Author: The Nation

Rivers State Governor Simi Fubara has promised to defend the legacies of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

In a speech after his swearing in, he thanked Wike for grooming and mentoring him, adding that he will always treasure the gesture.

He promised to strengthen the local chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) so that it can be the most dominant and successful political vehicle to advance collective and individual political interests.

Fubara promised to promote unity and inclusiveness in Rivers State.

Read Also : Fubara inaugurated as 4th Governor of Rivers

He promised to provide a strong, determined, focused, purposeful and responsible leadership.

Fubara described himself and his deputy as assets who will not let the people down.

He said:”My Deputy and I were born, bred and educated in this State. We are Christians and believe in the core values of prayer, hard work, service and sacrifice.

“We worked in the Rivers State Civil Service for decades and have practically served every government since 1999. Our knowledge is extensively enriched by our lifelong interactions, connections and service to the State and our people in public and private capacities.

“We know Rivers State as well as anyone. We know your hopes and expectations. We know our terrain and development challenges. We see our progress and what more to do to take us higher.

“We have been well-groomed, charged and challenged none more so than by our leader Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, whose passion for the progress of Rivers State is beyond measure.

“Being his offshoot, we will follow in his footsteps to balance change, consolidation and continuity.

“Together, we embody our collective aspirations for a greater and prosperous Rivers State, a State that provides equal opportunities for all, a strong, compassionate and progressive State that protects and enables everyone to live in security, comfort, and prosperity.”

Fubara said Wike’s impressive achievements have provided the critical building blocks for the accelerated development of the State.

He added:”As we undertake our responsibilities, we promise to stay the course, commit to cooperative governance and expand opportunities for everyone. The wishes of our people for a happy life are our mission in politics.”

The governor promised to work harmoniously with the House of Assembly to protect the common interest of the state.

27. The people have voted for us with much hope and expectation. We cannot afford to disappoint them by working at cross purposes.

28. We must work harmoniously to strengthen the administrative, legal and policy structures, systems and institutions to deliver tangible life-changing results for our people and accelerate our development. There is no other choice.

29. We acknowledge our leaders’ remarkable transformation of the State’s judiciary in the last eight years. I assure the legal community and Rivers people, in general, that we will honour all our commitments to our judiciary and guarantee effective, efficient and speedy justice delivery.

30. Under us, our magistrates and judicial officers shall remain the leading lights regarding administrative autonomy, personal security, working environment and well-being.

31. Fellow citizens, we know that most of our citizens are affected by the prevailing difficulties orchestrated by the poor state of the national economy.

32. While some of these economic challenges are beyond us, we understand our responsibility to take relevant measures to diversify our economy and insulate it from the headwinds.

33. Accordingly, we will prioritize the well-being of the State and citizens with a renewed focus on economic growth, people-centred projects and social services.

34. We will improve the ease of doing business and sustain a congenial fiscal regime to attract local and foreign direct investments to stimulate greater economic activities, create wealth and improve citizens’ livelihoods.

35. We will adopt a re-industrialization policy master plan and partner with the private sector to revive or establish viable industries to create jobs and empower our people.

36. We will also support the growth of small businesses and encourage commercial agriculture to achieve food security, industrialization and improved living standards for citizens.

37.We witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure in the last eight years, but there’s still more to do. Therefore, we will follow in our leader’s footsteps to invest in capital projects, including roads, bridges, electricity, supply, and social housing.

38. With its interconnecting road network, the need for affordable, conducive and safe public transportation cannot be over-emphasized as Rivers State continues to grow and expand by leaps and bounds.

39.We will, therefore, partner with the private sector to develop an integrated multimodal public transportation system to advance mass mobility and access to socio-economic opportunities across the State. We will also construct the Port Harcourt Ring Road to enhance the mobility of goods and services across the State.

40.We are proud of the State’s achievements in the healthcare sector, particularly the construction of new primary healthcare centres, the Mother and Child Hospital, the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostic and Treatment Centre and the contributory Healthcare Insurance Law.

41. With what is on the ground, it is evident that the primary challenges with our healthcare system are more with inadequate manpower, corruption, indiscipline and ineffective management.

42.I assure you that apart from completing all ongoing healthcare infrastructure projects, we will deal with all identified challenges and ensure that the healthcare system functions optimally to deliver affordable and efficient healthcare to citizens.

43. We are equally proud of the State’s unprecedented educational advancement, especially in the last four years. Our public schools at all levels, irrespective of location, are some of the lovely and best-resourced in the country.

