By Amos Igbebe
Amidst a tumultuous crowd that shut all roads to Asaba, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the newly sworn in Governor of Delta State, Friday, said he would operate five development agenda which would in the long run turn the economic fortune of Delta State for the good of the people.
Okowa, who itemized the five point agenda to include all sectors of the economy, said his administration would enthrone a legacy of prosperity and wealth for all Deltans, stating that his government would focus on employment generation, a flourishing agriculture, effective health and education system, renewed urban infrastructure and enhanced security to bolster economic growth and development.
However, Okowa said “our promise of prosperity for all Deltans is not a catch phrase or campaign rhetoric, it is predicated on the fundamental premise that we will succeed as a government when our people succeed. It is borne out of our deep conviction that society is better, safer and happier when the citizens do not feel deprived or disadvantaged”.
As part of strategies to increase the state revenue generation and fulfill obligations to Deltans, he said all taxable adults and organizations would be brought within the tax net and block all loopholes from which funds are siphoned from government coffers without creating hardship for families.
Okowa, who said his administration cannot succeed without the cooperation of Deltans, called for Deltans to abandon the contentions, hostilities, resentment and animosity of the past and cooperate with his government to make needed impact in the economy of the state.
He took a critical look at the economy of Nigeria and said the economy was in dire straits as a result of the dwindling prices of oil, hence the government resorts to borrowing to pay workers’ salaries.
Okowa said though the challenges are real, diverse and complex, it behooves the government to make hard choices and take tough decisions that are imperative for the prosperity and welfare of the people of Nigeria, stating that the need to diversify the economy and reduce over dependence on oil has become urgent so as to fulfill promises made to Nigerians.
He said considering the downturn in the economy which could be a blessing in disguise, all political appointees should hold their offices and function should the offices for the right reasons, insisting that the fear of God should be uphold in the conduct of daily government activities.
According to him, “the future we all seek has no room for parochial interests and selfish ambitions, it is for mutual cooperation and benevolent spirit that recognizes and caters for the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian citizens. I am ready to lead as your Governor but Deltans must be willing to commit themselves to the new order, an era of love for all, where the good of all takes precedence over the gain of one.
“We desire a state where peace and justice reign. We must therefore be prepared to be fair and equitable in all our actions. I pledge to be honourable and accountable in all my actions and call on Deltans who, by God’s grace, find themselves in government to do same or be shown the way out. If we must lead in service, our hearts must glow with love for our people”.
