Thursday, 17 May 2012
Owelle Rochas Has Started Well But He Needs To Run
By Peter Claver Oparah
Despite the gloomy picture of the state treasury he inherited, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the newly minted Governor of Imo State, met on ground, his victory and the subsequent mass approval it has received, will make any other governor green with envy. Not that Imo State has struck yet another tranche of oil blocks, not that the state has struck gold, not that the state has hit a jackpot. But as his victory and the mass approval that has attended it have shown, there is fulfillment in marching with the people
. There is honour and pride in being on the side of the people. There is tremendous uplifting in trudging side by side with the people. Indeed, his victory was a demonstration of the potency of the people against the tyranny of the rich and the powerful and his has shown that stripped of the people factor, power becomes an empty and vacuous burden. With the people, one can do no wrong. He was pitted against the rich and powerful of the state who massed around in different shades but with the people solidly behind him, he was able to secure a deserved triumph. That the people voluntarily fought for and secured Rochas’ victory is an apt demonstration of the suppressed strength of Nigerian democracy and serves as rehabilitative impetus against the impunity and care freeness with which those that govern relate with the people. In short, it is the people that give power its strength, its halo, its energy and its fillip.
I can safely vouch that among those elected governors last April, Rochas has received the most counsels, the most advices, the most shopping lists, the most strings of expectations as well as the most adulations because of the manner of his emergence. In fact, he may have the temptation of thinking he did it by himself or through those that now mill round him. Of course, they did their bits but if he ever knows the role such powerful platforms like saharareporters and its stringers played in his victory, he will see the need to take to advices and counsels that have been pouring in torrents since he came in and make best use of the office for the entire state.
Governor Rochas rode to power on eagles’ wings. He was driven to Douglas House, Owerri on the backs of the people. Imo people have done their bits and it remains for him to do his. He must hit the ground running and thank God, he has started on delightful notes and one prays this sweetness endure till he rounds of what he terms Rescue Mission in four years time. I listened to his initial state broadcast and it struck deeply on what the people wanted him to do. He has picked the people he wants to help him deliver on his dreams and visions. I know some of the names he had there and don’t know most of the others but no one can quarrel with him on whomsoever he believes will help him transform Imo State. That is his prerogative and he must wield it however he feels it can best help him deliver. But I must counsel him that Imo people are impatient and given the unwieldy expectations they have built on his mandate, he must start yielding results, hard verifiable results to Ndi Imo as soon as possible else the fidelity that drives the present mass reception will wane and the battle song will soon sound. I don’t want that to be his portion so he must work and work and work.
It is heartening to hear that Rochas wants to run a compact and lean government. It is even very gratifying that he had slashed the ubiquitous security vote to fund his pet idea of free compulsory primary and secondary education. It is great to know that he plans to plug wastes and the numerous drain pipes through which government funds are siphoned. With such tight fisted resolves, I am sure that he will do wonders for the parched Imo people who have been denied the fruits of real governance since the glorious Mbakwe days.
Good he has come out to state he will run a fourth tier of governance, a thesis I prescribed long ago and which was widely published. That remains the best way to make governance work for the people and he will see the fruits of such bold concept in a short while. What he needs to do is to audit the recognized leadership of the Town Unions and if possible conduct credible elections as the base of grassroots democracy and have them identify pressing community problems for his government to work on. Good he has promised to review the state of the moribund industrial base Mbakwe established to see to its resuscitation and create jobs for the teeming unemployed population of the state. He should remain on track, follow this outline and measure his success or otherwise not with the satiated bleating of his adulators but on the satiated looks on the faces of Imo people. He must know there are hardly rooms for swindles here!
For him to succeed, he must learn to simplify governance, the needs of the people and the best possible ways to realize them. He should understudy the Peter Obi governance in Anambra and see the great impetus in simplifying governance and the methods to deliver. He should ensure that contracts are not burgeoned out of proportion and must ensure that contract sums match the works done. In short, he must not pander to the Nigerian contract culture whereby contracts are seen as means of settling party space fillers and yeo men. That means he will always be on the field to track and monitor project execution. He should not migrate to utopia and think his commissioners and advisers will do this very important task for him. He has to be firmly on ground, visiting and revisiting project sites, evaluating and re-evaluating contracts to ensure they are timely delivered and of the best quality. He should leverage on the community spirit of the Imo man and see where to partner with the people and the communities in executing critical projects in the various Imo communities. He has enough trust of the people to tap into on this important factor.
