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Amaechi’s Politics Of Inclusion

Published

13 years ago

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The Rivers State gov

ernment under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has no doubt recorded some landmark achievements in certain sectors of the society which has ostentiously earned him high degree of respect among his peers.

Like a leader with a mission and vision, the governor’s education policy has attracted accolade from several quarters within and outside the shores of the country.

The State won the coveted first prize in the implementation of the Universal basic Education (UBE), programme and in the health sub sector, the maternal mortility rate has reduced drastically, thanks to the Policy of siting primary Health Centres closer to the people. Similarly, the security challenge met on assumption of office was tackled frontally with its twin brother, obedience to the rule of law which the administration addressed as a matter of priority and restored sanity back to the state.

During the period, the State suffered marginally as investors closed  shops, workers were sacked and generally insecurity pervaded the entire environment. These success stories could not have been possible without a leader that is focused in realising the need for proper harnessing of human and material resources which is a sine qua non in determining the achievement that could be made.

Unarguably the selection of players sets the stage for what would eventually be the outcome of a team in terms of results because a good team has different traits, skills and capabilities  which when properly galvanized by the leader through deliberate effort to upgrade where necessary will bequeath a people-oriented governance.

Recently, Governor Chibuike Amaechi submitted ten names of Commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and approval to complete the constitution of his new cabinet which he began in piece meal.

The list has names of four former commissioners, Dr. Sampson parker, Barr. Marshall Stanley-Uwom, Charles Gogo Levi and Joe Poroma whose potentials have not been fully utilised and therefore made to return to enable the present administration actualise the vision of giving Rivers people an unparalled leadership.

One of the remaining new nominees include Mr. Chuma Chinye who hails from Delta State but described in several quarters as Delta State born Rivers man having lived a greater part of his live in the state. A lawyer of great repute who functioned as Special Assistant on Ethics and Good Governance to Governor, Chibuike Amaechi between January 2008 to may 2011 and served as Director, Finance and Administration to the Amaechi 2011 Campaign Organisation.

Obviously, the nomination is sequel to critical assessment of performance of Mr. Chuma Chinye as Special Assistant to the governor and the excellent manner in which he discharged assigned responsibilities may have endeared him to his boss.

However, if expressions at the House of Assembly gallery during the screening exercise is anything to go back, it means people were surprise as to what a non indigene could be doing in the hallowed chambers of the Assembly but the answer lies in the assurance of the state executive during his inauguration in May 29, 2011, after the landslide victory in the April polls, (ie.) to lead an all inclusive government.

Opposition Political Parties were invited to join the present government but probably ego and the need to have a strong opposition after the court cases could be responsible for the delay in buying into the system but suffice it to say that there is nothing absolutely wrong with giving non indigenes resident in the state a sense of belonging through their inclusion as Cabinet member.

We are aware of several non indigenes in the state civil service, parastatals and agencies, some have risen to be Permanent Secretaries and Directors.

As a product of the rule of law, Governor Amaechi appreciates section 193 (2) and 14 (4) of the 1999 constitution which provides that any Nigerian who lives in a particular area for upward of ten years and above should merit the same status as natives.

Following the governor’s action, Rivers State has again braced the trail in asserting its position as a cosmopolitan state and headquarters of the South-South Geo-political zone of Nigeria that allows people from all walks of life opportunity to contribute their quota to the overall development of the state.

Having received massive support during the re-election process that cut across religious and political divide as well as ethnic nationalities resident in the state, it is therefore not out of place to justify the contributions of “indigenes from outside the State” towards the economic, political and social growth of the state through their involvement in the governance of the state.

In this respect, therefore, Rivers State has joined the league of states that made appointments to non native residents as Commissioner with the underlying principle of using the best materials available for the greatest interest of Rivers people.

In the case of Lagos State, a non Yoruba descent has been controlling a sensitive Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and the result of having a square peg in a square hole perhaps, accounts for the level of success recorded in Lagos State at present.

Also in Enugu State a Yoruba man was saddled with the responsibility of Managing the Media as Special Adviser to the former Governor of that State Chief Chimaroke Nnamani throughout his tenure while in America the government gives equally opportunity to people of all races provided the intellectual and moral ability to function is deposited on the individual.

The man Chinye as Special Assistant on Ethic and Good Governance for the first time effectively Coordinated quarterly interaction between the Governor and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) etc, through which avenue they contributed to the governance of the state.

It is expected that the University of Benin trained lawyer, Mr. Chukwuma Constantine Chinye, would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the new assignment to justify the confidence reposed on him for his inclusion into the State Executive Council and probably pace way for other non indigenes resident in the state to serve.

Infact, the irony of life is that the very enlightened citizens may be the ones to ponder about who comes from where but the common man on the street is not interested in who occupies what position because the paramount issue to them is service delivery that would improve the standard of living.

