Former Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning in Rivers State, Dr. Reason Onyia, has expressed optimism that after distraction arising from the legal battle and political crisis in the State, Rivers people will begin to experience dividends of democracy.
Onyia who reacted to the political situation in the State, said Ahoada West Local Government Area remains a safe haven for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The former commissioner noted that the policies of the current administration had direct impact on the development of the State.
He said what the governor needs at the moment is support for development to strive in the State.
“From my professional point of view as a political scientist and in particular one that majors in Political Economy and Development Studies, Governor Siminalayi is doing extremely well in cognizance of the policies he is carrying out, continuation of the policies of the previous administration that is impacting on the political economy of the state and initiative of his own policies are perfectly okay
“My concern basically as a political economist and developmentalist is to look at the policies that are impacting on the political economy and development of the State to the good of Rivers people and the electorate.
“It is just that there is a little distraction on governance because of the matter in court. Like you know, there is no sovereign or sitting democratic head of government that will feel comfortable when he has matters going on in the court, when the matter is over, I think Rivers people should expect more developmental projects coming into the State”, he said.
He reiterated that Ahoada West is a safe haven for the Governor, saying it is the first local government that declared open support for him and ninety percent of its stakeholders are for him.
“The party structure majority are with him. Ahoada West is a safe haven for him and we will continue to give him the massive support that is required. In person, I will go all out applying all the political mechanism to ensure his victory will always be guaranteed in Ahoada West LGA, we support his government.
“Politics is local, from the local perspective starts from the unit, to the Ward, to the LGA. For me he has the support of my unit, ward and LGA and more will even be done to ensure if that happens, such support will be given to him”, he said.
Onya, however, advised Rivers people especially now that politics is over to go into deliverance of political values for the interest of a better state.

Iragunima Benice