PDP Governors Forum And Its Turning Point

By Patrick PA Okon

The ultimate measure of true success is first, the ability to reinvent. When the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, suffered a setback in the 2015 General Elections, pessimists gave the party slim chance of a quick recovery.

For the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF), a political and policy think tank whose members are state governors affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party, it was as if, the long night was not going to be over soon.

However, the party’s astounding performances in the 2019 General Elections have added springs under the foot of the PDPGF. Formed on February 24, 2013, with the aims of providing a platform for governors to interact and exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences about how to move the party forward, as well as to better coordinate programmes and policies in their various states, the Forum has once again found its voice because of the assemblage of men of immeasurable pedigree. 

As Napoleon Hill noted in his famous book, “Think and Grow Rich,” “When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.” The evidence of the PDP reinventing itself is the astounding performance in the 2019 General Elections.

The routing of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Oyo and Zamfara during the last gubernatorial elections has swelled the assemblage at the PDPGF. No doubt, the presence of Seyi Makinde, the amiable governor of Oyo State, one of the oldest states in the South West, and capital of the Yoruba civilization will certainly add impetus to crème’ de la crème’ at the PDP Governors Forum.

One of the landmarks of success in any organization is peaceful transition/succession. To prove that the PDP Governors Forum is once again, a force to be reckoned with, the process that led to the emergence of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, as its new leader was under a friendly and rancor-free atmosphere. The Forum that was once an object of mockery has found its rhythm again.

Just when APC governors are still struggling with whether to accept the minimum wage enacted into law by the federal government led by their party, the PDP Governors Forum, under the new leadership of Henry Seriake Dickson has come out with an emphatic yes to the new minimum wage. The tone with which Gov. Dickson spoke after his emergence, smacks a Forum that is re-invigorated.

In governance, like other realms of human endeavour, having ideas is not just enough but the resources to breathe life into those ideas. That is where the PDPGF has an edge. Of the nine oil-producing states in the country, six are led by PDP Governors. Without a doubt, buoyant economy is the life blood for result-oriented governance.   

Other areas things are looking up for the Forum is the watertight-unity and unwavering solidarity amongst the governors. What’s more? Unlike other parties, there is harmonious working relationship between the PDP hierarchy, the PDPGF and lawmakers elected on the platform of the party. 

The foregoing factors, when lumped up with the leadership acumen of the Gov Dickson- led-management, certainly translates into a new era for the Forum. 

Who knows, with several cases still at the Elections Petitions Tribunals, the ranks of the Forum may be swollen further by the time the cases have gone through the proceedings.    

The re-election of Barr. Nyesome Wike for a second term despite a well-orchestrated ‘Federal Might’ is a huge asset for the Forum. A large-hearted Wike serves as a beckon of courage, hope and rallying point for the Forum. His attribute of speaking to power, when others shiver makes him the one-man riot squad the Forum needs at this time to complete its reinvention. Wike has since first elected in 2015, proved what is possible, if elected public officials put the interest of the people first.

The ranks of the Forum are swelling and fortified with the re-election of Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who has remained a beckon of indispensable track records to the Forum. He has been tested through thick and thin at the Green Chamber and has held several sensitive positions in the House of Representatives ever before becoming speaker in 2011.

Gov Dickson Darius Ishaku’s matured and distinguished approach to issues will provide the much-needed moral anchor in steering the affairs of the Forum. He has proven overtimes to be a dependable character, worthy of been trusted. He is certainly an asset in the renewed drive to reposition the PDP Governors Forum. 

Perhaps the icing on the cake for the group is the return of Gov Udom Emmanuel, who through unity of purpose has disarmed and subdued godfathers, hyenas and jackals. His focus and discerning approach to accomplishing tasks will in many ways be an indispensable asset to the rapid realization of the group’s goal. 

Before the enigmatic Oluwaseyi Makinde became the governor of the Oyo State, a state regarded as the citadel of the Yoruba civilization, the PDP was not effectively in control of any state in the South West geo-political zone, after it lost Ekiti State to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the July 15, 2018, governorship election. His acumen as a deft boardroom player before joining politics will certainly be an asset to smooth working relationship between governors of the umbrella party. 

