GOVERNOR OKOWA: SECOND ANNIVERSARY, WHAT AN EVENTFUL RIDE!!!

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.