I ’ll create massive wealth for the people - Ikoli

 

…..Unveils road map

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Anthony George-Ikoli has unveiled his road map ahead of the November 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State.

George-Ikoli said Monday in a meeting with party faithful, community leaders and youths in Yenagoa that the road map was aimed at changing the erstwhile narratives and bringing about a rejuvenation of the fortunes of the people.

A former attorney general and commissioner for justice in the state, George-Ikoli said if elected, he would build on the strengths of the state.

“Bayelsa State is bound all sides by the Atlantic ocean and such the easiest way to build prosperity among its many poor inhabitants is by using this most abundant resource and opportunity provided by nature. It is incumbent upon us to build a new economy that delivers the most people out of poverty using the resource closest to them but improving the means by which they engage it. We will implement seafood processing and export hubs where we can develop an international seafood brand with the private sector and in the same vein improve and modernize the fishing practices of the average fisherman currently surviving on subsistence fishing. My administration will work tirelessly to exploit areas where our state has a clear competitive advantage in agriculture and aquaculture. It is my belief that we can earn substantial income from industrial seafood and cash crop processing and export.”

Tagged ‘’Rapid Socio-Economic Transformation of Bayelsa State’’, George-Ikoli promised that as governor, he would focus on the grassroots.

“A new day is possible with single minded dedication and dogged determination. We can grow a new economy and expand our GDP up to five times its current size. By developing 12 of Bayelsa’s most picturesque beaches, we can create autonomous economic zones that develop the communities at the grassroots into power houses of economic growth. My vision is a technology, manpower and tourism hub that sparks to life a sustainable livelihood for the people at the grassroots which invariably will attract young people away from the temptations that push them into militancy and social vices.”

He pledged to overhaul the education sector in Bayelsa State and better the lives of its teeming inhabitants.

“Our education plan includes an overarching strategy to overhaul not only our formal instruction methodologies but our teacher training capabilities with the new methods of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Under my watch, professionalism will return to the teaching profession and teachers will be accorded the confidence building environment that will enable them produce the next generation of intellectuals and builders within the ranks of our children. Under my watch, Bayelsa will take the lead in all the current educational metrics and set a benchmark for learning in the region. We must make ready the next generation of Bayelsans, for the challenges of the future will be lot more daunting than the inconveniences of the present. We can no longer stay aloof, feeling sorry for ourselves or reminisce about a past that once was. The time for strong determined action is now.”

He also promised to provide good drinking water, electricity and good network of roads in the state.

“Our people deserve access to basic infrastructure that makes life easier and commerce accessible. My administration will spend less time admiring its achievements and more time building the frameworks that forever banish poverty from our land.’’

The legal luminary spoke about the challenges in the health sector and what the people should expect.

“My government will ensure that every individual in Bayelsa is registered to a Health Maintenance Organisation tied to a state issued identity card that doubles as HMO card. This card will amongst other things guarantee subsidized health services for all and free healthcare for pregnant women, the elderly and young children. Under my watch, Bayelsa will have properly staffed and equipped primary health centres within a strategically located minimum radius of a general hospital for easy referrals and expeditious ambulatory evacuation. My government will introduce private sector led air, land and sea ambulances initiative to improve evacuation services for serious cases and improve outcomes for the generality of Bayelsans.’’

He also spoke on true federalism, resource control, accelerated progress and regional infrastructure.

“As governor, it will be my singular mission to return respect and responsibility to our region where countless challenges daily confront our people from within and from outside. With my background in the law, I will move expeditiously to bring the battle for resource control and restructuring to the centre stage and look to implement personal ideas that may hasten the implementation of this long neglected objective of fairness and justice. Our region can take a stand against the current and past injustices and bring the justified prominence our region deserves to the fore. I will also push for the integration of our regional infrastructure like railways, roads and ports to expand the possibilities of prosperity of our region.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) vowed to strengthen the revenue base of the state, empower the people, create job opportunities for the youths and encourage business investments and economic growth.