The re-elected governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom is a man with a bagful of experiences. Liberal, cosmopolitan and thorough-breed, the continuous presence of the man, who claimed to have started out as motor park boy, but rose to the pinnacle of his political career surely has a lot to offer the PDP Governors Forum. 

The Delta State-born and trained Medical Doctor and Governor of the ‘Big Heart’ state, Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, certainly has continued to be an immense source of inspiration and sustainability of the PDP Governor’s Forum, since becoming the helmsman of Delta in 2015. His quality representation at the Red Chamber equipped him adequately to contribute to the realization of the Forum’s aims and objectives. He is a man who learned through the ropes; as secretary and eventually chairman of a local government, secretary to state government, Okowa, without a doubt, is a seasoned administrator, who has proved his mettle without blemish. 

The extension of PDP’s dominance to Adamawa State with Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in charge as governor has fortified the bargaining power and prestige of the PDP Governors Forum; aside his unflinching commitment to the promotion of PDP ideals, right from his days as the speaker of the ‘Land of Beauty’ state.

The addition of the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Abdulkadir Bala Muhammed to the rank of the Forum bears an eloquent testimony to the fact that, the Forum is a battalion of men of indispensable pedigree, character and dexterity. Gov. Muhammed it was, who, during his time at FCT, introduced the signature initiative called “Land Swap Policy”; and with such men in the ranks of PDP Governors Forum, a new day has certainly beckoned. 

The entrance of Bello Matawalle Maradun into the PDP Governors Forum is coming eight years, after Mahmud Shinkafi left the Forum in 2011. Gov. Mattawalle is coming into the reinvented Forum, when his state is facing enormous security challenges. But not to worry, with the presence of Governors Nyesome Wike, Aminu Tambuwal, who have successfully navigated their states through monumental security issues, Matawalle is assured of ready counsel. 

The erudite governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, will bring action to bear in the renewed PDP Governors Forum. He is a man of few words but action-packed, that was why his re-election was without much sweat. 

Embarking on rebuilding is not an easy task; it requires maturity and emotional stability; and these are qualities that are found in the charismatic Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State. His magnetic ability to moderate and mediate will certainly be a huge asset to the Forum.

Relationship or interactions in any group and association can hardly produce meaningful results, if everyone is at the same level of temperament all the time. That is where Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, comes in handy. His humility and discerning mien will sure bring some stability and progress to the Forum. 

Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State, may not wholly come under Chunua Achebe’s classification of those whose palm kernels were cracked for them by benevolent spirits, but for sure he is a destined child whose time of manifestation is now.

His entry and meteoric rise in politics were a combination of divine favour, hard work, commitment, loyalty and a burning desire to render service to humanity. Socially mobile, Governor Ihedioha has learnt the ropes, and will certainly deploy his parliamentary acumen to the service of the Forum. What’s more, with Govs Tambuwal and Ihedioha, the combination of the ‘Club of 2011’ Reps Leadership in the PDP Governors Forum, the Governor Dickson-led-Forum has its hands full of men of dexterity, character, indispensable experiences and emotional stability.

All that is left to guarantee success and ensure the emerging turning point for the PDP Governors Forum is a proper mix.

Patrick PA Okon, a Public Affairs Analysts, doubles as the Secretary of the PDP Governors Forum.

The Other Side Of Countryman Governor

By  Fidelis Soriwei

It is the albatross of many a leader, that when they are relieved of political control, they simply stroll into the waiting arms of obscurity. The makeshift popularity simply vanishes into thin air as they hand over to the next person.

Even their most fanatical supporters and defenders would be tasking their mind to scratch a favorable place for them in the court of posterity. They are readily confined into the trash can òf political antiquity having lacked the requisite quality to hoist their quest for continuing political relevance.

But the situation is different with the Great White Shark, the Countryman Governor, Seriake Dickson. In February 14, 2020, when the governor of Bayelsa State finally hands over the reins of governance to his successor, he would be remembered for so many things. It is a fact that he has set a new standard for governance in Bayelsa having initiated and completed many programmes under his watch.

Those who exercise authority over the pages of history would readily focus on the governor’s innovative approach to the creation of access to education.

