By Akpovoke Otiti
The Chief Economic Adviser to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu on Monday said it is very necessary for the state government to construct an International Conference Centre in Asaba.
Briefing journalists in his office, Dr Emu said that the conference centre will complement the growing status of Asaba International Airport as envisaged by the integrated development plan of the state government.
He said, “Asaba has become one of the fastest-growing cities with the attendant infrastructure, relative peace and central location. An international Conference Centre with an extensive range of modern facilities will offer employment and boost economic activities for Deltans”.
The Chief Economic Adviser described the economic growth of the state as progressive, even though with few challenges adding that “The governor has done well in terms of infrastructure, job creation, human capital development and he is focusing on commercialisation, industrialisation, especially in the agricultural sector”.
On the recently held special national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which saw the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential flag bearer, Dr Emu said, “Betrayal has become a new song for politicians who failed election to cushion the impact. You said you want to be president and the party said this is our direction, which we all headed, and you know the party is supreme. How then did Okowa betray?
“Nyesom Wike has also been accused of betrayal for hand-picking his successor, a man who bought forms for all aspirants to contest, now laying accusation of “Betrayal” on others for his inability to emerge as the People’s Democratic Party Presidential candidate at the just concluded primaries.
“To be able to compete strongly for the presidency as a party, a candidate from the northern geopolitical zone will sell better. Our challenge in Nigeria is leadership failure of the current administration not the dearth of qualified candidates from any of the political zones. No geopolitical zone is spared from the maladministration of the APC led government, not even the home state of the president is spared.
“Abubakar Atiku is the most vibrant Vice President Nigeria has ever produced, Atiku is the VP who set up the economic team headed by Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, that re-set our economic fortunes and reduced our debt burdens. Would you have chosen Wike over Atiku! Looking at their various profiles and antecedents?
Responding to Ibori-Okowa’s perceived strained relationship, the Chief Economic Adviser said, “There cannot be two captains commanding at the same time in any boat. Leaders reign and allow others their time. Our revered Chief James Onanefe Ibori is a man that the state governor has the utmost respect for, and our leader Ibori knows it.
“Even Dr Eweta Uduaghan got a successor that was defeated, and that is a statement of fact. Ibori is currently being accused of betrayal in his senatorial district for producing the senator, House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates from one area. Besides Okowa’s successor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori is a good man.
“Let me tell you for free, most of us while growing up were rascals, had challenges but over time through socialisation and re-orientation changed.”
Dr Emu also noted that what makes a politician, is not only the series of success stories he has achieved but the scars of challenges that built his experiences over time.
According to him, “We all have a humble beginning. Sheriff Oborevwori is a grassroots man. You cannot feel people’s pain when you do not live and relate with them. That is why Dr Okowa is succeeding because he is a grassroots man. He feels the pains of the grassroots; he had lived with them and shared in their pains.
“Sheriff Oborevwori is a man with a balanced social, emotional and intelligent quotient. They are necessary leadership ingredients. You cannot automate or modernise relationships successfully if you don’t cultivate them.
“No application can. Sheriff Oborevwori has it. So, IQ without social and emotional quotient is a recipe for poor leadership. They may perform but are not people-centred. Sheriff Oborevwori is complete, that is why he was able to lead the Hosue of Assembly for this long.”
The Chief Economic Adviser concluded that Oborevwori will listen and do more if elected with his MORE agenda for Deltans.
