As a prelude to the
second term anniversary, Governor Okowa is on town hall meetings to all the
local government headquarters. The opportunity of the town hall meeting would
be used to give information and/or to get feedback from the electorate and the
generality of our people about governance.
Let’s
go down memory lane. In the beginning, some could not rise above partisanship
to acknowledge the depth of knowledge and passion Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
possesses as he rode to power in 2015. But one Nigerian leader outside Delta
State who knows, is the former Governor of Anambra State. When
Dr. Ngige not minding the political lines and
divides, described Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the best product of the Peoples’
Democratic Party in the current dispensation. When asked
by Felix Akugha of AIT, what the Federal Government was doing about the alleged
$10 million, which Dr. Okowa allegedly siphoned abroad through a girlfriend,
Dr. Ngige told him that the case of Delta State was different, because the
State has a very capable Governor.
He reminded an
obviously embarrassed, even bemused Akugha, that if Okowa was not doing well,
he should check the volume of debt he inherited and other issues. Dr. Ngige told him that he worked with Dr. Okowa
as members of a committee in the Senate where the Delta State Governor distinguished
himself as a very serious and committed person. He, however, lectured Akugha
that such issue is left for the Police or EFFC who do not go public in their
investigations.
His
assertion was like an adage once told me, that, the potency of a good herbal
enema is known by the groaning of the patient. Similarly, a husband who will be
rich is known from the product of his brain.
Dr.
Ngige saw what many could not see, some clouded by hate and pessimism. He knew that
Governor Okowa has all it takes, while his honesty is capable of building a 21st
century economy, where the private sector will be a principal actor and the
public sector will provide conducive environment and progressive policies.
As
is the norm in the politics of our clime, the opposition always batter those in
office but today, the entire State is the greater beneficiary of good
governance, provided by the Okowa administration, despite the continued
precarious financial situation of the country and the States.
Today,
through his honesty, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has brought prudent management of
resources to bear. Delta State has a leader with vision for the State; one that
can inspire the people and one that can be bold to fight mismanagement of the
State's resources. The advantages of such leadership are seen everywhere.
With
lean resources, over 700 kilometres of roads have either been constructed or
rehabilitated, along with it, is renovation of more school blocks and
reconstruction of the ones in bad shape to empower qualitative learning
environment for Delta children and residents alike. On the agro-economy, the
State Governor through YAGEP, is promoting evolution of younger farmers, through
improved inputs, including seedlings and fingerlings. Through STEP, small
scheme entrepreneurs are being created and encouraged.
This
administration has tarred more streets in the State capital in less than two
years than the preceding years, it has made ready Asaba central hospital,
which was left at the 30% completion that Chief Ibori got it to, before leaving
office, salvaged the Asaba airport, which the FG downgraded, dualized the road
from Amukpe junction into Sapele township. The administration has also earned
the praise of the Oroje of Okpe, Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, rtd, for being the
first governor, during his reign, to start road projects in his kingdom and
have them commissioned for use in less than one year. The governor had a
reception organised in his honour by the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Ukori 1, for
the good job he is doing.
The
achievements of Governor Okowa in less than two years stun many critics,
especially under this recession by any government in Nigeria.
We
must continually elect people who have passion and commitment for
socio-economic development, including the well-being of the people. Governor
Okowa’s government is confident, assertive, innovative and committed to promoting
and defending the interest of the people first.
The
ride has not been smooth sailing but with a man who is delivering on his
promises, we should be confident of a continuous safe ride.
Comments
Post a Comment