Nwaonicha
On May 29, the executive governor of Delta State,Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa clocked five years in office.The anniversary though celebrated on a low key was a reminder on the journey so far and the need to channel the right energy towards total realization of the SMART Agenda of the state government.However,in this interview with Dr Chukwuma O.Nwaonicha, an American trained Organic Chemist and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he spoke on the achievements of Governor Okowa in the five years he has been in office, areas the governor will focus more attention on and why the issue of insecurity in the state caused by Fulani herdsmen should be a collective one.
Enjoy reading:
It was five years on May 29 since Governor Ifeanyi Okowa took over the leadership of Delta State, what is your assessment of his achievements so far?
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is doing his best to develop Delta State. So far, he has done very well. Okowa’s Government has recorded milestone achievements in the areas of road construction, education, health care,job creation through the YAGEP and STEP programmes. His administration has also scored high in sports, ecological control and peace building. I’m very optimistic that he will perform better before his tenure expires in 2023.
As a core Governor Okowa loyalist and someone who wants him to succeed in office,in what area do you want him to focus more attention on?
I would love Governor Okowa to focus more attention on infrastructural development. When we have good and functional infrastructures development will be inevitable. In United States of America where I lived and worked for almost four decades before returning to Nigeria ten years ago, the economy is driven by the private sector. When there are good and functional infrastructures they will automatically create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. This is the reason why America and other advanced countries in the world are enjoying economic growth. If Governor Okowa is able to fix infrastructures in the state it will fast track development and Government will be relieved of her burden as it will create room for a viable private sector where employment will be created. When there is an enabling environment, businesses are bound to thrive. Therefore, it’s my wish that Governor Okowa will pay more attention on infrastructural development in this remaining three years that he will be in office.I know him as a listening and result oriented Governor who is not going to disappoint Deltans.
Generally,has Delta State made tremendous change since May 29,1999?
Yes. Delta State since May 29,1999 has witnessed tremendous changes. The administrations of Chief James Ibori and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan did their best. Governor Okowa since he took over the mantle of leadership has been working very hard to take the state to an enviable height of development. In my own assessment,Okowa is one of the best performing governors in Nigeria.He has in-depth knowledge on governance and he is bringing it to bare. I’m optimistic that he is going to surpass the achievements of his predecessors at the end of his tenure in 2023.
Three years left in Governor Okowa’s administration,do you think he would be able to finish strong?
Oh yes. Without a doubt Governor Okowa will not only finish strong,he will also leave a legacy that will remain indellible in the minds of all Deltans.
What’s your take on the recent increase in herdsmen attack in Delta State and how best do you think it could be tackled.
The Fulani herdsmen attacks issue has become a national problem. It is not only in Delta State we are experiencing the menace. However, the recent upsurge in Fulani herdsmen attacks in the state cause for a serious concern. The state government is doing her best to curb the menace but, more hands should be on deck. The fight against insecurity should not be left for Government alone, it is a collective one,so, all stakeholders must be part of the fight. No state makes progress in the midst of insecurity. For our country and state to move forward we must ensure that there is peace and security of lives and properties. To achieve peace and security we must join hands with Government to fight insecurity. Our royal fathers, community leaders, religious leaders, women and youths should be not excempt themselves from the fight against insecurity. Our security agencies are doing their best but,more still need to be done. Together, we will overcome the blood sucking and dare deviled Fulani herdsmen.
Finally, what is your message or advice for Governor Okowa?
My advice for Governor Okowa is that he should remain focused. He should continue with his good works. He should be careful of sycophants. He cannot satisfy every Deltan, hence, he should not allow detractors to weigh him down.
