By ROMANUS OKOYE
For sometime now, clash of political interests has turned Rivers State to a seemingly political war theatre; and old friends have turned to foes, defending and making accusations. But one of the stakeholders, Dr. More Oja-Chinda says God’s plan for the state is still unfolding. According to him, power belongs to God. And only God decides whom to give it.
Dr. More Oja-Chinda is a Rivers State PDP chieftain and gubernatorial hopeful. He is the leader of “God is Able Team”, one of the political power blocs in the state. He shared his views on these issues including the Amnesty Programme, President Jonathan’s administration and the recent exchange of correspondence between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his political son. Excerpts:
Can we share your views on the current political crisis in Rivers State?
The much I can say is to implore our indigenes to be calm, despite the prevailing political impasse. I urge them to continue supporting President Jonathan’s transformation agenda because that is our best option. Obviously, the present political atmosphere in Rivers State has proved what we in “God is Able Team” believe which is that power truly belongs to God and only Him can enthrone or dethrone kings. So, no matter the present circumstances, we strongly believe that God has not finished with the state; his plan for the state is still unfolding. And for us in ‘God is Able Team’ ,we remain as PDP. Rivers State remains a PDP State. PDP is the party to win in a near future and in 2015 by the grace of God.
How will you assess President Jonathan’s performance?
The President has performed creditably well, despite all the daunting challenges. He has made visible progressive changes in various areas that were hitherto problematic. For instance, the implementation of the amnesty programme is a well thought-out idea. At least, it has been able to some extent appease agitated minds and control the insecurity problems in the Niger Delta region. Before now, the crisis slowed down the entire national economy.
Transformation Agenda
I recall that in December 2009, when President Jonathan’s administration launched an economic transformation blueprint titled Nigeria: Vision 20:2020. The implementation of the blueprint is supposed to make Nigeria one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020. Specifically, the programme is targeted at engendering rapid transformation in the country through purpose-driven policies and programmes by tackling corruption, improving service delivery, fixing critical sectors of the nation’s economy.
Having achieved measurable results so far, I implore Nigerians at home and abroad to continue giving the administration their support.
Even the deregulation of the power sector, and notable reforms in the electoral laws as well as the resolution of the crisis in education, oil and power sectors, especially the issuing of certificates to the new owners of the electricity firms are all milestones.
However, I acknowledge that more still needed to be done and the government needs to thoroughly monitor and assess the implementation processes and strategies of the various programmes like the amnesty programme etc from time to time to ensure that the aims and objectives were achieved.
What is your take on the Boko Haram crisis?
Anyone who is aggrieved should take a more civilized approach of making their grievances known instead of the mindless killing of innocent citizens. It is very vital that all of us see the nation’s multiplicity of ethnic groups and different religious and cultural backgrounds as a blessing to promote unity and cohesion among themselves.
How do you view the recent communication through letters between Obasanjo and Jonathan?
I will not comment on the exchange of letters between former president Obasanjo and the incumbent, because both of them have access to exclusive information many Nigerians do not have. But like father and son as well as strong members of PDP, I advise that there is need to have a cordial working relationship that will reflect positively in the lives of all Nigerians; moving Nigeria forward is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians. As a democrat, he said that president Jonathan has the constitutional right to seek second tenure; but pointed out that like a fair player, he must follow all the democratic progresses.
What is your advice to the leaders?
My message has not changed. If you recall my campaign messages, I still preach spiritual re-orientation, youth and women empowerment. So, I insist on building sustainable human, infrastructure and economic development, true peace, unity and security of life and property. We must endeavour to build good neighbourliness and cooperation amongst different ethnicities that make up the Nigerian polity. Nigerians should embrace dialogue in solving problems and I must say I am disappointed in those who resort to violence. They do not mean well for the nation.
The Sun