By Williams Okoro,Port Harcourt
In an alarming display of political naivety, the recent comments made by Governor Sir Siminilayi Fubara at the launch of projects in Ahoada and Etche have ignited outrage among the citizens of Rivers State. Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), did not hold back in his rebuke, reminding the governor of the allies who paved his way to power.
“To publicly denigrate those who stood by you is not just shortsighted; it’s a betrayal,” Woke declared. “The Governor’s remarks reveal a troubling pattern of vindictiveness disguised as governance.”
Woke specifically expressed concern over Fubara’s cancellation of contracts with those he labels as “enemies,” despite their proven competence. “What message does that send?” he asked. “To cancel projects not based on performance, but on petty political squabbles, is a dangerous precedent and egregious executive impunity at its worst.”
He pointedly criticized the Governor’s dismissal of vital infrastructure projects by mocking a road constructed in Omuma Local Government Area, labeling it a “Farm Road that leads to nowhere.” “This kind of rhetoric is unbecoming for a Chief Executive,” Woke countered. “How can you belittle essential infrastructure that connects farmers to markets, while simultaneously promising new contracts for road projects to aid transportation? This is hypocrisy draped in ignorance.”
Moreover, Woke took issue with Fubara’s recent jabs at Nigerian youths who leverage social media as a platform for engagement. By referring to a young man as a “Data boy” simply for voicing concerns about poor road quality and project delivery, the Governor has illustrated a profound disconnect from the evolving societal landscape. “Labeling a young citizen attempting to hold you accountable reveals an alarming lack of respect for the voices of the next generation. Rather than dismissing their contributions, our leaders should listen, engage, and learn from them.”
Continuing his critique, Woke addressed Fubara’s lack of respect for his predecessor, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike. “To ridicule Wike’s work, especially when it provides substantial benefits to the community, is not just factually incorrect but disingenuous. If anything, it shows a failure to acknowledge the foundations laid before you. Your promise of new infrastructure rings hollow when you mock the existing projects that enhance the lives of Rivers people.” To even give a thought of not executing any project in Wike’s community, if he were a bad person, speaks volumes of the governor’s insidious nature that should be worrisome to the public, particularly those who barely know him. We were all deceived by his pretentious disposition while he served as the Account General of the state, having been promoted above his contemporaries by Wike.
Offering advice to the Governor, Woke emphasized, “It’s clear that maturity in leadership requires more than a title. Understanding the weight of your decisions is crucial; only through prudent governance can you truly represent the people’s interests.”
Woke went on to suggest that, instead of sidelining past allies, Fubara should aspire to unite the state by fostering collaboration and learning from the experiences of those who came before him. “The people are looking to their leaders for integrity and wisdom. A wise leader knows that enduring relationships and mutual respect are vital for effective governance.”
In a poignant conclusion, Woke stated, “We sympathize with the Governor for being thrust into leadership under less-than-ideal circumstances. However, he must realize that leadership is not merely about filling shoes but understanding the nuances of governance. A wise adage reminds us: it is only when a child washes his hands well that he is fit to dine with elders. The Governor must take stock of the speed bumps on his journey.