44. We will consolidate this progress by introducing smart schools and classrooms across the State to empower our children with world-class learning experiences and make Rivers State a knowledge hub. 

45. ???Let me also say that we care about our youth. We know they need jobs, opportunities, empowerment and the freedom to build sound, promising futures.

46. ???We will not abandon our youth to their fate. We will continue prioritizing education at all levels and empower our youth with the relevant skills and opportunities to become economically active, productive and prosperous.

47. We believe in the job creation capacity of small and medium enterprises. And so, we shall facilitate targeted access to low-interest funds for youth entrepreneurs to start or improve their businesses, earn decent incomes and generate employment for themselves and others.

48. ???To our civil servants, I thank all of you for your invaluable contributions to the State’s progress over the years. We appreciate your indispensability and promise to meet all our obligations to you, including regular payment of wages, pensions, gratuity, training and promotions. All we ask is your continued patriotism, dedication, and enthusiasm in the execution of your official duties.

49. Fellow citizens, today, we have answered your call to continue consolidating the new Rivers vision. Like the last government, we shall be ambitious in our policies and projects, bold in our decisions and committed to defending and promoting the collective interest of our State.

50. We do not promise we have all the solutions to all our challenges. But, we promise not to compromise on the quality of governance, the services we can provide, and the interest of our State. Rivers State will remain the centre of our focus and actions. With your support, we will provide that quality leadership.

51. We are all equal stakeholders with shared responsibility for the security of our State. We will spare no effort to keep Rivers State secure and robust.

52. ???We will be hard on crime and criminality. We will swiftly and firmly deal with anyone, regardless of status or position, rich or poor, who breaks our laws or dares to violate our environment, peace and security.

53. ???We will continue to support and motivate the security agencies to maintain law and order and keep our communities, roads, neighbourhoods and waterways protected, safe and secure for businesses, residents, and visitors.

54. ??To our friends and associates, we offer cooperation, comradeship and consultation. We need your contributions, goodwill and prayers to deliver on our mandates.

55. To the opposition, we seek respect, rapprochement and patriotism. With politics over, now is the time for governance. We need collective responses to the challenges we face. We need all hands to construct the Rivers State of our dreams. Our doors are open.

56. To our youths, we encourage you not to give up on your dreams. We will work with you to realize them and secure your future.

57. To our women, we appreciate your sacrifice and contributions to building our families and educating our children. We will protect your freedoms on gender equality and support you with means and opportunities to elevate your economic status and circumstances.

58. ???To our elders, we appreciate your support and sacrifice and seek your wise counsel to guide us in this endeavour.

59. ???To our fellow compatriots, on this glorious day, let us all resolve to come together with optimism as one, united family to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous State for ourselves and future generations.

60. ???The task ahead may be arduous; there is no difficulty we cannot overcome if we unite and work as one. We, therefore, call on everyone to join us in the task ahead.

61. ??Thank you again for this privilege and opportunity to serve you as your Governor for the next four years.

62. ???Thank you, and God bless you all. God bless Rivers State.

Kinsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, spoke with Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on the factors that will shape the forthcoming governorship election in the Confluence State

What legacy is Governor Yahaya Bello leaving behind after two terms?

My Ministry is working on a documentary: Footprints of a lion. We will air one week to the end of the tenure in 2024.

I can say without mincing words that Governor Yahaya Bello remains the best to have governed the state. He came with a Blueprint which defined his administration from his first day in office. He promised through that pact to focus on Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Youth and Women Empowerment and Civil Service Reforms. He would want to be remembered as someone who will leaving indelible footprints in those areas.

Read Also : Kogi: Appreciating Gov. Yahaya Bello’s farewell gift

In education, he has cause a revolution in that sector. He has built hundreds of blocks of classrooms to make the learning environment conducive. He is about to complete a multi-billion Teaching Hospital for the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. He has built and still building state of the art model secondary schools across the state. He has employed teachers to boost the teaching strength at the Secondary School level. He has remodelled all our tertiary citadels of learning. He established the Confluence University of Science and Technology and has also started the process of establishing a University in Okunland.

In the area of health, he has built and still building some of the best hospitals in Nigeria across Kogi State. One of them, the Reference Hospital, Okene which has been commissioned, boast of equipment that are debuting in Africa for the first time. Bello Care and the Health Insurance Scheme have also made Medicare affordable to the people. In the area of infrastructure, he built the first flyover bridge in the history of the state as well as constructed many roads across the state. In the area of Youth and Women Empowerment, he has taken it to new heights that will be difficult for anyone to match. And he has reformed the Civil Service. He will also be remembered as the man who came to stop insecurity in the state. Let us judge him on the basis of his promises and he has been excellent.