Governor Rochas must not seek to build another amorphous caste of rent seekers who go under various funny names as ‘stakeholders’, ‘apex leaders’ and other appellations. These are idle courtiers, fawners free loaders, with shifting interests, who live on handouts from the state and who misrepresent issues about the people at every turn. He must relate directly with the people for it is there the real strength lies. He must not be afraid to go to the people and render his steward and must always be ready to be roused to attend to their needs and problems. He should look into tapping on the abundant raw materials in the state to create economic and employment opportunities. Tapping into the palm belt can create a huge industrial base that can power the economy of the state. The state could be made self sufficient in food production if the government has the will.
In some few months time, eager and anxious Imolites that savoured Rochas victory will return home for Christmas and other festivities. That is when his examination will begin for they will start judging him from what they see in the state of their roads, public facilities as well as the enhanced state of the urban areas. So he must start opening up the rural areas, fix urban facilities and uplift the infrastructural base of the state now.
All said, Owelle Rochas is on the very portals of history and it will not be long for the people to know where he stands or what he makes of this historic golden opportunity. I bet every Imo man wants him to succeed because his success translates to that of the state and that of the people. He must take the current now that it serves and write his name in gold. I wish him God’s Speed!
Peter Claver Oparah
Ikeja, Lagos.
E-mail: peterclaver2000@yahoo.com
Comments
21 comment(s)
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Keep away from PDP?
Submitted by Rick James (not verified) on June 27, 2011 - 12:33.
Who is telling Rochas to keep away from PDP? Where did he belong before he defected to APGA, for obvious reasons anyway? We should talk less of party, which we have in their millions,anyway, all without ideology. We must focus on relatively clean individuals who can satisfy the masses and not milk them for their selfish ends. Some milling around Rochas don't fit this category and I believe the peoples governor knows this. Ride on Rochas.As for Peter Claver, you cant cow him. He has right to his opinion
Keep away from PDP?
Submitted by Rick James (not verified) on June 27, 2011 - 12:27.
Who is telling Rochas to keep away from PDP? Where did he belong before he defected to APGA, for obvious reasons anyway? We should talk less of party, which we have in their millions,anyway, all without ideology. We must focus on relatively clean individuals who can satisfy the masses and not milk them for their selfish ends. Some milling around Rochas don't fit this category and I believe the peoples governor knows this. Ride on Rochas.As for Peter Claver, you cant cow him. He has right to his opinion
To Uchenna and Obi Moore: So
Submitted by Justine Olewike (not verified) on June 23, 2011 - 15:04.
To Uchenna and Obi Moore: So what if Peter Claver Oparah ever wrote to praise Ohakim? Does it mean that whoever wrote anything or said anything in favour of Ohakim cannot make any positive contribution to Imo State? Which known Nigerian writer never wrote at a time to praise Ohakim? Rueben Abati did, Steve Nwosu did, Ocherome Nnanna did, Dr. Sobowale of Sunday Vanguard did, Louis odion did, Sam Omatseye did, and so many others. Does that disqualify them from advising Rochas? And what can these cheap solicitors say of Ohakim appointing Ohakim’s deputy into his cabinet? You guys should give me a break please!
@ Ben Uchenna, Let us agree
Submitted by John Eke (not verified) on June 23, 2011 - 14:35.
@ Ben Uchenna, Let us agree that Peter Claver did not criticize Ohakim. Maybe they are friends but does that disqualify him from advising Rochas? Pray, can you let us into what you did to criticize Ohakim as his regime lasted or were you immuned from criticism? This is the type of sycophancy that destroyed Ohakim and I believe Rochas should watch more closely those that pretend to love him more than himself.
Obi Moore, It seems you are
Submitted by Okechi (not verified) on June 23, 2011 - 13:42.