Without doubts, the inks of history would readily record the Governor’s declaration of emergency in the education sector, the establishment of the Education Trust Fund to fund free education, the Bayelsa State Tertiary Education Loan Board, the establishment of several tertiary institutions including two new universities, (The University òf Africa, Toru Orua and the Bayelsa Medical University), the award of state scholarship to Bayelsa indigenes to study in institutions across the world, the offer of automatic employment to all PhD holders in Bayelsa and Ijaw land, and all First Class graduates in the state.

Posterity would readily link his name to the World Class Bayelsa Diagnostic Centre, the state Specialist Hospital, the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme, the Bayelsa International Cargo Airport, the Sagbama Ekeremor Road, the Toru Ibeni Bridge, the massive investments in agriculture and other critical sectors of the economy.

However, apart from this image of a strict public office holder reputed for the dexterous and creative manipulation nay management of state resources for the realization of the set developmental objectives, Governor Dickson is reputed for so many great things.

Without equivocation, Governor Dickson is the most accessible governor who fought the established protocol to pull down the ever yearning security barricades to access his people.

One particular interesting aspect of the man known in religious circles as the Choir Master Governor is the strict observation of the state’s law initiated under his administration which sets aside November 2, as a day to praise God and to bring the people closer to their maker.

Apart from the annual thanksgiving event, his Restoration Government which is anchored on seeking the face of God, ensures the observation of a state monthly praise night at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House. In addition to that, the governor makes it a strong personal habit to devote an hour of service to praise God everyday before the commencement of the day’s work.

Interestingly, during these religious events, Governor Dickson does not just sing and dance with the congregation. He restates his announcement to the excited choirs in virtually all major religious events that he is an honorary member of the choir by singing special his special numbers to the Almighty God. With his left hand wielding the tambourine and the other on the microphone, he would mount the altar to sing the praise of this God he glorifies for the successes of his administration.

His belief that the Almighty God is the rock of the success story of the administration does not falter. Usually, such services to God do not come to an end without the Governor’s special dance steps known as across state as the “Ikedi Step.” This special dance step of the governor is inspired to by the ever present urge to give God his only food – Praise.

He holds the strong view that one cannot serve God without giving quality efforts to the service of man. His exudes that milk of human kindness, warmth and love for humanity that triggers the genuine quest to serve society.

The Dickson phenomenon is a break from the prevalent practice in the society which encouraged the erection of barriers and stifling barricades between leaders and the people. A leader with a heart for the people, the governor deliberately creates opportunities for effective interaction with the street, far away from the restrictive protocols and confine of the Government House.

During those sessions with the street, the governor makes deliberate efforts to ward off the security barricades and indeed suspend the protocol designed to protect him. It has always been his refrain which is known to his aides that the good people of Bayelsa should not be shielded from him.

He interacts freely with the people, taking selfies with them and listening to some of their complaints. On several occasions, the Governor has directed his ADC to give immediate solution to some of the genuine complaints of the people.

Expectedly, this periodic sessions and interaction with the street has endeared him to the heart of the people. Quite often a crowd from nowhere would always emerge to announce the presence of the Governor in any given location. The chants of Ofuruma Pepe, the Great White Shark, and the curious one from the Igbo community “Ekwueme,” would announce the governor’s presence in any area.

These unscheduled visits offer the governor the opportunity feel the warmth and pulse of the people. Usually, leaders of the youth groups would come out to “greet” and interact with the governor and offer their words of encouragement to his administration.

In almost all such visits, the governor never turned his back on the people. He listens to them, held their hands and proffers the unexpected solutions where necessary. During those sessions with the street, the governor would be besieged some with unsolicited and creative chants with the intent to “scope” him.

But the governor’s reputation as the most accessible governor becomes even more pronounced whenever he visits his Toru Orua country home to interact with nature and his roots. These visits occasioned, sometimes, by project inspection create the forum for old friends, family members, community members and others to walk up to him to hold “crucial talks” with him.

Even more interesting is the easy access of the people to the governor’s compound. In most cases, the gate is flung open to members of the public to access the Governor residence.

Also of particular interest is the feeding pattern of the governor and large number of people that besiege the dining table. As an Ijaw man of culture, the governor does not eat alone, a habit he has maintained over the years long before he became governor.

The Ofuruma Pepe enjoys sharing the dining table with people who are usually encouraged to approach the dining area without hesitation.

Fidelis Soriwei is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations at Government House, Bayelsa State

Governor Dickson Deepens Democracy in Bayelsa

• Holds interactive meeting with opposition parties.