What are the factors that will shape the forthcoming governorship poll in Kogi?

A lot of factors will shape the outcome. The first is the quality of the candidate. Ododo Ahmed Usman is a man with impeccable character. He is humble, brilliant and a system man who will ensure continuity of the brilliant years of Governor Yahaya Bello. He is a man who can pilot the state to the next level of development. The second factor is the scorecard of Governor Yahaya Bello. Like Ododo, the scorecard of Alh. Yahaya Bello will also be on the ballot indirectly. Kogites will want that man that can continue with youth and women inclusion, security, infrastructure and education as well as healthcare. GYB’s scorecard will win the election for the APC. The third factor is the quality of the opposition. ADC actually won two House of Representatives but how many Local Government Areas did  they win to achieve that feat? They won three of the five Local Government Areas in Okunland to achieve that, losing Mopamuro LGA and Kabba/Bunu Local Government Areas in the process. That party has no spread to win the Governorship. PDP on its part is dead in Kogi State. So APC has no serious contenders ahead of the Guber poll. But we are working hard as we won’t take anything for granted. We will work hard and we are sure of victory.

Is zoning not a factor in the state?

Kogi has gone beyond ethnic bigotry as a tool for political manipulation. GYB has collapsed the walls of division in the state. Abejukolo, the hometown of a former Governor of the State had no electricity. It took a GYB from Kogi Central to give that communication in Kogi East power supply. The roads from Anyigba to Idah which is about 56 kilometres was done by GYB and many other infrastructure in Kogi East. Kabba Township road also was done by the administration. A multi-billion rice mill was sited in Kogi West by a Governor from Kogi Central. So Kogites are now smart enough to know that it is not about where he is coming from but the capacity of the leader to deliver. Anyone from anywhere in Kogi can aspire to serve the people. There was no dispensation that all the Senatorial Districts were not on the ballot. The Governorship has been zoned to the Kogi people to decide. So it is a Kogi Agenda.

How is the governor reaching out to Kogi West stakeholders who are insisting on rotation?

They have the right to insist. Some of them have no respect for what they are preaching. A certain Senator from Kogi West was Senator for three terms before a Yagba person could win in 2023! Such a person today is pretending to be preaching rotation. Why didn’t he reject the support to send him to the Senate for the 3rd term? Kogi West will vote Ododo massively because we know that the people are seeing through the hypocrisy of certain elements. However, the Governor is reaching out to all eminent Kogites everyday. He believes in the people and the people believe in him.

What calculation led to the endorsement of Ododo by the governor,?

Ododo possesses the right qualities to take the state forward. He understands the workings of the state, he understands the projects and programs of the government and he is a great team player. Many people who contested within the system possess those qualities too. We can only have one at a time and all of them are solidly behind Ododo today. Ododo is a unifier, a detribalised leader like GYB.

What competence and experience is the governorship candidate bringing into the race?

Financial acumen, a motivational leader who is hungry for development. As a key player in the Government, he understands what he needs to do activate the next level of development.

What is the assurance that he will not turn his back against Bello after winning the election?

Ododo is coming from somewhere. His personality is one of his biggest strength. GYB is not building a tenure but a political era. Note this today, he will keep taping from the experience of GYB to do very well.

Is the ambition of Dino Melaye of PDP not a threat to Bello’s succession plan?

Dino is a threat to himself and must be delivered from himself. It is Dino that will neutralise Dino in the contest. He has lost even before the commencement of campaigns. He has been deserted by the powerful forces in the party. Many of them resigned to join the All Progressives Congress. The Director of Communications of the party has joined the APC. The State Treasurer of PDP has joined the APC. Many of their leaders. I feel really sorry for Dino. How can you win primary and the leaders of the party will move out of the party? It is sad and I truly feel for him. He is no threat to anyone.

How popular is the ruling party in Kogi?

The ruling party has the political structure to win. The performance of the party in the last 7 years is enough to give us victory. We won the Presidency, we won the 3 Senatorial seats, won 6 of the 9 Reps seats and 22 of the 25 Assembly seats. The figures have spoken to our strength in the state. GYB is a political strategist who has won the hearts of Kogites.

What are the unfinished business that Ododo is coming to tackle, if he wins?

