE”. As the age-long maxim goes, you cannot doubt what you see. The above powerful, startling statement at the Obior/Akpor local government premises corroborates a tangible testimony of exemplary leadership in action.

Equally, it is an evidence of proof; that Governor Amaechi’s feat and exploits had face-lifted the whole of Rivers State. This no doubt, is worthy of sincere commendation and appreciation. The manifestation of this buoyant display of true statesmanship reflects in the transformation of the entire state and will as a matter of posterity add immeasurably to the already shinning credentials of the governor as a visionary leader.

It is also a fresh stint and period in history (I stand to be corrected) that on assumption of office, the former acting President, now, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s first major  official visit was to Rivers State, a powerful string only a worthy, smart governor can pull. This August visit in May without any iota of doubt, aptly and uniquely showcases or captures the solid and strong bond of intimacy that currently exists between the federal government and Rivers State.

To add to the already enriched and quite impressive records of Governor  Amaechi is the fact that he is among the few state governors who have tenaciously pursued the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of achieving universal basic or primary education with the clean and green school revolution which has remarkably reduced the hitherto exodus of students to private schools, where before now was regarded as a heaven for more conducive learning environment. The obnoxious divide or bridge between the children of the haves and their have-nots counterparts have fizzled out, thereby bringing education right from the cradle or kindergarten stage to a cherishable symmetry and acceptable equilibrium.

This is an applaudable enterprise worthy of all forms of   commendation. Governor Amaechi’s tireless, determined and assiduous resolve in the road dualisation projects is also a welcome development and a right step in the right direction. There is now a free flow of vehicular movements, though sometimes slow-paced especially in some affected parts. Governor Amaechi’s remarkable achievements have also successfully erased the obnoxious old order and have put Rivers State on a resplendent pedestal in the history of state development in Nigeria. His dream of making Port Harcourt a worthy garden city is second to none and should be guarded jealously. Those anti-Amaechi group are nothing but the biblical Samballats and Tobias who opposed Nehemiah but in vain because Nehemiah arose and successfully built up the ran shackled walls of Jerusalem. Just like the biblical expose, Governor Amaechi “should be given a chance not to prove, but to exhaust his mettle”.

Ojogwu resides in Port Harcourt.

Felix Ojogwu