Overhaul implies an examination of a machine or system, including doing repairs on it or making changes to it. It is indeed an act of maintaining a system and ensuring its proper function to produce the needed result of a people.
“All that glitters it is said are not gold”. It is the likely situation in Rivers State where many behold things to have been done right while a critical examination reveals that things are out of place especially during the era of immediate past administration were no one was ready to challenge or question the outgone governor over certain things.
A summary or overview of the past administration in the state saw the head of that government, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi embarked on projects or services in the guise of developing the state but the truth remains he was deceiving the people, diverting whatever proceeds or sums meant for such projects into unproductive ventures, many believed.
None of former governor Amaechi’s aids, friends or beneficiaries were worried or challenged to question him on his refusal to interface with the transition committee that was headed by his deputy Engr. Tele Ikuru. What was his reason for disallowing free transition in the state if there was nothing hidden in that government?
Other PDP controlled states did allowed transition including the federal government which has continued to be remembered by president Mohammadu Buhari himself, then what was Mr. Amaechi’s problem, is Rivers State his personal estate or APC’s property?
Ex-Governor Amaechi refusal to work with the transition committee constituted by the incoming present government or setting up his own for proper handover then, obvious looting of government house might not be unconnected with whatever he is about to see. Call it probe, investigation or whatever, Amaechi deserves it since he has constituted himself above the law of natural justice.
Rivers State requires overhauling and if that is to be done it must begin with the immediate past Amaechi’s administration. One would convince any reason indigene of the state that probe is eminent. A look at the much noise and self praise development on the education sector would annoy anyone to as well as join in the probe. The several schools’ building and health centres built in the State are without desks and facilities in it not to mention the many abandoned ones. That government has made noise over construction of school buildings across the state but how many have actually been completed, equipped and put into use. The same was applicable with the health centres, and if Issues Abattoir would ask where are the funds earmarked for those projects when they are either not completed or put into use, leaving the pupils at the mercy of unwanted attacks and as well exposes them to danger.
Some of the roads constructed by that administration could better be said to have gone with the administration. Rivers monorail does not in anyway deserve mention since it is considered a conduit pipe even by novice in the workings of government. Indeed road projects of Amaechi’s led government were in the upland areas while those at the riverine suffers untold hardship occasion on the governor’s insensitivity against the people. What happened to the ever busy creek road that even claimed lives during the said excavation work. The Trans-Kalabari roads, Unity roads, Borikiri roads among others were not only abandoned but used to siphon funds meant to develop the state.
A state where technical issues like budget was passed in less than three hours of a day, what does it need other than overhauling?
A state where employments were lopsided and without due process, appointments were made and sworn in at night what does it requires? What else does a state where elders lost respect need if not overhaul? When virtually all the commissions lost their taste and leak their mouths over things that are transient, what does such state requires? A state where the number one product of rule of law who ought to exhibit and live by example turned against the judiciary and legislature, what does such battered system need?
In every way one may look at it, say or criticize the expected reformation and ongoing process of sanitizing the system the truth remains that Rivers State needs overhauling.
Can anyone ever imagine ex-governor Amaechi rate his administration over that of the first military administrator, King Alfred Diette Spiff’s in a state where the obvious was that the immediate past government owed worker over 4 months salaries, his own traffic outfit-TIMARIV over 8 months, sports ministry over 8 months salaries, and so on.
Efforts geared toward making a new state by the current administration led by the Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is without gainsaying a welcome development and must be sustained.
While Issues Abattoir commends the Wike led government for overhauling this battered state, it is also advisable that those to be entrusted with responsibilities in the various areas in the state should uphold the tenets of offices they holds above their personal interest and further work in consonance with constitutional provisions that guarantees their appointments, so as not to be found wanting in the discharge of their duties.
It is also kudos to the legislature who amidst several interests considers Rivers interest above self to carryout their over sight functions in keeping the state on the fast lane of recovery from the mess and shock meted to it by previous government.
The activities of the 8th Rivers Assembly in the state has truly exposed the people to the unimaginable tricks and selfishness carried out by people entrusted with leadership positions.
Indeed, this overhaul is in the best interest of the growth of the state, her people and for development and it is a step in the right direction. ###
With James Mgboineme
