At
the last gubernatorial election, APC in Delta State did not win any House of
Assembly seat and in fact, they won in only one ward out of a total of 270 wards
in the 25 local government areas of the State. Its participation in the
election was woeful. It is, therefore, laughable when it tries to play the
opposition in the State.
As Governor Okowa stated in the
speech to the State House of Assembly, My mission today is principally to shed more
light on our vision for Delta State predicated upon honest leadership and a
responsible government. We have come into office at a very difficult and
turbulent period in the history of our country. The spectre of broken promises
and the profligate lifestyle of some of those entrusted with leadership have
combined to erode public trust and confidence in government, and our people are
beginning to lose hope.
The
exercise was a state of the State address. Rather than look at issues raised
by the Governor, the APC mouthpiece was more interested in witch hunt. For the
records: This is a presidential system;
the Governor takes direct personal charge, than the cabinet does in a
parliamentary system. The Governor generally has power to appoint, direct and
remove members of cabinet. Responsibility for policy resides with the Governor.
The
focus in this essay is our common commodity of trade – blackmail with its
kindred, which include falsehood peddling, slander, backstabbing and sundry
other of such peculiar human foibles.
It
shows the extreme people could go to disparage government functionaries and
their policies even when they have the best of intentions. One is perhaps
rankled by the capacity for egregious falsehood simply aimed at tarnishing
people and bringing government to disrepute.
You
will be wondering whether the masterminds of these odious acts are not part of
government, which civic studies in primary schools had long ago noted that
every member of society is part of government. But these falsehood peddlers who
appear to act spoilsports operate peripherally without betraying any form of
entitlement or interest in the State where they live, operate and earn a
living. Their acts can be equated to cutting the nose to spite the face.
How
did our people arrive at this sorry pass of falsehood peddling? It is a nature
that contradicts our much touted Christian values. When you raise
unsubstantiated allegations and pretend that it has no intent to destroy, you have
literally committed murder. Sadly, we jettison our basic values in the name of
politics while often positing that the end justifies the means.
As
Dr. Uma Ukpai once counseled “ignore the criticisms and focus on providing
good governance”.It is the footballer who has the ball that is attacked
the most. In the same manner, it is only a tree which bears good fruits that is
pelted the most.
Governor
Okowa has strengthened the State’s partnership with God. It is a partnership
that will pay-off handsomely in tangibles and intangibles. It is left for the people
of the State to internalize the core values of Christianity and allow them to
define their lives. It is our conviction that if those values are embraced,
respite from unnecessary criticism would be achieved and the glory of God would
be revealed in our lives. The lines of
hate and ethnic chasms created by vested political interests would be
obliterated by the fiery passion of nationalism and indeed love for our dear
State.
Governor
Okowa is today about a month in office. But falsehood peddlers have not spared
him. Their cynicisms dog every step he takes no matter how well intentioned.
It
is heartwarming to observe that Governor Okowa’s vision for the State is
unaltered. His steps in the last one month bear great promise. Senator
Okowa has not only brought hope but has come with concrete plans that would
ensure the realization of the hope.
Just
like those who are inspired by patriotic instincts to pledge their
understanding and solidarity, we urge our tribe of critics and falsehood
peddlers to toe the same path by giving Governor Okowa a chance.
Governments
across the globe do not achieve much under an atmosphere of falsehood peddling
and distraction. And so for progress, the present administration has severally
offered an olive branch calling on all to join hands in the service of the
State. This is indeed a clarion call to all Delta people: “Come let us build
the State together”.
This
shadow boxing, which has dotted the State for years should give way to genuine
constructive criticisms, factual reporting of events; not whimsical fancies of
bread and butter armchair critics seeking attention, mobility and daily bread.
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