He has to nurture the University to be sited in Okunland to fruition. He will strengthen healthcare delivery and do a lot to sustain the educational infrastructure and policies in place. He will open up the tourism industry and promote policies that will give Kogi a fair share of her mineral resources.

How popular is the decision to field a governorship candidate from the governor’s ethnic group and senatorial district?

We are looking at Ododo more than where he comes from. Ododo as a product is marketable. He will work for the greatness of our dear state. The Governor worked for the state and no one can accuse him of being bias. Ododo will do same. So we are happy with the choice.

What is your advice to Kogi people as they prepare for the election?

We will run an issue-based campaign. We will work hard. I want to urge Kogites to shun violence. Politicians should also shun inflammatory statements. We shouldn’t compromise our security on the alter of politics. Decency should form the bulwark of our political engagement. Say no to violence and ethnic bigotry. Kogi is bigger than anyone’s interest.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been sworn in for a second term. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines his agenda, the challenges and public expectations. 

Like a flash of lightening, four years have passed since Babajide Sanwo-Olu, surveyor and banker, took the oath of office for his first term at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. 

Three days ago, he and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, returned to the same venue to render accounts and take the oath for their second term before the Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba. 

Between then and now, the state has not been the same. Under the dynamic leadership of the workaholic captain, Lagos has lived to its billing as the Centre of Excellence and a reference point.

Read Also : Sanwo-Olu: we won’t let Lagosians down

The governor and his team have been up and doing. The evidence of growth and development manifests in new schools and hospitals, new housing schemes, improved transportation, new roads and other infrastructural facilities, flow of investment and atmosphere of peace. 

Sanwo-Olu also led Lagos on the path of survival. Under the Incident Commander, the state triumphed over the pestilence-Covid19-that threatened humanity. He also exhibited leadership during the #EndSARS protest that was hijacked by public enemy, never allowing the state to go under, inspite of the great damage to the wealth and resources of the state. 

Stakeholders have also applauded the governor for his style of governance and other personal traits- simplicity, openess, candour, inclusiveness and loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the vehicle that took him to power.

Accompanied by his delectable wife, Ibijoke, a medical doctor, and children, BOS of Lagos, as the governor is fondly called by admirers, stood tall on the podium; confident and optimistic about tackling the unfinished business. Governance in Lagos will also not be a tea party in the second term. The reward for hardwork is more work.

Despite Sanwo-Olu’s impressive performance across the sectors, much is still expected of him at this critical time. The critical areas that need attention, according to observers, still stare his administration in the face. 

The population of Lagos is growing in geometric proportions. Thousands migrate to the populous mega city on daily basis in pursuit of the real and imagined golden fleece. New settlements are springing up. They require social amenities-schools, medical centres, roads and security. 

Many projects were completed during the first term. A lot is still on-going. The intended beneficiaries are full of expectation.

Since Lagos is yet to be accorded a special status, or given any federal economic assistance, there is pressure on the infrastructural facilities of a state now shouldering enormous national and sub-regional responsibilities. Federal roads in Lagos are eyesore. Mile11-Badagry, Agege-Abeokuta, Ogijo-Sagamu, Itamaga-Itoikin roads attest to a curious federal neglect or slow response to urgent need for infrastructural renewal. 

More worrisome are local government roads. Most of them are in a state of disrepair. Less than half of 57 councils are really adding value and complementing the efforts of the state government. Many Lagos councils are still impeded by technical personnel deficit and lack of proper focus, with elected functionaries  largely viewing their engagement as an opportunity for private accumulation. 

These challenges may have agitated the governor’s mind as he tendered his stewardship before dignitaries, who defiled the heavy downpour to honour him. 

They included top party chieftains-Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members-the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, other members of the State Executive Committee of the party, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, business moguls-Chief Akanni Okoya and wife, Dr. Folasade and Chief Doyin Adebowale, council chairmen and diplomats.

Sanwo-Olu told his guests that he had met the expectation of Lagosians, adding that he will consolidate on the feats. Assuring the people of more dividends of good governance, he promised to focus on gender equality, social inclusion and youth development. 

 Tendering his score card, Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos has become the first sub-national to deliver an intra-city rail network from its balance sheet to aid mass mobility in the mega city.

The accomplishment, he said, has further advanced the state’s development course, pointing out that the completion of Lekki Deep Seaport has enhanced socio-economic growth and turned the state to a new logistics hub of West Africa. 

