POLITICS: Credit Must Be Given To Chief James Ibori Who Stabilized While He Was Governor……..Eddie Ono Sorhue

CHIEF EDDIE ONO SORHUE

Chief Eddie Ono Sorhue (B.Sc. Political Science, M.Sc. Strategic Studies) erstwhile Chairman of Okpe LGA (defunct Bendel state) is presently a member of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council. 

A dedicated grassroots politician with strong loyalty to his people, Ono Sorhue has carved a niche for himself in the political permutations of Delta state, especially with his immediate constituency of Udu Local Government Area, where he equally served on its Council.

This amiable and highly knowledgeable chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP believes that his party stands out as the only true national party with strong presence in all the 774 LGAs with huge respect for the rule of law, respect for democratic norms and human rights.

Managing Editor of NAIJNEWSALERT, Emmanuel Onotevure spoke with Chief Eddie Ono Sorhue.

Read on:  

The militancy in the Niger Delta has continuously generated so much attention; locally and nationally with no end in sight.

As a stakeholder in the region, what are the contentious issues at stake and how can the militancy be curtailed so that the economy of the nation which has been strangulated through pipeline vandalism and criminality be restored?

The militancy in Niger-Delta Region or other militant groups like Oodu’a People Congress in the west, Boko Haram/Fulani herdsmen in the North, Indigenes People of Biafra amongst others, are all illegal groups enthroned to negotiate the future of their people. 

The government has recognized these illegal groups as means to negotiate on behalf of the people. This however is not the solution as more other groups will spring up from such groupings. Today, we have more than one group in each of the blocks claiming superiority over others. 

There are many contentious issues begging for answers ranging from true federalism to the military constitution which was handed over to us and forced upon us; Power sharing, Census and Federal Character among others. 

It is true that the forced marriage between the North and the South called amalgamation is the bane of our problems. Today, the country is sitting on a keg of gun powder ready to explode through ethnicity, religion, corruption, nepotism and greed. It is shameful as it is disgraceful, that, every arm of government institution must be headed by a Hausa-Fulani, ranging from the Armed Forces, Police, Customs, and the Prisons to the judiciary. 

The best place for a Southerner is in “acting capacity” until a substantive Hausa Fulani is found like the NDLEA, when Bode George’s wife was replaced. It will be surprising to us if they find a replacement for the acting Chief Judge of the Federation. We are waiting. 

In March 1947, Late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa categorically stated in a conference thus: "We shall demand our rights when the time is ripe, we do want independence", he warned. 

"We shall fight for it, if necessary but I should like to make it clear to you that if the British quits Nigeria now at this stage, the Northern people will continue their conquest to the sea" (Thought on Nigeria Constitution by Chief Obafemi Awolowo).

The conquest started in 1966 July when General Yakubu Gowon abrogated the Republican Constitution of 1963. The Rights of the Regions to resource control, was removed from the states and it became a National cake shared and determined by Federal Government. It is to be noted that before then, resources were controlled by the Regions; the era of groundnut pyramid in the North and cocoa in West while Palm oil and Rubber for East and Midwest respectively. The West and the North developed astronomically while the Midwest and East did not meet their share of development. 

At this point, oil had not become the main stay of Nigeria’s economy. Oil boom came with northern leaders owning majority of the oil blocks to the detriment (the conquest) of Niger Deltans. There are no known Niger Deltans who own oil blocks but, the North and South-west are saturated with this. 

They continued to treat us as conquered people. 

On the issue of Pipeline vandalization, it is saddening to note that these are reoccurring issues but then, the installation of Pipelines at our backyard are awarded as contracts to other people outside the region while the natives (youths) are hired by these contractors to pick the crumbs at no take home price. 

To enjoy peace in the region, the "conquests” must stop by recognizing the indigenes of the region. Happily the Federal Government has approved the 16 points demand as presented by E. K Clarke and his team, provided there will be no deceit, then, peace will return to the region.                                                                                                           

The Vice President was recently in Delta state where he was reported to have stated that the Nigerian oil would soon become valueless. He had also called on the region to join in the development of the region.

