By Caleb Fubara.
A couple of days ago, Sir Siminalaye Joseph Fubara was constitutionally sworn in as the sixth democratically elected governor of Rivers State. And as he had said during the campaigns, the civil servant, now politician, in his inaugural address, reiterated his unwavering commitment to consolidate on the gains of the immediate past government. Many, especially, those who made a vocation out of throwing tantrums have continued to misrepresent the import of that pledge. To them, it smacks of weakness and blind loyalty on the part of the governor. This band, who have misconstrued constructive criticism for myopic outburst and sensationalism have continued to throw darts. In their restless adventure to pick holes they forget the age-long maxim that says government is a continuum.
But Gov. Sim Fubara has promised Rivers people to hit the ground running. And this he must do to set the state on the path of continued progress and development. Those who have worked closely with Fubara describe the Rivers governor as man with zero tolerance for distractions. Any wonder that euphoria of his ascendancy was even to begin before he promptly sort the constitutional approval of the state Assembly to appoint commissioners to form his cabinet. Not only are the nominees screened and confirmed, the governor has also sworn them in with their portfolios allotted. In no special order, the ministries of Justice, Finance, Education and Works now have commissioners to oversee them. Incidentally, these are very pivotal ministries that must function optimally for effective governance of the state.
Rather than applaud the governor for constituting an executive council within fort-eight hrs of his inauguration, thus kick starting governance in earnest; we hear, claptraps like they were “Wike’s commissioners”. A futile attempt at downplaying an unprecedented feat in our political history. Making it seem as though the gentlemen in question are Wike’s private employees.
Gov. Fubara has just taken the first step, and those with keen eyes can tell it is a step in the right direction. He has also shown that the he came prepared. The man who is not given to rhetoric knows that the reappointment of these former commissioners will not only help to stabilize his government, but will go a long way in aiding his consolidation project.
Instead of seeing the overall objective of the governor’s action, social media mongers now thump their chest that they saw it coming. They say it is the first sign that the governor would be a puppet in the hands of his predecessor. They make it seem as though the nominees were force down his throat by the greatest human factor that assisted him ascend the exalted office of governor. They make it appear as though their primary purpose in the cabinet this time around would be to act as Wike’s eye in the government.
Except for the personality clash between Ezenwo Wike and his predecessor, Wike, as governor for eight years has shown that there is more to gain from those who governed before him. He didn’t only make Dr. Peter Odili the patron saint of his government; he seized every opportunity to eulogize the man from whose wealth of experience, he had benefitted immensely. His relationship with the Odili’s no doubt paid off profoundly. Yet Wike was only a local government chairman as at the time Odili served out his term as governor. How then is Fubara expected to shun the counsel of the man who wasn’t just his predecessor in office, but his political godfather?
As former Accountant-General of the state, particularly in the immediate past government, Sir Fubara is by no means a stranger to the inner workings of government. As the A-G there is no denying that he related very closely with Wike as his boss, and every other cabinet member as colleagues in serving the state. But it is a different kettle of fish from being the man in the saddle. In other words, if it is strictly service to the state, then there is nothing inappropriate in Fubara appointments. It wouldn’t be the first those are found worthy would be reappointed into the state executive council by another government.
By virtue of the exalted office he now occupies, the enticement to grandstand would always plague Fubara’s doorsteps. And more often than not those who found themselves at the apex of authority such as his are easily susceptible. But it would appear the thoroughbred accountant, who, in the past eight years has functioned at the corridors of power will not be easily swayed. Therefore, his choice of Dr. Alabo George Kelly, Prof. Zaccheus Adango, Barr. Isaac Kamalu and Prof. Chinedu Mmom to continue in office might just be his Midas touch. It neither precludes new entrants into the cabinet, nor is it cast in iron?
Come to think of it, were Fubara to draw his first appointees from Mars, would it have been morally justified that he did so without any input from his predecessor? If the reasonable answer is no, then it smacks inanity to pretend that Gov. Siminalaye Fubara isn’t the new sheriff in town, or that his loyalty, efficiency, equanimity and astuteness is in question. So far, it has been the first step of a good dancer.
