For sometime now, clash of political
interests has turned Rivers State to a seemingly political war theatre; and old
friends have turned to foes, defending and making accusations. But one of the
stakeholders, Dr. More Oja-Chinda says God’s plan for the state is still
unfolding. That God has not finished with the State. According to him, power
belongs to God. And only God decides whom to give it.
Dr. More Oja-Chinda is a Rivers
State PDP chieftain and gubernatorial hopeful. He is the leader of “God is Able
Team”, one of the political power blocs in the state. He shared his views on these
issues including the Amnesty Programme, President Jonathan’s administration and
the recent exchange of correspondence between former President Olusegun
Obasanjo and his political son. Excerpts
Can we share your views on the current political crisis in
Rivers State?
The much I can say is to implore our
indigenes to be calm, despite the prevailing political impasse. I urge them to continue
supporting President Jonathan’s transformation agenda because that is our best
option. Obviously, the present political
atmosphere in Rivers State has proved what we in “God is Able Team” believe
which is that power truly belongs to God and only Him can enthrone or dethrone
kings. So no matter the present circumstances, we strongly believe that God has
not finished with the State; his plan for the State is still unfolding. And for
us in ‘God is Able Team’ we remain as PDP. Rivers State remains a PDP State.
PDP is the party to win in a near future and in 2015 by the grace of God.
How will you assess President Jonathan’s performance?
The President performed creditably
well, despite all the daunting challenges. He has made visible progressive changes
in various areas that were hitherto problematic. For instance, the implementation of the amnesty programme is
a well thought-out idea. At least, it has been able to some extent appease
agitated minds and control the insecurity problems in the Niger Delta region.
Before now the crisis slowed down the entire national economy.
Transformation
Agenda
I recall that in December 2009, when President
Jonathan’s administration launched an economic transformation blueprint titled
Nigeria: Vision 20:2020. The implementation of the blueprint is supposed to
make Nigeria one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020.
Specifically, the programme is targeted at engendering rapid transformation in
the country through purpose-driven policies and programmes by tackling
corruption, improving service delivery, fixing critical sectors of the nation’s
economy. Having achieved measurable results so far, I implore Nigerians at home
and abroad to continue giving the administration their support.
Even the deregulation of the power
sector, and notable reforms in the electoral laws as well as the resolution of
the crisis in education, oil and power sectors, especially the issuing of
certificates to the new owners of the electricity firms are all milestones.
However,
I acknowledge that more still needed to be done and the government need to
thoroughly monitor and assess the implementation processes and strategies of
the various programmes like the amnesty programme etc from time to time to
ensure that the aims and objectives were achieved.
Boko
Haram crisis
He advised the Boko Haram insurgents to take
a more civilized approach of making their grievances known instead of the
mindless killing of innocent citizens. It is very vital that all of us see the
nation’s multiplicity of ethnic groups and different religious and cultural
backgrounds as a blessing to promote unity and cohesion among themselves.
Obasanjo/Jonathan’s letters
I will not comment on the exchange of
letters between former president Obasanjo and the incumbent, because both of
them have access to exclusive information many Nigerians do not have. But like
father and son as well as strong members of PDP I advise that there is need to
have a cordial working relationship that will reflect positively in the lives
of all Nigerians; moving Nigeria forward is a collective responsibility of all
Nigerians. As a democrat, he said that president Jonathan has the
constitutional right to seek second tenure; but pointed out that like a fair
player, he must follow all the democratic progresses.
What is your advice to the leaders?
My message has not changed. If you
recall my campaign messages, I still preach spiritual re-orientation, youth and
women empowerment, so I insist on building sustainable human, infrastructure
and economic development, true peace, unity and security of life and property.
We must endeavour to build good neighbourliness and cooperation amongst
different ethnicities that make up the Nigerian polity. Nigerians should embrace
dialogue in solving problems and berated those who resort to violence for not
meaning well to the nation.
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