Uduaghan urges seamless transition in governance

• Macaulay heads govt team
• Izeze gets certificate of return

GOVERNOR Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan of Delta State has called for a seamless transition process in governance to enhance Nigeria’s growth and development.

Uduaghan, speaking in Asaba yesterday when he received the transition committee set up by the state’s governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said that transition from one government to another was supposed to be a smooth and frictionless process between the out-going and in-coming administrations so as to ensure continuous growth since governance is a continuum.

He decried the rancour noticed in the transition process at the federal level and in some states, commending the harmony in that of the state.

He said: “Delta State can showcase to the world what transition should be, it has been going on very smoothly, it can be done without friction and rancour. It should be emulated by everybody throughout the country“

The governor advised the committee, chaired by Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, to devise ways of reducing the huge wage bill vis-à-vis dwindling resources, stressing that the issue of ghost workers still persists despite all efforts to check it.

His words: “As you are aware, the revenue of the country is dwindling with a lot of states unable to pay salaries, you need to devise ways and means to ensure that the wage bill is authentic and manageable. We have been trying to deal with the issue of ghost workers in the state. Presently, we are doing both biometrics and payroll automation system to check not only ghost workers, but absentee workers. This, l believe will help reduce the wage bill.

“l want to also bring to your attention that there are some new tractors that we just bought for THE Ministry of Agriculture, and vehicles for Environmental Marshals in the Ministry of Environment and other vehicles. I have told the commissioners that the ministries should properly document and handover these equipment intact to the in-coming government. Please ensure that you take note of these equipment in the course of your documentation.’’

Uduaghan lauded the committee members for the work they have been doing and urged Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to be patient with Dr. Okowa in the process of appointments, adding: “l know expectations are high, but we have to be very patient and be loyal party members.”

Oyovbaire, on his part, commended the smooth transition process in the state, especially the co-operation of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in providing the needed information.

Similary, Uduaghan has constituted a 22-man End-of-Tenure Inauguration Committee to organize the activities associated with the handover of power to a new government on May 29.

The governor, at the inauguration of the committee which is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, tasked them to ensure a successful handover.

Members of the committee include Chike Ogeah, Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen, Mr. Ken Okpara, Mr. Tony Obuh, Mrs. Betty Efekhoda, Mr. Omolubi Newumi, Mr. Taju Isichei and Mr. Mike Okeme.

Others are Hon. Irene Imilar, Hon. Friday Osanebi, Mr. Emma Ogidi, Mr. Douglas Okolotu, Mr. Sebastian Okoh and Hon Kester Okoro.

The rest are Asupa Forteta, Mrs. Faith Majemite, Dr. B. K. Anderson, Mr. Oritsuwa Kpogho, a representative each from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Meanwhile, a financial economist and management expert, Dr. Israel Kwode, has congratulated Okowa and his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, on their overwhelming victory at the just-concluded polls.

He advised the Governor-elect to restructure the state’s economy with a view to turning it into a financial, industrial and entertainment/tourist hub like Singapore, Texas and Dubai.

According to Kwode, Delta possesses great human, physical and material resources to be one of the greatest areas in sub-Saharan Africa, saying that some of the best brains in the financial, industrial and entertainment sectors are from the state.

He, therefore, urged him to assemble the best brains in various sectors to assist him in translating the great vision, tagged SMART, into reality.

In a related development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC) has presented a certificate of return to the member-elect for Ughelli South Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Barr. Reuben Rume Izeze.

The lawmaker, while thanking his constituents for their unflinching and unalloyed support towards the realization of his dream, said: “I dedicate this victory to God for making it possible for me to emerge victorious. Without the help of God, it wouldn’t have been possible but with God, all things are possible

He continued: “I thank the good people of Ughelli South Local Government for their support for me and our principal, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. I commend their dexterity, zeal and commitment to ensure a prosperous Delta State as envisioned by our Governor-Elect.”

The lawmaker-elect reaffirm his commitment towards providing quality representation for his people.

“Specifically, by the grace of God and as a Comrade, we do not intend to make promises that we cannot fulfill. The essence of a lawmaker is to make laws and now that we have been given the opportunity to speak, we will make laws to enforce law and order. Laws that will bring law and order to Deltans because without law and order, society will be in chaos. That is the essence of law making,” he assured.