PETTINESS: Controversy Over Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan Way in Asaba

 

Delta state Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi cutting the tape, while the Oshimili South LGA Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Chinwe Monu-Olarenwaju (left) and the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah gives a helping hand. The event was also witnessed by the Chief-Of-Staff Govt. House, Mr. Festus Okubor and notable Asaba indigenes who lauded the first naming of the road.

 

It is okay to disagree with the thoughts and actions of other people. That does not give us the right to deny any sense in what they might have done. Nor does it give us a right to accuse someone just because you do not associate with what they have achieved. We must learn to recognize good when we see it, even if it means overcoming our pride and opening our minds beyond what is comfortable.

 

 

There is no doubt that Governor Uduaghan has achieved a lot in terms of urban renewal and regeneration, particularly in the State capital, Asaba and Warri.

The truth is that it is the Local Government Councils that have statutory powers to name streets in urban areas. In naming the road Emmanuel Uduaghan Way, Hon. Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju was exercising her powers in the extant rules of the Local Council. In taking its decision, the Oshimili South Local Government Area acted independently based on their conviction that the Governor fully merited the honour as they witnesses to the huge transformation Asaba, the State capital, experienced under the Governor’s watch.

Since the exercise in question was carried out by Oshimili South Local Government and there was no subsisting name for that road, including the fact that what was done did not contravene any law or cause any injury to anybody, the exercise is in order. Those criticizing the action do so out of obliviousness and pettiness.

The residents and visitors to Asaba alike have hailed and appreciated the urban renewal programme around the State capital, especially with the tarring of most link roads. Naming of the road after the Governor has been widely applauded by the people of the Local Government and, indeed the entire State. Most Deltans have acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to the upliftment of the status of Asaba.

We need to understand that appreciation is a basic, fundamental human need and at the same time recognition is the greatest motivator. Naming the road after, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is an honour, which has been bestowed on the Governor, he deserves and merits it.