Issues

What We Keep Is What We Give

Published

9 years ago

January 9, 2015

On Wednesday, May
22, 2013, I checked in for a Port Harcourt-Abuja flight and waited for four grueling hours before boarding was announced. As I was about to step on the staircase of the aircraft, my peripheral vision caught the unmistakable, towering frame of a man my generation of old Rivers State (Rivers and Bayelsa) owe so much for whatever we have today; a man whose record as governor of Rivers State in terms of infrastructural development, detribalized governance, human capacity building, with special reference to education etc, is yet to be threatened after almost four decades of leaving office. With my forehead almost abrading the tarmac, I said, “Your Eminence” and the distinctive baritone voice of His Eminence, King Alfred Papapriye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, boomed “Jason, how are you?” I felt exceedingly proud that he knows me personally as I stepped aside immediately; he stepped on the first rung of the staircase of the aircraft and I followed.
Ascending the staircase, I maintained the close distance of a step behind His Eminence and, in the bowel of the metal bird, what I saw humbled but did not surprise me. I saw a stenciled and glowing ear-to-ear smile on the faces of many of the passengers and a glimmering sparkle in their eyes. I knew that those passengers recognized Diete-Spiff and remembered his works as Governor of Rivers State. It is not unlikely that they were beneficiaries of his good governance. I surmised this from the specks and patches of grey hair on their heads and the faint lines on their faces, which are tell-tails of years on earth; tell-tails that placed them within the brackets of my generation. Spiff took his seat in the business class and, naturally, I proceeded to where I belong as a classroom teacher.
Seatbelt fastened and in a soliloquy, I asked: what value or price can be placed on those smiles and twinkles of the passengers? Venturing an answer, I said in silence that they were unquantifiable in monetary terms; in other words, no amount of money can purchase those kinetic expressions that welled from the bottom of the hearts of those people in the airplane. Spiritually speaking, those smiles and twinkles generate positive vibrations that reverberate beyond the energy fields of planet earth, across the universe and blend into the peculiar environment of the abode of the Divine part of which the earth is only an infinitesimal component; they are vibrations that are spiritually more efficacious than the boisterous prayers in modern day Christian worship. In my opinion, being responsible for generating such positive vibrations in individuals is what seeking and finding the face of the Divine is all about. It is not found in the temple, synagogue, church, mosque or “chursque” if you care; rather, it dwells in the temple of God, which is the hearts of every individual in creation irrespective of color, creed, location and station; Christ told us so. It is found in our thoughts, utterances, actions and inactions with special reference to our attitudinal disposition in our relationship with our fellow human beings, including our performance in positions of trust.
In the immediate post civil war years, hundreds of Rivers people of my generation and more had access to university education across the world, based on the liberal educational policy of Governor Diete-Spiff, who was, incredibly, in his twenties. At the time, there were only five universities in Nigeria with one in the totality of what we now know as southeast and south-south zones, which means none was in old Rivers State, so admission for those of us from the minorities was Herculean. Based on Diete-Spiff’s education policy, all you required as an indigene of the State, were the basic qualification and admission into a university anywhere on earth and “wham” you were on your way there. Personally, I had the good fortune of making the transition from rock’n’roll musicianship to broadcasting and disc jockeying in Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Port Harcourt. One day in between 1972 and 1973, a colleague, Stella Amachree, and I left the NBC studios on William Jumbo Street in the hands of a rookie called Chima Okor and headed for the Catering Rest House on Harley Street. On our way back through what is now known as Cookey-Gam Drive, we caught sight of the unmistakable and imposing frame of Governor Diete-Spiff, strolling towards us with some Naval personnel following at a close distance. No one else, but Stella and I were on the street; so, we stood still as a mark of respect.
