By Celestine Ogolo
Since the return of democratic governance in 1999 in Nigeria, Rivers State has, as it were had a turbulence in the area of transition of power from one administration to another. This bane has had its concomitant effect not only in the continuity of policies, but in the trajectory of development of the state. The overall effect had often left the people of the state bewildered. And some will say, befuddled in understanding the direction the state was headed in terms of development.
Recall the exit of Dr. Peter Odili’s administration in 2007 and the coming on board of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, there was a departure from some of the critical policies of the past administration in the areas of power, empowerment and social welfare. Perhaps, based on the circumstances of the ascension to power of the latter, some critical infrastructures were abandoned, leading to waste of public funds already sunk into such projects.
The trend continued in 2015 when the administration of Rotimi Amaechi came to an end. It was the most bizarre of circumstances to the extent that a proper change of baton and formal handover to the new administration of Chief Nyesom Wike was jettissioned on the alter of ego and a shameful display of political naivity.
It was obvious that with the political animosity between the then out-going and incoming administration, something was to give. And so it was, that the administration of Chief Nyesom Wike jettissioned the policy thrust of the previous administration especially in the areas of transportation, agriculture and education and replaced them with his own philosophy and policy thrust. It was thus not surprising that some of the infrastructure such as monorail project, sonphai farm and a few others became moribund, as they were not priority projects of a new administration. Again, the bottom line remains that public funds expended on such projects and for lack of continuity have been flushed down the drain.
Poised not to go that lane as election draws near to vote in a new leader and a new administration in the state, the people of Rivers State seem to have concluded to vote for continuity through the election of Amaopusenibo Siminialayi Fubara, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the next governor of the state. This postulation is based on the enthusiasm across all sections of the people of the state in the candidacy of Fubara.
There is no doubt that the out-going administration of Nyesom Wike has left remarkable imprints in terms of delivery of landmark infrastructures projects in the state. While, a lot has been done, especially on roads, bridges, health, education and urban renewal, a lot more are ongoing projects. Even at the twilight of the administration, new road contracts are been awarded, schools are undergoing renovation, works are ongoing in the tertiary institutions and employment of thousands of Rivers State youths are also on-going in all the tertiary institution in the state, among so many other projects.
Going by antecedents as witnessed in the state, Rivers people are determined to ensure that these good deeds are not abandoned, reversed or terminated if another political party comes into power in the state. Existing literature on governance shows clearly that politicians in the state have a tendency of displaying vengeance and abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors. They would rather start new ones. This kind of situation should not be allowed to repeat itself in Rivers State. The overwhelming support for the pair of Sir Siminialayi Fubara and Dr. Ngozi Odu as displayed by youths, women, traders, artisans, businessmen and women and indeed all residents of the state is a tactical endorsement of continuity in governance, signifying an endorsement of the good works done by the administration of Nyesom Wike in Rivers State.
Thus, when Rivers State residents elect Sir Fubara at the March 11, 2023 polls, as their next governor from May 29, 2023, they would be sending home a message that they desire an unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over time. Rivers people would speak in one voice that they want something continuing for a long period of time without being changed or stopped, mainly because of the positive impact they have experienced.
According to Tayo Agunbiade, “history has shown that in Nigeria, when a new government from a different political party replaces an incumbent, on-going projects, programmes and policies are ridiculed and terminated. It is common to see public policies regardless of their merits and positive impacts on society, needlessly reversed. Some argue that this approach is because the new comers also want to have their ideas implemented, regardless of credentials past policies may have continuity for as long as the Constitution permits-has its advantage once the policies are working to improve the lives of the citizens”.
In a similar vein, Temilade Aruya argues that, “one of the hallmarks of good governance is continuity in policies, programmes and projects; especially those that are progressive and developmental”. He goes on to state and I agree with him that, “political ideaologies that are favourable to the growth and development of the people and the society are built and established on the structures of continuity as one government takes over and continues where the previous stopped”.
One thing that is undisputable is that continuity in governance ensures effective resource management. This, of course, is a key to good governance, which includes effectiveness and efficiency in public sector management, accountability and transparency. This is where Siminialayi Fubura is best at. A former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Accountant-General of Rivers State, he is a seasoned accountant who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration, Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance as well as Master of Science in Finance from the University of Port Harcourt.
Fubara is a man, especially famed for his consummate knowledge of the science of accounting and administration, as exemplified by his commitment and dedication to duty. He played a pivotal role in the success story of the administration of Chief Nyesom Wike, which was rated as the best sub-national in the overall 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking, as published by BudgiT, a civic organization that applies technology to intersect citizen engagement with institutional improvement to facilitate societal change.
With Fubara’s mien and clear understanding of the inner workings of government, having been an active participant in governance, Rivers State would certainly reap the benefits of continuity in governance, as he would encourage and facilitate more developments, growth and productivity. He will promote the execution and completion of capital projects that ordinarily a new party (a new administration) in power would abandon, to take up new ones. Of course, as we are aware, this has continued to be a source of wastage of public fund.
Fubara, a man who has impacted many lives with his empathy and motivation would ensure when elected, that continuity in governance is not just about, “a political party being in power over a long period. Rather, it is about the ability of a government to have unity of purpose, focus and clear-cut direction. It is about subsequent governments operating within and upon the same ideology and political principle which are ultimately beneficial to the people”. Continuity in government will be reflected in Fubara’s administration, when he emerges victorious in the March 11, 2023 polls in Rivers State, as tremendous growth and development which would make the state a leading economic and industrial hub in Nigeria, would b attained.
Indeed, Fubura’s statement last Monday, at Omoku at the flag off of local government areas campaign of the PDP at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA that he would ensure good governance which entails providing quality services and making life easier for the people, which Governor Nyesom Wike has done for the LGA, is a clear indication of his determination at continuity.
“What we stand for is good governance. Good governance is providing for the people. Good governance is making life easy for the people. That is what my principal (Governor Wike) has done for you and that is where I stand”, Fubara declared at the campaign rally”, as he re-emphasized his stand on continuity.
With continuity in governance through the election of Siminialayi Fubara on March 11, 2023, Rivers people are assured of enhanced development in all ramifications such as social, economic, cultural and physical development. The citizens will be assured that the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Candiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Port Harcourt aimed at enhancing medical tourism is not abandoned, the move to enhance adequate medical personnel in Rivers State through scholarship to Rivers Sons and daughters is maintained, employment of Rivers youths is maintained, among so many others.
In all, it is obvious that there is need to create stability and continuity in governance in Rivers State in order to build on the benefits and achievements already attained. This stability and continuity in governance is important to Rivers State to ensure that we continue to live in peace and prosperity. Continuity in governance is good when there are visible signs of societal growth and development as championed by the out-going administration in the state, and it would only make common sense if Siminialayi Fubara is elected in March 11, 2023 to continue to build on the firm foundation already laid.
Celestine Ogolo is a member of the Rivers State Equity Group