How do you react to that?

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s appeal for the development of Delta state and the region is well taken. However, there is no decent human who will wait for someone else to keep his own house clean, yet, I see the appeal as the only way for the Federal Government to meet up the 2.2mpd barrels per day to finance the 2017 budget. 

There have been so many Commissions of inquiry since 1958 on how to develop the Niger Delta. Which one had the government? If they had done so, the region cannot be what it is today. 

Life is not static as no one is afraid if the oil runs out tomorrow. There are other areas by which Niger Delta people can survive. For example, the whole region is aquatic and this can be harnessed to bring faster development than oil. If other regions survive with groundnut and cocoa in their time, I see no reason why the region can be otherwise. 

In the whole of Africa, only about 30% of the countries is oil producing and yet they are surviving and financing their budget. Let corruption and nepotism be expunged from our national character. Where were China, Japan and Malaysia in fact, Asia in the 1960s while Europe dominated? Asia is now preferred to Europe for business. The oil doom called boom should dry up and leave Niger Delta alone to develop. Without oil, we can grow.   

Sir, it is also rumoured that the seemingly lack of development of the region has been a recurring issue of concern and the blame has been put squarely on the doorsteps of the elites and leaders of the Niger Delta.

What is your reaction to these allegation(s)?

At a time, the states take home from the Federation account was much. This was not without struggle by the then Governors. 

Credit must therefore be given to former Governor of Delta state, His Excellency, Chief James Ibori who spearheaded the struggle for Resource Control. A popular musician, Daddy Shokey waxed a music piece titled; “Resource Control gentleman no deyooo”. It was this struggle that brought about 13% Derivation and DESOPADEC was set to administer the fund. Delta state can boast of infrastructural development within the period and time. Many people got employment through job creation in DESOPADEC and Local Government Councils. 

As it is today, there are councils with up to 500 persons as its staff strength, apart from the state wage bill which is about, Seven billion Naira, monthly. Since the drop in the price of oil at the inception of this administration, what accrues to Delta state has been drastically reduced, coupled with the termination of workers, have further affected the Internally Generated Revenue. Since allocations from the Federation Account nose-dived, the Government of Senator Arthur Okowa introduced other programmes of empowerment which is apart from the Agricultural development throughout the state with the training of youths while women are empowered according to their training or trade.

There is no Senatorial District where Governor Okowa has not touched in terms of infrastructural development. He rebuilt Ofagbe Technical School, Sapele Technical College and another one in the North Senatorial District. Communal clashes; where other refused to tread, he is addressing them. 

It is very pertinent that the gigantic strides of the Executive Governor of Delta state, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, must be acknowledged and applauded as they cut across the 25 LGs of the state in his less than two years in office.

This is coming despite the current economic recession that is facing the state and country which has stagnated development in many states but, what is confounding critics is the governor’s ability to “actualize these feats” in the construction of roads, new hospitals and schools that meet with modern days standards, empowerment of youths and many other achievements.

These have all been done with the meagre resources at his disposal and it only goes to prove a point that the Governor is indeed, imbued with managerial skills. In his about two years in office, Governor Okowa, who is fondly referred to by his admirers and political associates as “Ekwueme”, has indeed the respect of many.  

      

The elites and leaders are part of the society yet it cannot be said that they are responsible for it all. There are leaders and elites who are listening leaders. The state Governor gives a listening ear and the results are already out for those who are willing to acknowledge this.

Talking about the visit of the VP; many had expected that the Vice President would have paid a visit to the Orodje of Okpe, one of the very prominent Traditional Rulers in the zone but, for some unknown reasons, did not.

The blame has however been put on the State Governor. Sir, as a leader of your people, would you say this perceived “slight” has political connotations; that is, APC and PDP face-off?   

The good people of Delta State exonerated the Governor from the mix-up.  It is true that the Vice President landed at the Osubi Airport which is in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State yet the Vice President could not drive to Orerokpe or Effurun to pay courtesy visits to the Traditional Rulers. It was also rumoured that the bouquet of flowers was presented by someone outside Delta Central Senatorial District. If this is true, it is most insultive and humiliating. 

