Chief Olusegun Obasanjo during the Presidency of General Ibrahim Babangida accused the regime of lacking “Human Face”. What this means is that even Administrations have “faces” and could be judged by its nature; either human of Animal.
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Wednesday dissolved the State Executive Council, and has the prerogative power to reappoint all of them provided they pass through the House of Assembly screening.
However, before embarking on appointing new or reappointing the old ones, it would be very pertinent to gauge how these out-going Commissioners placed the “face” of Okorocha’s administration in this last two years before the people of Imo state, and keen observers of the administration.
One thing certain is that if we allow Okorocha to mark the scripts of his Commissioners he will give them pass mark, because any thing to the contrary will be self-indicting on his administration.
Therefore, that is why such task should be left for the masses. When President Jonathan a few weeks ago marked that of his Ministers, he regaled Nigerians how well they had performed, yet the masses are groaning in poverty, insecurity, dilapidated infrastructure, etc.
If I am to be allowed to give my own verdict on Okorocha’s administration and its “Human Face”, I have just Seven people, with the Governor making it Eight, to comment on.
Okorocha has contributed enormously in the negative to the way and manner people perceive his administration. He is seen as a combative non conformist politician who derives pleasure in seeing people suffer. That is the reason Okorocha is the only Governor in the entire Federation that has refused to pay political appointees their severance allowances. Not that there is no money for that, because it is statutory, but for him to feel good on depriving the labourer his wages.
To the Governor, this action makes him a super man and shows he wields power. No doubts he has “power”, but political power is given for the betterment of the masses, not to use it to punish or suppress them.
Another factor is that Okorocha indulges in various grand standing activities at the same time, and in the long run end up not completing any. Okorocha would have done well in the area of infrastructural development to the benefit of Imo populace if he had used serious and qualified contractors for his projects. So, of what use is it that his administration constructed one million roads and they all got washed out under one year?
How many of the Okorocha’s projects have been fully completed and commissioned for Imo people to say, thank God, this one has been done?
And again, it is not politically ideal for a Leader to boast that he has blocked all routes through which money flows in the state. What is the duty of an Administrator if not to circulate wealth?
It is still ironical that despite these “blockades” by Okorocha it was in his administration, for the first time in Imo history that a Deputy Governor was impeached for “Fraud”. Whether the Deputy Governor was guilty as accused or not, what is on record is that Okorocha’s second in command was sacked over contract scam. Therefore, if he is blocking “Big men” from “eating” Imo state money, how come he could not block the Jude Agbaso saga?
What of the latest one about a Spanish citizen which Imo State Government begged should be withdrawn from the Court and public glare for private settlement? What of other allegations that took his top Aides to EFCC? So, there is no need playing the Ostrich when Imo people are suffering and know the truth.
As far as Imo people are concerned, Okorocha is not helping his Administration with “Human Face” and is seen as being hypocritical than real. They see him as being petty, none forgiving and therefore does not make a statesman and good manager of men even as he plays politics of vengeance and bitterness.
For instance, it is not good for a Governor to play divide and rule, and play sectional and vindictive politics on his subjects. Now that he has sacked his Commissioners let us see whether he will allow them leave with their official cars or pay them their severance fees as he had refused to do other Imo citizens who served in such capacities!
Governor Okorocha’s wife, Her Excellency, Nneoma Okorocha may not have held any official position, but she is contributing positively to Okorocha’s administration. This woman minds her business, and hardly involves herself in state matters, unlike some other overzealous first ladies who cause a whole lot of image problems for their husbands through unguarded statements, by insulting their Husband’s aides and friends.
I heard that rather than cause trouble for Okorocha, the First Lady resolves matters between Okorocha and friends and Aides.
Except for the embarrassment the Ahiazu Mbaise LGA outing nearly caused her, the SNARP programme has endeared the woman to many Imo women. And more, she is said to be a real Christian, even before her husband thought of running for Governorship in 2011. Therefore, she preaches what she does, as she is not Christian by circumstance.
The other “Human Face” in Okorocha’s administration is his new Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere. This guy is ice-cool at all times. He absorbs pressure. While Okorocha breaths fire and brim stone, Madumere is the stabilizing factor.
His natural mien and simple candour disarm even the most antagonists. And having known Okorocha for a long time becomes an added advantage to Madumere who knows how to tame his Bosses’ brigandage.
I have observed that recently, Madumere has become the peace diplomat, who traverses the state to represent his Principal in various volatile situations, and always come back with good results.
It has shown that governance is not all about Bravado. Since President Goodluck Jonathan is gradually becoming Pharaoh, many Nigerians are beginning to distance themselves from him.
So, without mincing words, Okorocha’s strategy in picking Madumere is paying-off. His Deputy has shown that you can wield power and still not carry airs around you. The new position has not changed Madumere as he still remains himself.
The other addition on the Okorocha “Human Face” is Uche Nwosu, the former Commissioner for Lands. This guy is marrying Okorocha’s daughter. I had thought that he “merited” his job simply because he is Okorocha’s in-law. I did not know the guy has something upstairs until I had a close encounter with him. I observed this Uche Nwosu first in May 27, 2011 the day Okorocha came for Hand-over briefing by then Governor Ikedi Ohakim.
Among the lot that came with Okorocha, he was the only one that looked “sharp and quiet”. While others were acting like there was “war” and behaving like Biafran Soldiers, the man sat down quietly at one end, and watched the whole scenario.
I drew one of them aside and asked him who the guy sitting quietly was, the fellow in his war monger stance, mumbled something and went away from me as if I was a snake.
Therefore, I was not surprised when as the Okorocha administration started settling down, I began to see Nwosu’s face in many places. Those who encountered Nwosu have commented on his humility and down-to-earth attitude despite being Okorocha’s son in-law. I learnt that he is the one leading the urban renewal in Owerri. This was what Ohakim’s administration was doing and Okorocha said he was only planting grasses and flowers. So, who is planting flowers and grasses now?
Mrs Ugochi Nnanna Okoro is another fellow who seems to know what her beat is, but only that she found herself in a male dominated environment, being the Commissioner for Community Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, where she deals with Traditional Rulers every day.
There is no doubt she is hard working and a good organizer who gives her all in any given job. What Okorocha should do is to give her another portfolio, than the crisis with Traditional Rulers every day. But the only problem is that there is money in that Ministry. Will Ugochi prefer another place?
My brother, Bar Soronadi Njoku exhibited intellect as required of his job. Many don’t believe he did well. But are Commissioners for Justice expected in the Media every day? His job was a silent one, and he did well. His position required being reserved, not heard and not even seen. Make Njoku Commissioner for Information and see his element if you want him in public domain!
Let me comment about the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Chinedu Offor, because it is my own constituency. First of all, it was I who handed over to Offor, when he was first appointed Senior Special Assistant, SSA Media. Remember I was the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Ikedi Ohakim.
Offor inherited the structure I set, including the name, phone
