July 18, (THEWILL) — I have argued and advised in various fora that scholars and students of political science and development studies need to study the leadership and development style and strategies of Gov. Douye Diri because of their potency and efficacy.
Besides eliminating deceptive narratives, such as the “difficult terrain” excuse used by successive administrations to justify non-performance, he also changed the development trajectory. He went further to reconstruct the decades of frosty relationship between the state government and the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Since the establishment of NDDC in 2000, successive administrations of the Commission have acted like a rival and co-competitor with various administrations in the state.
The above development created unnecessary tensions and political instability in the state. On the other hand, instead of allowing and even supporting the managers of NDDC to pursue and fulfil their core mandate, they were seen and treated as enemies.
A lack of mutual respect and understanding led to duplication of projects and deliberate abandonment of many.
Abandoned NDDC projects litter the state.
But since the inception of the ASSURED Prosperity Administration and the leadership of the NDDC under Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku, the story has changed for good.
Today, nobody is talking about the unhealthy and unnecessary rivalry between the Bayelsa State Government and NDDC; rather, it has been a story of endless partnerships and collaborations.
NDDC has handed over several abandoned road projects to the Bayelsa State Government, and the government has completed them. One of such roads is the Polaku-Sabageria road, which is very strategic.
Presently, the Bayelsa State Government and the NDDC are jointly constructing the inter-state road linking Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Anambra states through Kolokuma-Opokuma and Sagbama LGAs in Bayelsa State.
When completed, that very strategic road shall reduce travel hours from Bayelsa to Anambra state. It shall be a major travel route for traders, particularly for movements of goods.
Construction of that very important road started during the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, but was abandoned in 2015 when the President Muhammadu Buhari administration took over.
Today, massive construction work is going on. OKMAS Construction Company is doing an excellent job on that road.
The story of that road is a good example of partnership and collaboration that is working.
When you drive through the streets of Yenagoa and its environs and most towns and villages in Bayelsa State at night, you will see and also appreciate the importance of partnership and collaboration between the state government and the NDDC.
Nights in Bayelsa State are usually like daytime. If a pin falls on the ground, it is very easy to pick it up because of the solar lights that the state government and NDDC have installed.
The deafening darkness that covered Bayelsa State in the past has disappeared. There is light everywhere in line with the last Stanza of the Bayelsa State Anthem that says “Let there be Light”.
Instead of political tension, there is development everywhere due to partnership and collaboration between our great and very visionary leaders.
Moving forward, there is a need for the internalisation and institutionalisation of this positive, progressive culture of rapid growth and development, as against those of avoidable political crises and tensions.
We commend, appreciate and celebrate His Excellency, Very Distinguished Senator Douye Diri and his younger brother, Chief Samuel Ogbuku Ph.D and urge other leaders to emulate their shining leadership examples.
The author, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli is the Technical Adviser to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State on Media and Public Affairs.