Obi Moore,
It seems you are looking for favours from Rochas. Know the best way to go about it and not trying to attack others. I don’t think Peter Claver Oparah is looking for anything from Rochas, at least not from what he wrote here. If he wants anything, he should know the best way to go about it and not the childish manner you are adopting. He has a name and if Rochas should appoint Ohakim’s deputy as a commissioner, that shows saying something good for Ohakim is not a disability if Peter Claver actually wants his job.
@ Obi Moore and Uchenna. I
Submitted by Chilaka Onuoha (not verified) on June 23, 2011 - 13:00.
@ Obi Moore and Uchenna. I don’t think you know Peter Claver and before you comment on any person, do a little check on the person’s background. if you had done that, you will certainly understand Peter Claver and his writings. Peter Claver has pedigree. I am an avid reader of his and I believe he means well for Imo State, Ndigbo and Nigeria in general. Granted, he did one or two articles commending one or two good moves by Ohakim at the earlier stages and that was because Ohakim really started well but derailed at the later stages. I had been foraging the internet and newspapers to read Peter Claver applaud Ohakim as he degenerated and never saw any. Criticism doesn’t entail seeing everything bad in a particular regime. You might think you are doing a good job clapping for Rochas but antecedents matter in most of these things. Peter Claver has got antecedents and has really worked over several years for the well being of Ndigbo.
Please Gov. Rochas; KEEP AWAY FROM PDP! God is not fooled.
Submitted by otitokoro (not verified) on June 23, 2011 - 08:54.
Please Gov. Rochas; KEEP AWAY FROM PDP! God is not fooled.
May the grace of the Lord abound to you; that in all things; at all times; having all that you need; will abound in all good works.
I dont think so
Submitted by igwe otu (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 21:01.
"..He was pitted against the rich and powerful of the state who massed around in different shades but with the people solidly behind him, he was able to secure a deserved triumph." I dont think so. People of Imo state have had enough of Ikedi..
@Peter Claver Oparah, Thanks
Submitted by obi moore (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 20:07.
@Peter Claver Oparah, Thanks but no thanks for your article and advise to Rochas Okorocha. Your advise would have been useful to Ohakim but you chose to be his praise singer while his admnistration lasted. I hope your article is not meant to curry some patronage from Rochas, you and your ilks should leave Rochas alone. Rochas has shown to be committed to his campaign promises as evidenced in the actions he has taken so far. We the Imolites expect nothing but perfomance from him, we understand the limited resources of the state and also know that if prudently managed can make great impact in the lives of Imolites.
Arrest Ohakim for embezzling Owerri airport lighting N200million
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 20:06.
He has to arrest Ohakim for the embezzlement of the N200million fund provided by FG for the lighting of Owerri Airport. If he has not done that, he is not serious.
But Peter Clavar was Ohakim's trumpet blower in those ugly days.
Submitted by Ben Uchenna (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 19:11.
Peter Claver was among the earliest of ex-Governor Ikedi Ohakim's trumpet blowers. Peter Claver clapped and danced for Ohkaim right from Ohakim's launch of IRROMA to his deceptive "clean and green" programme in a state where most people hardly have access to pipe-borne water. How can an honest person make clean and green his political pursuit in a state where people have no drinking water? And throughout the period of Ohakim's misrule of Imo state, Peter Claver never raised an issue against Ohakim the governor; only for Peter Claver to come here now to statrt to seek attention as usual. I beg, Governor Okorocha, be careful.
Okorocha will be the Nigerian
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 17:06.
Okorocha will be the Nigerian President of Igbo extraction. But first he should serve 8 years in Imo State. Thereafter, the Nigerian President of Igbo extraction fits Okorocha well.
rochas i know you will do well
Submitted by Rosemary MacDonald (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 16:33.
i have read a few messages sent to Rochas concerning creation of other cities in orlu and ideato.Rochas was voted in by all Imolites and development should get to all local governments in imo.checkout Uzoagba that doesnt take up to 20mins to town does not have road to it and thereby making okada to take advantage of people.Rochas should make sure he stops the hotel bussiness in owerri.people should build factories and create employment for our youth and stop promoting prostitution by building hotels.