With his superior height and ramrod frame, the governor seemed oblivious of our presence as he continued in our direction. Stella led in the greeting and Diete-Spiff responded with that peculiar jazzy voice, stopped and asked for our names. (I learned quite early in life that when you are with a ravishing beauty in the presence of a “big man,” you watch your tongue) so again, Stella led the way in giving out our names. With a poker smile, the governor commended Ship Ahoy and Shaft Corner, which were two of our radio shows; then he said, “We should build a Rivers State Radio” and walked on. Wow! Good God!! Goodness gracious!!! Stella and I were in total shock at the fact that not only was he familiar with our names, but he also appreciated our programs.
At the radio station, it sounded like a fairytale when we narrated the experience to our colleagues. The prospect of a Rivers State radio? Wow!!! From Cornelia Omoniabipi and Peter Brown, who, along with Stella and I, were the microphone crew of Shaft Corner, through Bob Bikefe, Mike Oku, Bernard Graham-Douglas, Ifiemi Ombu, Pat Ketebu, Lolo Berepiki, Emmanuel Dokubo, Sunny Meshach-Hart, Steve Bubagha, Monima Briggs, Matthew Mieyeseigha, Boma Erekosima, Tony Alabraba, Chima Okor to Seniboye Itiye, our very affable producer and boss, everyone was elated-we were practically walking on cloud nine.
Behold, that casual statement by Governor Diete-Spiff turned into a public policy; so, it came to pass that I traveled to the United States where Bernard, Ifiemi, Emmanuel and Tony joined me in studying Broadcasting; Stella studied law at Oxford University, Peter went for metallurgy at University of Manchester, Mike and Pat went to Scotland and studied Broadcasting and Accountancy, respectively. In other words, most of us flew overseas on the wings of the dreams and developmental drive of Diete-Spiff; that exodus created entry space for Siene Allwell-Brown, Maudlin Park and other Rivers people in the “talk industry.” Today, I have the special privilege of holding the oldest BSc (Broadcasting) in old Rivers State-a tiny little place in history. That scenario at NBC was replicated at various subsections of the Rivers State community during that epoch-one man’s selfless dream lifted a generation of his people; the developmental multiplier effect of that achievement is a topic for another day.
My take on the essence of man’s quest for the face of the Divine is that, in our sojourn in this corporeality within the context of the eternal pursuit, what we keep is what we give, not what we take. The Time Traveler of Ecclesiastes sums it up in his extensive but concise treatise on materialism and vanity. Diete-Spiff gave his heart to the Rivers community; and today, Rivers people, especially my generation, hold him at the highest esteem and virtually worship him. No one can take that from him-not natural disaster, ill health or even the grave can take that from him. Even if he has never seen the inner walls of any house of God, he will eternally keep the essence of that which he gave.
The spiritual nucleus of those positive vibrations generated by those smiles and twinkles aboard that flight in 2013 sang and still sing Diete-Spiff’s song and dutifully delivers the quintessence of the his being to the Divine as part of the testimony of his life here on earth-a veritable testimony of service to humanity. According to Jane Fraser, a globally acclaimed female banker, “if you don’t have humanity, you have nothing.” Financially speaking, Diete-Spiff may not be classified as one of the rich people in old Rivers State but he is certainly exceedingly wealthy, spiritually. Because he did not want, the Lord became his shepherd; so, he shall never lack; and this is the difference between those who seek office to serve humanity and those who starve humanity by selfishly feathering their nest. This is an eternal lesson our leaders of today should learn; lessons, which, if learned and the essence of Psalm 23 embraced by all, the ever-expanding frontiers of corruption will be reined in and human society will achieve the intendment of God-“[His] kingdom come on earth.” Unfortunately, with the preposterous permissive philosophy of vicarious remission of sins, Christendom has lost sight of the essence of the admonition of the Man from Galilee thus: “do not be deceived; God is not mocked; what a man soweth so shall he reap.”
Today, Diete-Spiff lives in blissful serenity with his social environment and will live positively forever in the everlasting memories of my generation and our posterity. And I ask: How many of our past leaders live in the tranquility Diete-Spiff enjoys? And how many of the present leaders covet it? Keep your answer close to your heart. “He that has ears let him hear.”

Osai is of the Institute of Foundation Studies (IFS), Rivers State University of Science & Technology.

O. Jason Osai

His Eminence, King Alfred Papapriye Diete-Spiff

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?

Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .

Bernard C. Idike

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.