The recent screening and confirmation by the Delta State House of Assembly of more nominees for appointments into the Delta State Executive Council, namely; Rt. Hon. Martin Okonta, Engr. Lawrence Ejiofor, Sir Fidelix Tilije, Chief Barry Pere Gbe, Hon. Julius Egbedi, Mr. Churchill Amagada, and lastly, Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo has left no one in doubt that he is in a hurry to hit the ground running.
And likewise the swearing-in ceremony of the appointed commissioners performed on Thursday, 4th July, 2019, in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the Executive Governor of the State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa. These new political appointees in no particular order include; Chief James Augoye- Ministry of Works, and Chief Patrick Ukah – Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Flora Alatan- Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Chika Ossai -Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana – Ministry of Energy, Barr. Peter Mrakpor- Ministry of Justice, Chief Festus Ochonogor-Ministry of Housing and Prof. Patrick Muoboghare – Ministry of Higher Education among others.
Prior to these exercises, the Governor had in recent weeks appointed the following as Special Advisers; Professor Sylvester Monye, Senior Policy Adviser; Dr. Kingsley Emu, Chief Economic Adviser; Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Housing and Human Development; Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro, Rural and Community Development; and Hon. Efe Ofoburuku, Legislative Matters.
Interestingly, from our assessment of people so far appointed by the Governor, it would not be out of place to describe the Governor as an intelligent man with hunger and drive to take the State to an enviable height. SEE ALSO: UMUNEDE MONARCH BANS ASOEBI FOR BURIAL
This objective assertion is premised not on the consideration of his academic prowess but basically on our conviction that a leader’s intelligence is judged by the quality of men he has around him as the key to the success of every administration depends to a greater extent on the quality of people in charge.
In view of this reality, while we join the teaming Deltans to congratulate these appointees selected in the midst of other eminently qualified Deltans, it will be rewarding also to remind you (appointees) that these appointments has thrust yet another responsibility on you, an extremely important destiny; of assisting the Executive Governor to complete a process of socioeconomic development of the State.
Specifically, we must draw your attention to the fact that as you settle down for this new responsibility, the temptation may be high to use the power and responsibility bestowed on you by your new position not as a trust for the public good but as an opportunity for private gain.
This, in our opinion, is not what Deltans expect from you.
As you are well aware, Delta State is an oil state with a very rich challenge. Considering your academic and professional achievements, Deltans are left with the note that you know the magnitude and urgency of their challenge in the State.
Looking at commentaries on the appointments , what the good people of the state demand from you is but a productive collaboration with the Executive to strengthen the economy, tackle insecurity, sanitize the coastal environment devastated by petroleum exploration and production, job creation, massive infrastructural development and provision of qualitative and accessible education.
On our part, we would want all the appointees to recognize is that ‘credibility of leadership can only be established through action and not words. We are referring here to the kind of action that distinguishes a leader who considers his people foremost asset and not one who looks at them as a burden’.
You must all abhor being described as Asaba-based Commissioners or Special Advisers; this is the time for you to frequent local communities, associate with the poor and participate in their struggles. You must all become grassroots people for you to impact the lives of these Deltans as those who lead from the top of the pyramid end up leading only those on top.
All you need to achieve this is to show Deltans the right ‘direction and nurture their potentials for innovation, creativity, self-confidence and determination.
Finally, as we continue to felicitate with you on these well deserved appointments, we assure you all as partners in this race to develop the state and the nation in general that any of your good work in this direction shall not escape our professional reportage.
This promise, however, will not prevent us from criticizing when we should.