The governor said the delivery of largest rice mill in Imota, Ikorodu Division, by his administration was a game changer that would make Lagos a key player in the food production chain on the continent.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had remained on the track of sustenance and prosperity, stressing that a great deal of financial engineering led to the upgrading of the state to AAA(nga) status in financial sustainability and resilience by Fitch International.

Sanwo-Olu gave his administration a passmark in infrastructural development, intermodal transport system, healthcare services, education, aesthetic environment, and social interventions, which are elements of his THEMES agenda. 

He said: “In my first term, we set the stage for transformative change. We confronted significant challenges, from improving our infrastructure to ensuring adequate social services, from grappling with economic downturns to navigating a global pandemic. 

“Yet, we never faltered. Our challenges became stepping-stones and our trials, the foundation of our resilience.”

Acknowledging the tasks ahead, the governor the second term mandate offered him an opportunity to rededicate his administration towards meeting and surpassing the people’s expectations.

Sanwo-Olu said his vision was beyond provision of physical infrastructure and working to attain good economic indicators for the state. He said he would make Lagos a beacon of cultural vibrancy, intellectual prowess, and humanistic values. 

The governor expanded the scope of THEME agenda, saying that he will also focus on  social inclusion, gender equality and youth development. 

He said: “That tradition of progressive governance, of enlightened leadership, has consistently yielded fruit for us, and set Lagos up as a model State. We have lived up to our designation as Centre of Excellence, and a day like this is an opportunity to celebrate. 

“Our people still expect a lot more from us in several areas; today is another opportunity to acknowledge our citizens’ expectations and to rededicate ourselves to meeting and surpassing those expectations.

 ”I pledge, as your Governor, to unleash greater energy in the service of Lagos. I will work tirelessly for the well-being of every Lagosian and will strive for a Lagos that we can all be proud of.”

 He added: “It is in line with our resolve, I am pleased to announce that we are taking our governing agenda to the next level in this our second term. Henceforth, it will be known as ‘T.H.E.M.E.S Plus’, representing the incorporation of an intensified focus on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth. 

“We are strengthening and reinforcing our governance agenda in order not to leave anyone behind on account of their social status, gender or young age; we will design all our policies and programmes to ensure that everyone is carried along and catered to. This is our solemn promise to you.” 

Sanwo-Olu promised to reward Lagos residents as he consolidates on his reforms. He said in the coming weeks, he would be delivering another intra-city rail network, Red Line Rail, which is at the completion stage.

 He added: “Lagos will also be witnessing development of a new airport in Ibeju-Lekki, Deep Seaport in Badagry and Fourth Mainland Bridge in addition to other capital projects in the pipeline.” 

To Sanwo-Olu, governance is a joint responsibility involving the active collaboration between the government the governed. Thus, he said he would always seek partnership with the citizens in line with his administration’s mantra. 

As a corollary, he assured that his administration would continue to foster a culture of transparency, accountability and participatory governance. 

Sanwo-Olu stressed: “The greatness and strength of Lagos lie in the collective spirit of our people; whether those paying taxes, or those treating public property with care and respect, or those speaking about something when they see something going wrong or someone breaking the law. 

“For us as government, I would be the first to acknowledge our own side of this social contract. I will not let you down.” 

Sanwo-Olu eulogised his political leader, President Bola Tinubu, for laying the foundation for the development of Lagos. He said his roles in laying a solid foundation for successive administrations made it easy for them to strengthen transformational governance and keep the state on the path of progress. 

The governor also thanked the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari for his kindness and support for Lagos, which enabled his administration to record many successes in the last four years.  

Sanwo-Olu said he was ready to continue to offer transformational leadership to the state in collaboration with his deputy, Hamzat, whom he described as “loyal friend, partner-in-progress”. He promised Lagos would remain a city united by its diversity, while pledging to work till his last days in creating better future for the citizens. 

Six core challenges will confront Sanwo-Olu in his second term. These are the challenge of assembling a team of aides, commissioners and advisers who will assist him in driving his vision and fulfilling his vision to the state. 

The second is the challenge of staying on course, fidelity to policy and programme implementation and closing the gap between public expectation and reality. 

The third is the need for Lagos to solicit the cooperation of the Federal Government towards resolving the infrastructure battle in the state, particularly the construction of federal roads.

The fourth is that of forging a synergy of harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislature.

The fifth is effective supervision of the local councils for effective service delivery at the grassroots. 

The sixth is the challenge of democratic succession, power retention by the ruling party and orderly transfer of power to another party chieftain in four years time in Lagos State.