“My administration will religiously set aside funds into a Bayelsa Sovereign Fund with which we will undertake a future savings fund and project guarantee from, from where we will issue matching guarantee for the many large scale infrastructure projects we will undertake under a strategic PPP programme.’My administration will focus on far reaching judicial reform that ensures law, order and decency become a way of life of the average Bayelsan.”

Credit: Ebireri Henry Ovie

Rivers 2019 Poll: party disunity at the state level was not what lost us the election - Princewill

Prince Tonye  Princewill one time gubernatorial candidate of Action Congress and Labour Party in Rivers State,  currently a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in this explosive interview throws light on some seemingly knotty issues confronting Nigeria and Nigerians.

This great mind commonly referred to as the Prince of Niger Delta Politics proffers solution on how the Rivers APC issue can be solved.

Excerpt:

After the 2019 elections where the APC was excluded in Rivers state, are there efforts to carry out a comprehensive reconciliation among members and where does the party in the state stand ahead of 2023?

Anybody who wants to win, wants peace. Especially anyone who is not blinded by ambition. I know peace efforts were made before the elections and I suspect peace efforts will be made again soon. But it has to be initiated from outside in. That means it is the duty of the party to find a way to bring all sides back to the table. The national office in my opinion is best placed to midwife a genuine peace process. Disagreements are commonplace in politics. Friction is a function of interaction. So we await the party. Clearly as the dust begins to settle and Ministers are put in place, the need for a state by state reconciliation will come to the front burner. 

I will say however that party disunity at the state level was not what lost us the election. It was disunity at the national level buoyed by a few in the judiciary and in INEC that were willing to use the guise of local issues to implement a plan hatched in Rivers State government house. We were naive to think that those threatened by Amaechi, were only in PDP. Now we know that was not the case. His unadulterated closeness to Buhari and his refusal to “play” with some of his fellow leaders at the national level meant that his enemies became Wike’s friends. If an Amaechi without a state government is so influential, an Amaechi with a Rivers state government would be unstoppable. 2019 for us was about 2023, not 2019. Amaechi was taught a lesson and we in Rivers state paid for it, through no fault of our own. 

Anybody weak enough, can be induced to be disunited. Our fault, was we underestimated how much Amaechi was hated within his own team. So at the federal level, we were really in government, but we were not in power. That lesson has been learnt and filed away for the history books. 

The new cabinet is in place now. What agenda would you set for them and what are your expectations? Some say they may not give the administration the needed push to achieve the expected goal. 

The agenda has been set by the President and so it’s not for me to do that, but I would expect that it will be a more intense pace and higher targets. This President won an election with the media against him, the elite against him, ethnic bigots against him, religious zealots against him, the Generals against him and the West against him. At one point I suspected he even had some people in INEC against him. All he had going for him were his APC die hards and the masses. This victory is for them. That means he has to deliver on the things that are important to them. Jobs, an improved fight against corruption with several high profile convictions, improved power distribution, rail infrastructure networks and a further acknowledgment of industries outside of oil like agriculture, the creative sector and information technology. 

As for the capacity of the cabinet to give the administration the needed push, I think it’s the other way around. The administration from the top is the one doing the pushing. Buhari has his legacy to protect. Ministers have been given their marching orders and any who fall short will be denied the glory of their posts. 

At the national level, the party seems to be fragmented along interest lines. There are those who feel your party, is losing its goodwill and that the party may not be in reckoning come 2023, particularly considering that the cult-like followership of President Buhari will no longer be there. How do you react to that?

It was the former British Prime Minister that said “A week is a long time in politics.” That applies here too. My prediction is that there will be an alignment and realignment of interests leading up to the next elections. We see it all the time. It’s nothing new. What may be new, is the President may sign into law a new electoral act that will introduce electronic voting. People will become more important to politicians if that is the case. In many states that has not been the case. Both the APC and the PDP will be affected by this and it means the possibility of a third force will become more likely. 

I agree APC will need to begin to reflect on life after Buhari. Like I said earlier, it was Buhari that won that election, against all odds. So if he isn’t there, it will be different. But if Buhari raises the hand of anyone, he or she already has a head start over the opposition. Buhari won’t raise anyone’s hand in 2023 unless he genuinely believes that such a person can do justice to Nigeria and take her to the promise land. It will be that person versus someone who can take us back to the days of sharing and I know, in the end, the progressives under whatever banner, will win again. 