• Swears in Acting Chairman of BSIEC to encourage their participation.

The Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has yesterday swore in the Acting Chairman of the BSIEC, in the person of Chief Remember Ogbe at the executive chambers of the Bayelsa State Governors office.

It is worthy of note that concerns were raised about the earlier announcement of Hon. Ball Oyarede as a replacement for the former Chairman, Dr. Perekeme Bertola who resigned on grounds of alleged threat to life and after a series of consultative meetings between the governor, political leaders, stakeholders, members of the PDP and the opposition parties, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, yesterday swore in Chief Remember Ogbe as acting Chairman at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Other members of the BSIEC equally sworn in are, Hon. Charles Emmanuel from Brass and Barrister Ajoko perediyegha from Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Areas respectively.

Governor Henry Seriake Dickson held closed door meetings with the opposition parties in the state upon which they unanimously assented to the appointment of Chief Remember Ogbe, an experienced hand in electoral matters, as the acting chairman pending when all the concerns raised against the announcement of Hon Ball were resolved.

This has further deepened democratic governance in Bayelsa State, and has further displayed the spirit of fairness, tolerance and inclusion that the Dickson led Restoration  adminstration has purposefully promoted in Bayelsa State, the Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation.

Governor Dickson charged the Acting Chairman, to uphold the spirit of fairness that the restoration government has always promoted as this was the foundation for true democracy.

Other government officials present at the swearing in ceremony include, The deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Ghoribiogha John Jonah, the representative of the Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Honourable Talford Ongolo, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mrs Ebizi Brown, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Markson Iworiso, Honourable Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Honourable Markson Fefegha, the Commissioner for Ministry of Trade, Investment and Business Development, Honourable Stanley Braboke other  Commissioners, top Government functionaries, invited guests and the Media.

Oyo State LG Contempt Case Against Dissolution Adjourned Till July 30th, 2019

The Oyo State LG contempt case against dissolution of Local Government Council has been adjourned to July 30th, 2019

According to a joint press release by Oyo State ALGON Chairman Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye and Oyo State ALGON PRO,  Hon. Niyi Adeagbo respectively,   the case before Justice Ladiran Akintola of High Court 9, Ibadan was instituted against the Oyo State Government on contempt of court as a result of the State government's illegal dissolution of Local Government Council

It will be recalled that the Oyo State Government through the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Bisi Ilaka after the swearing in on the 29th May, 2019 announced the dissolution of the democratically elected Local Government Councils despite a valid court order against such dissolution.

This was announced after ALGON, Oyo State Chapter had earlier gotten a court injunction restraining the State Government from carrying out such action.

Justice Akintola advised counsels to the two parties not to act on speculative reports, warning that “we should be careful how we convey our thoughts.”

The judge urged the counsels to ensure the completion of exchange of court processes before the next adjourned date.

“We want to reiterate our commitment to defend grassroots democracy constitutionally and we will never relent to legally address any act of lawlessness, the statement concluded.

Alleged 1.2b Travelling Budget By Dr. Fayemi: PDP’s Season Of Hallucination – Ekiti APC

The All Progressive Congress of Ekiti State has described a press statement issued by the state branch of the People’s Democratic Party in which it alleged that The State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has budgeted the sum of 1.2b for his travelling expenses as the height of imbecility, adding that it has finally dragged itself into a level of shameless that will finally consume it and drive a wedge between it and the few members who still maintain any form of association with it.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the The Director of Media and Publicity to the party, Mr. Sam Oluwana, the party wondered why a party will descend so low to attack an individual who is trying so hard to clean up the gargantuan mess it (PDP) has left behind after four years of looting and mis-rule.

On the allegation of the N1.2 billion Naira travelling expenses. The APC spokesman said the statement did not come as a surprise.

“This is a party that was in the saddle for years in the state during which the people were pauperized to the extent of celebrating each time a “kongo of rice” was served to them”.

In its four years of misrule in the state, the PDP, through its prodigal governor, Ayo Fayose, turned the state and the people to beggars that picked crumbs from the table of self-styled master, whose profligate and corrupt practices were of constant embarrassment to the people of the state and Nigerians who are familiar with his moral deficiency.

The present administration is just settling down to find a way of settling seven month unpaid salaries of civil servants, while contracts awarded in dubious circumstances are being corrected.