The Commissioner nominee, a son of the Niger Delta parades an intimating public service credentials and experience as the former Rivers State Coordinator of SERVICOM, former Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, legal Adviser, Board member Federal Inland Revenue Service and the author of best selling socio-political Satire “The Nigerian Factor” among others.

It is on record that even some of our so called indigenous Commissioners well known to us had left a sour taste in the .mouth of  Rivers people as a result of their abysmal performance in public office.

Therefore, it behoves a leader to guide and guard his loins as the duty of piloting the affairs of the state must be satisfactorily done with competent hands to achieve set targets.

We strongly hope that having functioned efficiently behind the scene as Special Assistant to Governor Amaechi which earned him the elevation Mr. Chinye would be propelled by the opportunity to redouble his effort and bring his wealth of experience to roast on the new assignment.

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Fubara Tasks Rivers Stakeholders On Political, Economic Emancipation …Commissions NAVAL Training Command Headquarters At Ebubu

Published

6 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the task of emancipating Rivers State and taking it to its desired height of development among the comity of Nigerian states depends on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the state.
Governor Fubara said this at Ubima, on Saturday, when he attended the burial ceremony of late Madam Cecelia Omehia, mother of Sir Celestine Omehia.
Addressing the leaders of the state who attended the burial ceremony in their numbers, the governor urged them to demonstrate their love for the state by living up to their patriotic responsibilities and make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the state and cautioned against politics of bitterness and animosity, stating that he will not govern the state as an underdog, nor compromise  the interest of Rivers people, no matter the challenges facing his administration.
“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth.
”I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the Omehia family over the transition of their beloved matriarch and urged  them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.
Sir Celestine Omehia, the chief mourner, in his response  thanked  the Rivers State governor  and his entourage for honoring the memory of his beloved mother, whom he described as a role model, teacher and great disciplinarian.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Fubara visited the scene of the Friday night inferno occasioned by a tanker explosion that occurred at the Indorama axis of East West Road, causing untold disaster with over 60 vehicles razed and about four lives lost.
Governor Fubara who was accompanied by the  Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Uchechukwu Nwafor, during the visit, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and condoled with the families of the victims, assuring that the state government will provide needed assistance to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of what happened yesterday night.
“I was told that it was caused by a tanker that was conveying premium motor spirit. In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
Governor Fubara, on Friday, commissioned the new Naval Training Command Headquarters at Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said he was delighted with the transformation recorded in the abandoned facility after it was ceded by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy on request in 2023.
He pointed out that the relocation of the Naval Training Command headquarters to Rivers State underscores the proficiency of the Nigerian Navy in managing the maritime sector, especially in safeguarding the waterways and  fighting against economic sabotage such as crude oil theft and its associated menace.
Governor Fubara commended the Navy for investing in the training of its personnel to evolve a highly skilled workforce to secure the Nigerian waterways, stating that the new development is a manifestation of President Bola Tinibu’s commitment to building a strong security architecture for Nigeria.
The Governor who assured the support of his administration to the Navy and other security outfits, announced a donation of N350m to the Navy, and urged synergy between the Navy and the host communities in terms of development support and security of lives and property.
“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.
“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor added.
In his remark,  the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the continuous support and partnership of the Rivers State Government with the Navy.
Taneh Beemene
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Constitution Amendment: Senator Barau Urges Stakeholders’ Collaboration

Published

6 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the ongoing constitution amendment process to a successful conclusion.
Senator Barau stated this on Saturday at the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, in Abuja.
He commended the synergy between the constitution review secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, saying this will create harmony in the workings of both committees.
Senator Barau assured that the National Assembly will carry out the review of the constitution by a thorough aggregation of the yearnings of Nigerians from all walks of life through public hearings and collection of memoranda from various interests throughout the country, as well as embarking on a progressive engagement with state governments and legislatures and the federal government to achieve consensus on all issues.
“We must work together. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and this is the right time to fashion out a constitution that will go in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“The world is dynamic and this compels all serious countries to go with modernity and fashion their laws in accordance with contemporary happenings within their peculiarities.
“We have started on a progressive note of collaboration and let us add momentum to this very important collaboration within our ranks in order to achieve a result that will help in driving the process of making prospective peace, justice and fair play in the way we run our affairs as a nation,” he said.
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Makinde Hails Electorate, OYSIEC Over LG Poll Conduct 

Published

6 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has applauded the residents of the state for turning out to vote in the ongoing local government election across the state.
The governor also rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of Oyo State.
Addressing journalists after exercising his civic responsibility, Gov Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The governor, who noted that security report about the election had been excellent, also charged those who observed any untoward development to report same to the security agencies.
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