All these put together, sums the humiliation of the Urhobo Nation by the Vice President while our respected “Ivies” (Kings); from 9.30am to 4pm, were awaiting the arrival of the VP while Delta South Kings sat in their palaces to receive the August visitor. 

I thank the Urhobo “Ivies” who refused this disgrace and walked out. The configuration at the Petroleum Training Institute was more of Delta South agenda as E. K. Clarke, who seemingly presided at Gbaramatu was at the head of table. This was a misnomer as expected prominent Urhobo should have been allowed to sit at the high table. The Governor of Delta state apologized profusely over this mix-up. I hope the VP will correct these observed anomalies during the next visit he promised the youths.                                                                                                                                         

There are reports of crises in the umbrella body of the Urhobos; the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU and this has resulted in the body being factionalized.

Have the issues been resolved and again, how can such be averted in future so that the Urhobos can have one united front?

I don't know if the umbrella body of Urhobo is factionalized but, any organisation that worth its salt must be governed by rules and principles. It can't be said that Urhobo Progress Union which is over eighty years is without laws governing the union. 

I am aware that there is a constitution signed into law at the era of late Benjamin Okumagba. What has happened to the constitution? That constitution defined the roles of financial members of UPU. I am an Urhobo like many others but, how many Urhobos are financial members? Have these rules been religiously followed or, was the constitution thrown overboard to satisfy group interest? Credit must be given to former Governor James Ibori who stabilized the Union when he was governor of the State. Before then, erstwhile President Dr. Esiri had received many bites from those who were ignorant of the UPU constitution. They failed until Governor Ibori mediated the settlement that brought Late Benjamin Okumagba into office.

 

That constitution is still in force till today. It is said “you can't catch a cat by just pursuing but with patience, so let us be patient to deal with the situation”. Urhobos need to be heard; we must go back to the drawing board and forge a common understanding for the younger generation to emulate. Impunity is a language of war so we must be cautious of what we say against each other.

My prayer is that we identify quickly a “Pharaoh that knows Joseph” to take us from this quagmire. It is impossible for all of us to be of one opinion but, a simple majority can move us forward. Suffice to say this, the hullabaloo or the fight now is over who rules UPU is, because of 2019. 

What is your assessment of your state governor/government and what are the areas and aspects that can be improved upon for the good of the people of Delta state and in particular, the party (PDP)? 

I think I have adequately dealt with this from my answers on questions number 3 and 4. As a member of the State Advisory and Peace Building Council, I have a channel of communication with the Governor and if there are shortcomings on the party and Government, I can comfortably meet him and not through the pages of newspapers.

However, it is worthy of note that as Governor, Senator Okowa has done quite well within the short space of time in office which is highly commendable by any right thinking person. 

Some of the high points of the Okowa administration include the Reconstruction/Expansion of the Kefas Road/Old Emede Road/Uzere junction in Oleh, Isoko South LG, completion of the Palace Road in Owa-Oyibu, Ika North-east, Construction of Ikokogbe/Idumizomor Road, Owa-Oyibu in Ika North-east LGA, Construction of Onomigbo Street, Ejinyere/Orodje streets both in Orerokpe in Okpe LGA, Construction of Ejiyere, Dederu and Akemu streets (by Church of God Mission) in Warri South LGA. 

Others include the construction of Orikeze Street with a Spur to Orikeze Close in Ika South LG at Agbor, the Reconstruction of Oteri Township Road, Ughelli North LGA. Also, Idumu Ugboh Street with a spur of 113m to Godwin Emefiele Close in Agbor was constructed while the Access Road to Awaritse Industrial Park, Obitugbo (Phase) 1 in Warri North LGA (Koko) and the Access Road to Ani-Ikpeku (Palace road) Igbodo Igbodo also got the government’s attention.

Also, the access road to the Orthopedic Surgical Wards and Doctors Quarters, among others, received extensions to make the way for free flow of vehicular traffic in Asaba, the state capital.