Amaechi is perceived in certain quarters as a stumbling block in Rivers APC and not a rallying point. He couldn't stomach Magnus Abe, Lulu Briggs and a few others who left the party for him because they alleged he imposed Tonye Cole. You are a strong force within. What is your take? 

Thank you for that question. Let me start by saying, I am not a strong force, just a very stubborn politician who will not play politics as usual. I am easy to understand. My loyalty to party is not at the expense of my loyalty to my people. As long as my party respects my people, my party can have no problem with me. Who are my people? The youths, the vulnerable, the disabled, the masses, the Niger Deltans, the Ijaws, Rivers people and of course, the Kalabari Kingdom. Mess with any of these groups and you have messed with me. It is therefore impossible to impose where I am seated. I won’t take it. Amaechi did not impose anyone on us, he did not even allow the writing of results at the ward, LGA and state congresses. He, like his father Buhari, became an extreme democrat. The amount of sincere consultations we did in Rivers state, impressed even a sceptic of our politics like me. I’ve been a victim of the popular will being reversed many times before and I can tell you, that didn’t happen in Rivers state. Yes it’s true Amaechi expressed an opinion as to Tonye Cole at the end, but he did so only after we gave him that option. I was one of the last to agree. But I know Amaechi has genuine love at the grassroots and the best way to fight the opposition was lining up behind one position, no matter whose ox was gored. Can I agree behind close doors and reject it publicly? No. I can not do that. We the leaders agreed on the process of choosing a candidate and we agreed on Tonye Cole - collectively. With respect to my brother, the distinguished Senator Magnus Abe, he jumped the gun and expressed an interest to contest very very early. Amaechi refused to endorse him, but he was left free to express his views and free to associate, including with Wike. He could never have won, so he ensured nobody won. I’m sure he is very happy about how he made his point. Wike owes a lot to him. 

We are experiencing dwindling external reserves and the GDP isn't encouraging. In specific terms, what do you think should be done by the next cabinet to drive the economy, particularly from its mono cultural status? 

There are a lot of things they can do sector by sector, but I think there are a few areas that I see quick wins. Improved agricultural output is already a priority and I expect that this Federal government will do even more. Same for infrastructure. We need more rail, roads, better ports and airports. Our refineries also need to be online and effective. Decades have passed without progress. That is no more. 

But two areas are dear to me. The first is that I want the power sector to be a key target and I want to see it improved, especially at the level of distribution. It really should be a standalone ministry with someone who is prepared to fall on his sword. This issue frustrates me so much so I took time to study it. No matter how much we generate, we don’t have the infrastructure to distribute more than 4,000 MW. The discos are a bottle neck and I now see why. The issue needs to be addressed. No excuses. Get back power and you give power to the people. You reduce their costs, you improve their quality of life, you attract manufacturing, you give them jobs, you light up their neighbourhoods and you reduce insecurity. 

The next area for me is the creative industry, our music, our film, our comedians, our artists and our collective culture, popularly called the entertainment industry. This is the life blood of our youths and one of the largest employers of labour. I see that the CBN and BOI are doing a good job of recognizing them, but they need to do more and this has to be a serious and a directly supervised initiative by the executive under the ministry of information and culture and supported by justice. When I produced 76, it not only sold Nigerians to the world, it sold Nigeria, it sold Africa to the world. Sent out positive images. That is what Burna Boy, Davido, Genevieve, Mo Abudu and others are doing on a daily basis. Where therefore is the institutional support for them? The Obi of Onitsha once taught me that if you want to help people run, first help the ones who can already walk. Then you can help those who are crawling. One can not fly into flying. The creative sector has serious players. Men and women are putting their hard earned cash into the sector. They are worthy of our support. 

Do these things well and see the economy begin to grow. It’s not rocket science. 

You have been around for long: a friend to Atiku, you worked with Tinubu in 2007 and you are one of Amaechi's confidants. Yet you are at home in the Villa. How have you been able to manage or negotiate around all these power blocks and tendencies in our polity? 