According to reports in the debt management office, made available on its websites. Fayose took the debt profiles of the State from N30 billion in December 31, 2014 to N117.6 billion in December 31, 2017.

This is a party that found it impossible to pay salaries of workers for 8 months even when it was N18,000, now accusing a state governor of not paying N30,000 minimum wage, which implementation has not commenced in any state in the country.

Pretending that they are lovers of people, the party in the statement lamented that Dr. Fayemi should be shopping for funds to pay N30,000 minimum wage.

Mr. Oluwalana who doubled as the SSA (Party Matters) to the Ekiti State Governor,  in the statement wondered while PDP is crying more than the bereaved.

He said “were they involved in the decision by Dr. Fayemi to pay outstanding salaries/allowances left behind by the PDP government?, were they involved in the decision that led Dr. Fayemi to pay the  outstanding pension left behind by the PDP government? Did they force him to increase the pension paid from N10 Million to 100 million Naira monthly.

During their four year of mis-rule, their master who was inept and ignorant of the workings of a government treated Ekiti people and its workers with scorn and indignity in a brazen manner.

PDP lacks the moral justification and decency to now turn itself to an advocate of the masses, which they once abandoned and neglected.

The Ekiti State 2019 budget, which is a total of N129.8billion does not in anywhere show travelling expenses of all workers as anywhere near hN1.2billion. Like their stock in trade, they are bandying around fictitious figures. They have only succeeded in confusing themselves.

The people of Ekiti State have come to appreciate Dr. Fayemi as a trust worthy, prudent and dignified personality who sees himself as servant of people unlike the former PDP governor, who lord it over  the people and strust them like the master of manor for the four least years.

It is as a result of his dignified and sensitive nature that endears him to his peers (fellow Governors) in the country that made them elect him as their Chairman.

On the issue of SUBEB, the state lost over 2billion Naira during the regime of Fayose due to his refusal to pay the counterpart funds for the project but laundered 500milion Naira paid by Dr. Fayemi during his first term in office.

Few days after his resumption as the State Governor, the same PDP claimed that Dr. Fayemi collected 31 Billion Naira as Paris Fund, now the figure has been lowered to 11 Billion Naira, just like they have lowered their political value in the estimation of the people of state with their latest ranting.

Another claim  that Dr. Fayemi increased his security votes to N250 Billion Naira can only be the thinking of deranged set of people with blocked brain that lack capacity to think rightly.

6th Ekitistategov House Of Assembly Speaker: Funminiyi Afuye, Loyalty Personified

Talk of consistency, you talk of the Rt Hon Fuminiyi Afuye

Talk of honesty & loyalty, you refer to the Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly

Little surprise this Ikere Ekiti born Constitutional lawyer has had a steady rise to power since over decade ago.

In the 3rd Assembly aka 13-13, he was the Leader of Business between 2007 & 2011

Under Dr Kayode Fayemi's first tenure as Governor, he was the Commissioner for Information, Youths & Sports

In this new dispensation, he was reelected into the House by Ikere Consistency 1 to represent them again.

Among his peers, Afuye was again unanimously elected to be the Rt Hon Speaker of the 6th Assembly. 

What distinguish Afuye among his predecessors are: his experience in lawmaking, profundity in law and his leadership candour. He directs the affairs of the house with maturity and occasional jocular interjections to diffuse tensions....

LOffice of  the Special Adviser to the Speaker of Ekiti State State House of Assembly

Okorocha Names Legislative Aides

Former Imo State Governor and Senator representing Imo West Rochas Okorochas has approved the appointment of key legislative aides.

The aides who are the former government house aides include Steve Asimobi, Senior Legislative Aide, Dr Steve Orji, Legislative Aide Ikenna Emeh, Assistant Legislative Aide and Dr Ebere Nzewuji, Personal Assistant.

A statement issued by his Special Adviser (media) Sam Onwuemeodo indicates that the Governor approved their appointment based on the their performance in the Government House.

All the appointees are seasoned professionals who held various appointment in Okorocha's second term in office as Imo State Governor.

While Asimobi was Special Adviser on Electoral Matters, Ikenna Emeh was a Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Dr Ebere Nzewuji was Special Assistant to the former Governor on Electronic Media.

Their appointment takes immediate effect