Rochas should please monitor his commissioners and make sure you see things with your eyes,visit sites yourself,thats fashola's secrete
Well captured and presented, thank you Claver Opara
Submitted by chika nwosu (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 16:00.
I am sure, the writer is an Igbo man who has the blood of Indi-Igbo flowing in his veins. Igbos do not want to be beggars, for that is what successive governments after that of Mbakwe has turned them into. This is a wise counsel to a man who has the opportunity that millions of Igbos of Imo origin dream of and rightfully so. I pray that Owelle Rochas will listen to wise counsel. I know that his free education to orphans benefited some children I know. I hope he applies the same spirit, for Imo can be likened to that orphan who needs all the nurturing and nourishment that was examplified in that program (Rocha's Foundation). The only difference now is that in this case, he has the resources of the state to utilize. Time will tell and God willing we will all be alive to see how Rochas appreciates and accounts for this God given opportunity.
Well capture and presented, thank you Claver Opara
Submitted by chika nwosu (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 15:50.
I am sure, the writer is an Igbo man who has the blood of Indi-Igbo flowing in his veins. Igbos do not want to be beggars, for that is what successive governments after that of Mbakwe has turned them into. This is a wise counsel to a man who has the opportunity that millions of Igbos of Imo origin dream of and rightfully so. I pray that Owelle Rochas will listen to wise counsel. I know that his free education to orphans benefited some children I know. I hope he applies the same spirit, for Imo can be likened to that orphan who needs all the nurturing and nourishment that was examplified in that program (Rocha's Foundation). The only difference now is that in this case, he has the resources of the state to utilize. Time will tell and God willing we will all be alive to see how Rochas appreciates and accounts for this God given opportunity.
Its not about politics
Submitted by Justice Umoke (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 15:11.
Let me tell you a secret, its not Rochas or GEJ that Nigerians are proud of, but NigerianPro.com. Join other professionals now.
Well capture and presented, thank you Claver Opara
Submitted by chika nwosu (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 14:56.
This is well written and I am sure, the writer is an Igbo man who has the blood of Indi-Igbo flowing in his veins. Igbos do not want to be beggars, for that is what successive governments after that of Mbakwe has turned them into. This is a wise counsel to a man who has the opportunity that millions of Igbos of Imo origin dream of and rightfully so. I pray that Owelle Rochas will listen to wise counsel. I know that his free education to orphans benefited some children I know. I hope he applies the same spirit, for Imo can be likened to that orphan who needs all the nurturing and nourishment that was examplified in that program (Rocha's Foundation). The only difference now is that in this case, he has the resources of the state to utilize. Time will tell and God willing we will all be alive to see how Rochas appreciates and accounts for this God given opportunity.
Owelle Rochas has started well
Submitted by Vitalis N Ndawii,Rome,Italy (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 14:54.
"He should ensure that contracts are not burgeoned out of proportion and must ensure that contract sums match the works done:He should not migrate to utopia and think his commissioners and advisers will do this very important task for him.He has to be firmly on the ground,visiting and revisiting project sites,evaluating and re-evaluating to ensure they are timely delivered and of the best quality" .....Well spoken mr Opara,an honest advise from a true and concerned patriot.One only hopes Owelle Rochas reads this.
Good Advice
Submitted by Newmind (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 14:49.
Good article,good advice.
I am particularly glad you acknowledged the simplicity, sincerity and giant strides of Peter Obi in Anambra state.
I hope both states will serve as reference points to lunch APGA into other southeastern states and beyond.
ENOUGH OF ONE-CITY STATE: ENHANCE THE STATUS OF OKIGWE & ORLU
Submitted by Orji Clems (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 14:36.
Governor Okorocha,
Like this writer pointed out, please uplift the development status of the other urban centres of Okigwe and Orlu. For close to 35 years, especially since the carving away of Abia state from the old Imo state, we have had all the state government's efforts concentrated mostly on having a one-city state. It has been doing Imo state a lot of harm.
rochas
Submitted by chrisemekaint@yahoo.com (not verified) on June 22, 2011 - 13:18.
well done rochas as you know ideato north and south have the worst network of roads in imo state well that happens to be where you come from , even your opponents in the just concluded election which you won did attest to this assertion.