I am a willing student and I did not join politics for what I can take. I joined for what I can give. Both Atiku and Asiwaju brought me up very well politically. Atiku gave me the opportunity to contest and allowed me a voice, Asiwaju stood by me and gave me the tools to fight for justice. They both handed me over to Amaechi even though they both denied it at the time. I now know why. Since then, we have been a team, even though his refusal to support me for Governor kept me away from him for a while. All politics is local and so in Rivers state, you are either with Wike or Amaechi. I’ve tried the third party option. It doesn’t work. There is no way I can work with Wike. As for the villa and the Presidency, I believe in Buhari and I’m not alone. 90% of my LGA agreed with me. He got our votes. We rejected anything and everything associated with Wike and we have seen a man for the masses. I’m sure they see that in me. 

With the problems that trailed APC's adoption of direct primaries in some states of the Federation, do you see it as a better method than indirect primaries?

If well managed, it can be a solution to many of our problems. It’s expensive and it can be an invitation to violence, but if you can check that, I will forever be an advocate for it. 

The Buhari administration has faced strong criticisms from Nigerians who feel he is not holding on to his campaign promises, especially in the area of fight against corruption. Would you not agree that the fight against corruption could be better fought?

Of course it could be better fought, there is room for improvement. I will be the first to agree with this. But let us not be fooled by those who think nothing is being done or no significant progress is being made. Critics are available like sand. I ignore them. What I listen our for are the constructive critics. They want to see more high profile convictions and fast tracking of cases and their wishes are being heard. I am reminded what a banker once told me. He said he can’t make it impossible for people to steal money, what he can do is make it harder and harder for them. 

From your arguments, it is obvious you consider the last governorship election in Rivers State as a sham but there are those who would argue that Governor Wike is solidly on the ground in that state and that he understands the politics better and has earned for himself the sobriquet, Mr. Project in Rivers.  What is the chance that APC has with another 4 years of Wike? 

INEC declared him Governor. So that is what he is until the Judiciary says otherwise or till his four year term expires or God takes control to the contrary. We all know it was a sham, it’s not breaking news. What was a surprise was who and who were involved. But now we know. He is now planning to endorse Austin Opara as his successor because he has seen that cash is King. Anybody can be bought. The media, the police, the judiciary, the opposition and the youths. He knows our moral fibre is weak and that hunger has left many of us thinking with our stomachs and not our heads. We are here and watching. Let the buying begin. APC’s chances depend on APC. If like in 2015 and 2019, you predicted a President without Rivers, that may not be the case going forward. We need candidates who are popular, grass-rooted and can appeal across party lines. At all levels. We can’t afford a disgruntled electorate. 

You're a southerner. Many people from that region have vehemently protested against federal government's proposed Ruga settlement for normadic herders. Where do you stand on this very sensitive national debate? 

Yes I am a southerner, but I’m also a Nigerian and I would like to think I am fairly reasonable in my thinking. The position is that unless a state wants it, the settlement will not happen. The former Minister of Agriculture being from Benue state and being a farmer is reported to have maybe tried to establish one without the permission of the state. That action has since been stopped in its tracks. So what’s the fuss? How many ways can you say No? I think that the Federal Government has got the message. The mistrust fueled by irresponsible actions on all sides means that the government needs to go with only those states that are ready. If the trust is rebuilt and other states see that it can profit from RUGA, then they can adopt it. Not before. One Nigeria is also about respect for each other. 

Would you say you're satisfied with the state of security in Nigeria presently and what are your suggestions to bringing about enduring peace?

Satisfied with security is a luxury we cannot afford. There is a lot of work to be done. But unlike many who see security as strictly a Federal Government assignment, I see it as much much more than that. Seeing what insecurity has done to Rivers state, I know the limits of the Federal Government. I also know the limits of the police. Taking Rivers state as a case study, we see you need social security too. Free health and free education and the refocus on the creation of jobs have a direct correlation with insecurity. The fact that we are No 1 in unemployment can not be unconnected with our levels of insecurity. Is that strictly Federal Government? No. Is that a police problem? No. Nigerians focus on Abuja as a fallout of military regimes gone by. They have not upgraded their thinking to what goes on in their states or in their local governments. As a result of this archaic and analog thinking, they give Governors a free certificate to deliver if they like. Not me. 

