Odili and his critics: The missing link 

By 

Peter Amakiri

Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili has of late been a victim of unfair attacks from a camp of self-serving politicians obviously lamenting a loss, or lack of hold on power. The Governor’s focus regardless, the politicians which regrettably includes some of those with whom he struggled for power, are hell bent on distracting the Rivers State chief executive to the extent that criticising the medical doctor is not just made an occasional thing but a fulltime business. It is regrettable that rather than joining hands with the governor to right the wrongs of prolonged military rule, a section of Rivers political elites are busy bickering with the state government, simply because of self interests at the expense of the people’s desires.

The political elites in question notably Marshall Isokrari Harry and the deputy speaker, Mr. Chibudon Nwuche, have succeeded, as it were, in reducing Rivers State to some other states where in-fighting amongst their elders effectively distracted the governors from propelling the states towards growth and development. The fighters in Rivers are unfortunately too obsessed with their individual goals, to see the achievements of the governor; a thing that should have gladdened their hearts as a product of PDP led government.

The most uninteresting part of the war against Governor Odili is the one recently launched by Marshal Harry. This politician, who was with Odili during the governorship campaigns is unfortunately apparently fighting for selfish reasons. Recent interviews which he granted has shown that he is either angry for not getting contracts or gifts or alleged rejection of his advice to the governor. One just wonder at Harry’s ways of political quarrels. I remember him as a notable in the crisis that once engulfed the defunct Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM). His roles in that military politics as it concerned the near betrayal of then party chairman, Alhaji Gambo Lawan speaks volumes of Harry’s politics. That Harry of old who almost nailed GDM just before its dawn, is now working to undo the Rivers PDP as a prelude to a greater evil at the national level is not entirely new. What is surely worrisome is the fact that a so-called party elder will be this persistent in undermining the authority of the group in his own state. It is all the moreso because the party’s contest for victory was one fierce battle, which strained and stressed the psychology of party loyalists. It is really surprising therefore that after all those battles, a participant will ordinarily want to wish away a consolidation process for some selfish reasons.

For Nwuche, I know not why he was vociferous about his campaign of calumny against the governor. It is okay that he appears to be calming down in recent times. He really should. Here is a young man with a bright political career. If elders like Harry are misbehaving, should he tow their path rather blindly? There is absolutely nothing wrong for him to aspire to be Rivers State governor. But aspiration, it is advised, should be with discretion. And I advise discretion and moderation in the process or the pursuance of an ambition.

On a general role, one would ask why these people are insensitive to the efforts of the governor. There is a world of difference between constructive criticism and the destructive. It does appear that these Rivers notables, especially Marshal Harry prefer the destructive which innately hurts the human spirit.

For record purposes, Odili’s achievements have been celebrated in circles as evident in the urban renewal housing scheme in Port Harcourt, the Iriebe Satellite town development efforts, the development of the Adolescent Project (TAP) village, the Rivers Emergency Medical Service idea, the conception of the Gas Turbine station in Eleme, Rural Electrification efforts, procurement of transformers, renovation of tertiary institutions, hostels, the new Port Harcourt duplexes, and rehabilitation of Port Harcourt International Airport Road.

Irrespective of these, more projects are still said to be in the works. And this is Odili’s mid-term! One is surprised that the critical PDP leaders would not see the good in all these but would rather choose to celebrate verbal brigandage. It was apparently for these achievements that PDP congressmen got moved to say they were adopting Odili for a second term - an action that has drawn tears from the eyes of the opponents. They need not have headache afterall, as this is not supposed to be a do or die affair. The people are however there to judge. And by His Grace, they will judge in favour of Governor Odili.

It may also be necessary to know from the story of Rivers State if all these frictions are deserved. Available records states that Rivers, which was formally known as Oil Rivers Protectorate was created in 1967 by Decree No. 19. Situated in the centre of Nigeria’s hydro-carbon industry, "it is responsible for over 40% of crude oil produced on-shore in the country and 100% of the gas currently being exported to several countries of the world in liquefied form. In other words, Rivers State which is located in the Niger Delta, has a topography of flat plains netted in a marvelous web of Rivers and tributaries. Major amongst these Rivers are new Calabar, Orashi, Bonny, Sombeeiro, St. Bartholomeo and South Sahara. With a good climate, many rivers, vast areas of arable land, the people or Rivers State are predominantly farmers, fishermen and traders. Besides oil and gas, Rivers State is blessed with many other natural resources including timber and white sand beaches, all yearning for exploration".

With a total population of 3.9 million people; all coming from different tribes including Abua, Andoni, Ekpeye, Engenni, Etche, Igbani, Ikwerre, Kalabari, Ndoni, Ogba, Ogoni, Okrika, etc, the state is split into 13 local government areas into which these ethnic groups are all distributed.

Concerning economy, "Port Harcourt is Nigeria’s second commercial and industrial centre and has also the second largest seaport in the country after Lagos. It also has an international airport and marks the eastern terminal of Nigeria’s railway system, these apart the city boasts of four degree awarding institutions of higher learning, two oil refineries, a petrochemical plant, a fertilizer company and to date the only liquefied natural gas plant in Nigeria. No wonder, Rivers State is described as the investor’s heaven".

These continues to show that Rivers is a growing state with lots of promises. It is well endowed, well located, beside the rich history of human habitation. What it needs now is a perfect or near perfect complements of sincere leaders, not war lords, seeking "returns" from public till. The Rivers people can wait no more. Enough of distractions. Let us encourage Odili to succeed, for time is not on our side.