The ancient city of Sapele had its major trunk road; from the Amukpe Round-about by the Sapele/Warri Expressway to A.T & P round-about (the largest timber factory in Africa) in Sapele LGA dualized. The Ughelli-Afiesere-Ofuoma Road in Ughelli north LGA was constructed while the Nnebisi Road (from Traffic Light junction to Cable point) in the state capital was dualized. The state government also undertook the expansion and upgrading of the Tankers Park, Ekpan in Uvwie LGA and the main Axial Road at Okerenkoko of Warri South Local government Area amongst others.

Not left out is the health sector where the state government; as part of its quest to ensure that health facilities in the state receive a face-lift, to cater to the health needs of the people were rehabilitated. The Abavo General Hospital and Patani General Hospital were also reconstructed and rehabilitated while other hospitals also received government’s attention.

                      

As a leader, sir, the country is in recession and the people are the ones suffering from the policies of government.

What is your view and reaction and how can this be addressed? 

              

The country is in total mess because of the misrule of the Buhari administration and it is only God who will take us out. 

Nigeria was an investor’s destination during the Jonathan administration but when Buhari arrived, he told the world that Nigeria is a corrupt nation and every single individual, is corrupt. Which investor(s) would want to put his money in a corrupt country or society?  Nigeria, under Goodluck was investor’s destination but Buhari said every person living in Nigeria is corrupt except himself alone and the wife; whose duty remains in the kitchen and bedroom.

Nigeria was the best economy in Africa with fuel price stabilized at N97 per litre while subsidy was used to service other areas of need with electricity generation graduating to 7000 mega watts, where the dollar was N200, where you can operate dollar in Nigeria, where Treasury Single Account was not known, where Ministers were dropped on corruption charges and were investigated, where fuel increase was resisted by Trade Unions and social crusaders. Fuel price today is over N150 if you can have it to buy at Filling stations while oil prices have nosedived. 

What determines fuel price? Is it not international oil price that determines the former?  Corruption today is "selective tender”. The party you belong to determines your guilt. 

If the Senate Committee found the EFCC chairman and the SGF culpable and indicted; what is the business of the President returning their names to Senate and exonerating them? What is the point of recycling these corrupt men as the DSS submitted? 

Let me quote Senator Shehu Sani; the Chairman, Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Humanitarian Crisis in the North-east in the Vanguard newspapers (25/01/17 at page 44).

 

“I will this say clearly this letter is a funeral service for the anti-corruption fight of Mr. President. When it comes to corruption in the National Assembly and the Judiciary and in the larger Nigeria sectors, the President uses insecticide and when it comes to fighting corruption in the Presidency they use deodorant". 

“A government which collected trillions Naira according Lai (Lie) Mohammed that is enough to finance substantial part of 2017 are not traceable to the budget. Recession is a creation of the present administration. Nigeria, according to the government, is in recession yet it is being speculated that this administration spent about 500 billion dollars and another 500 billion dollars to remove Jameh of Gambia from office and the Hilary Clinton election”. 

Nigerians asked for a “change and a redeemer” and this is what they got as a “change”. We today, if we nominate Goodluck Jonathan to contest 2019 election, I am sure the under aged who were shown on video in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and other states in the North will turn out massively to vote Jonathan. Unfortunately he will not offer himself for that office again. 

What is crystal clear is that Buhari has lost the grip of governance and now is patiently waiting for the tenure to expire. A government whose order of the day is nepotism and corruption; for any appointment, you must belong to the ruling cabal but have no idea for governance. We saw it all between 1983- 1985 August when the President ruled. The present administration is bereft of ideas; that is why wrong pegs are placed on wrong holes.     

                            

Sir, there are calls in certain quarters that, instead of the Federal Government paying 13% Derivation to the State Governments, that these monies should be paid directly to Hosts Communities.

Do you support this call? Give your reasons, please.

I support the establishment of a committee for the communities which will be accountable to the government of the day.

 

EDDIE ONO SORHUE

The Community Executives will submit their various projects to the Committee for government approval before execution. This will no doubt, remove the killings and maiming of opponents contesting positions.

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