I can go on and on about what to do as I have done in the past, but I’m not sure anyone is listening. The absence of consequence is the beginning and the end of the problem. If it is profitable to be disruptive and a menace to society, why would people not be? If arming youths actually wins elections, why won’t armed youths be a new normal? And if that is the new normal and there are no jobs, why won’t there be insecurity? I have said we need to be tough on crime, but also on the causes of crime. I’m glad The US embassy has taken some action following the elections. Albeit a tap on the wrist. We know what to do but for selfish reasons, we don’t or won’t want to do it. Support the right people to lead even if you have to make a personal sacrifice. That is what I have done. I try to lead by example. 

Ikoli tasks Sylva on host community rights, derivation, others

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopeful in Bayelsa State, Barrister Anthony George-Ikoli on Saturday urged the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva to consider issues relating to host community rights, derivation, environmental protection and increased participation of the young people in the industry in the formulation of his agenda for the country.

“Whilst such appointments should not be viewed from a purely parochial lense, I believe the fortuitous nature of same presents an opportunity for issues that bedevil the development of our people in the Niger Delta to be diplomatically tabled and equitably resolved. Alongside this heartfelt congratulation, I invite you to consider issues relating to host community rights, derivation, environmental protection and increased participation of our young people in the industry in the formulation of your agenda for the illustrious office which you now hold” he said.

In a statement in Yenagoa, George-Ikoli advised the former governor of Bayelsa State to leave a lasting legacy.

“It is my sincere belief that your extensive industry background when you served as Special Assistant to King Edmund Dakouru who served in that same office and the political and administrative experience you garnered from your time as executive governor of Bayelsa state will put you in good stead to deliver on the demands of that office and ensure that you leave a lasting indubitable legacy’’

Signed by Ike Oguike, Director, Ikoli Campaign Organization, the legal luminary urged Sylva to address the issue of a workable Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

“It is my fervent hope that a Bayelsan will finally be the one who lays the thorny issue of a workable Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to rest for the benefit of all who operate and are affected directly and indirectly by the industry. It is my prayer that providence has already bestowed you with that singular achievement and all that is required is the matching focus to ensure imminent ratification’’ the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said.

He appealed to Sylva to lend support to the good people of Bayelsa State.

“As you are no doubt aware, I am myself contesting for my party’s nomination to become executive Governor of our dear state. It is my wish and expectation that when I am Governor, we may overlook partisan considerations and work together on some of the dire issues confronting our people as it relates to your very strategically important ministry. It is my prayer that we as Bayelsans find ways to continually reach across the political divide for the good of our people. There is much urgent work to do and too little time in which to do it” he added. 

Award of Excellence: Eze declines nomination

...Cites need to give more devotion to 'the struggle'

A vocal good governance advocate in the Niger Delta, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has declined accepting the Oil City Advancement Awards 2019, citing personal reasons.

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze

Eze, according to the organisers of the awards, had been nominated due to his "immense contributions towards humanity and service towards ensuring peace, development and advancement of the Niger Delta region".

However, responding to the award offer, Eze, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an opinion moulder in the oil-rich region, said he had to turn the offer of award down for now so he could work more dedicatedly and become more worthy of the honour in future, even as he expressed gratitude to the award organisers.

According to him, he had not achieved his actual mission in the region, which he said is to ensure the total enthronement of genuine democracy, through the election of APC government in the entire region, adding that until he achieves thist, he would not consider himself as being ready to accept an award for his inputs to what Niger Delta region is at the moment.

He also reassured the people of the region that he will not relent in his struggle to ensure that the region benefits from what is due to her in the politics of Nigeria being the main source of the wealth of Nigeria.

"I will beg to decline accepting this prestigious award at this time for reasons surrounding my devotion and the need to give more of my time to ensuring that the people of the region get a deserving good governance", he said.

ENDS