‘We can’t achieve Vision 2020 without adequate power supply’

Gov. OsunborThe Governor of Edo State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbo recently spoke to some selected journalists on his one year in office, his relationship with Chief Ogbemudia and Anenih and other sundry issues. Omodele Idris and Olu Osunde were there. Excerpts

IT is a year you took over as the governor of Edo State. What are some of your programmes that have changed the lives of the people for better?
Democratic governance is all about representation. Those who have been voted into elective offices go there to represent the people. There may be opportunities for you to put aside your own personal priorities to attend to theirs, however to participate or vie for public office, you must do it for the benefit of the people. Accordingly, I was able to assess, before I went into the governorship race, the priorities of the people of Edo State. By all account, the number one priority that stands well above all other priorities is the issue of road construction, followed closely by water supply and then rural electrification.

And I must say that I have been able to capture those desires of the people of Edo State to have good roads. That is why I have committed a lot of my energy, a lot of the public funds that have been made available to the state into road construction and rehabilitation and I feel highly gratified that the public have in clear terms expressed their appreciation of what we have been able to do in the road and transportation sector.

How eveny spread are these projects?
The projects are evenly spread across the three senatorial districts of the state. We have a minimum of three or four per senatorial district, in fact, at the first stage, three for each Senatorial district. But Benin City has a distinct position being the state capital because regardless of whatever Senatorial district one comes from, the state capital belongs to all and that is why we have identified not less than 38 roads within the state capital for state intervention and as I have said, four of the roads that people have virtually forgotten, roads that people have given up hope about, I feel delighted that those roads have now been opened up and rehabilitated.

Some of those can be mentioned. Saint Saviour road was one of the very worst in the entire state.
Uwelu by-pass market road, etc. So the people who live around these areas have been quick to hail the intervention this government has brought about. These areas were once abandoned for other areas in the state but now, the people are going back. The same goes for areas that have become ravaged by serious erosion and flooding but we have been intervening in the area of construction of drainages. To that extent, some of those parts from which people have fled are now habitable. We cannot completely solve the problem but I think the public can see for themselves that we are determined to solve these problems once and for all.

It is not humanly possible to solve all these problems at a go. Remember, we are just under one year of this administration but so far, we have demonstrated our resolve to tackle these problems fully and decisively in the months and years to come.

Edo and Bayelsa States are said to be among the least developed states in the South-South despite the presence of oil, and that they are not private sector driven, what do you have to say about that?
I think your question is loaded. First, about Edo and Bayelsa being among the least developed states in the South-South geopolitical state and Edo state being a civil service state, and the low level of development in Edo state. I would say that, talking about the predominance of civil servants, historically the Federal government has over the years not given the kind of attention that is required for the development of the South-South geopolitical zone. That is why the FG now is giving special attention in order to achieve a speedy development of the zone, which as you know is responsible for the bulk of the revenue accruing to the country. So for this historical reason of the lack of federal government presence by way of siting commercial enterprises and industries within the state, that is being corrected.

You know that in recent times the FG has set up subsidiaries of the NNPC here in Edo State. But more is to be done to encourage private sector driven industrial development. As a national policy, the FG is relinquishing the level of its involvement in industrial development by way of direct intervention. What is being done in place of that is creating conducive environments for foreign investors to thrive by way of incentives. As a state government, my administration is also making it abundantly clear that we are industry-friendly. We have ensured that the discussions, proposals that have been presented before the state government are given quick and speedy attention. As we talk now, there are a number of proposals that are under consideration for private investors to come and establish various types of investment in Edo State.

The establishment of industrial layout, the establishment of export processing organisation the establishment of industrial parks, andthe utilisation the various investment opportunities that we have in this state. In the area of housing, a lot of interest has been shown by investors so what we are doing as a government is giving them incentives. Those who require land are aided by the government in getting their Certificates of Ownership and other things that are within the power of the government to grant. There are issues, of course, like power supply which has been a major impediment to industrialization in Nigeria, that is quite outside the immediate purview of the state government, but state governments have now realized the need to support the Federal Government efforts in the area of power generation and contributing to the generation of power supply available to the people. These are some of the things being done to support private employment opportunities rather than the present situation in which the government is the main employer of labour in the state.

In the next four years, how do you want to be remembered?
One of the reasons I decided after eight years as a Senator, to pick the baton as a governor, is to be able to do those things I could not do as a Senator. That is directly impacting positively on the lives of people of this state, bringing to them those developments, amenities, opportunities that I, as a Senator, saw could be given to them. My fulfilment therefore would be to see all these people enjoy these good things of life that have eluded them for quite some time. I can say with a lot of contentment and satisfaction that even within this short period of time, I have been able to achieve a lot in fulfilling my election promises in all the sectors of life in Edo State, although the most visible is what everybody is talking about, roads. But beyond roads, we have intervened in the area of rural electrification and water supply in the three senatorial districts of the state and there are lots more in the pipe line which I hope will be unveiled in the next few months, four contracts for water supply particularly in Edo Central Senatorial district will be awarded because as you know, one borehole can serve many communities in Edo South.

In Edo Central and Edo North, boreholes are not really as useful as they can be in Edo South. So we are looking at developing Ojirami dam, work is going on right now. In Auchi, I was full of happiness when someone sent me a text message from Auchi saying that he had a shower for the first time in eight years. He told me the taps were running and actually that made him able to shower with water coming from the public water supply, and I felt very happy. As I said, Edo Central, the studies and designs are going on now and very shortly the contracts will be awarded for water supply. In the area of agriculture, unemployed youths, at the last count, about two thousand youths have been engaged to work on the land. We are paying each N5,000 per month, they will be farming for themselves but the government will give them the salary by way of incentive so that they remain on the land.

In the health sector, we are refurbishing many of the hospitals and supplying state of the art dental equipment to the Central Hospital, Benin City, things they lack. As for educational institutions, I feel very proud that during my tenure, Ambrose Alli University had at least 30 courses accredited. Since its existence, this is the first time it would have such at a go. What else would one want in fulfilment of one’s promises and mandate to the people? It baffles me that what we are doing were not being done. I will dedicate myself to doing even more because by so doing I will feel more fulfilled.It should be noted that no sector would be left behind, just as we have been doing, we are taking everything on board but as I said, there are priorities. Road is the number one priority of the people of the state and I know they are happy we have prioritised it too. But, there Before, Edo was not to be rated among the least developed states even up to the 1980’s. When I was in the university in the 70’s, people from the Mid-West then were almost like first class citizens. We can get back to that point of glory, when people will want to emulate our achievements. And that is only possible if we are able to develop all the sectors of our life.

Why is attention recurring on the issue of salary review?
That again is in fulfilment of my campaign promises. I recall that I was saddened by the fact that even though the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress at the time was an indigene of Edo State, Edo State workers were the least paid throughout Nigeria. That to me was an irony and was painful, I therefore set about promptly increasing the salaries of workers, at least to meet the level of the FG recommended minimum wage structure of N7,500. But you know that also last year, the Federal Government again recommended 15% wage increase and since wages and salaries are deregulated, states are expected to implement it at their own pace and at their own capacity. Having just increased the minimum wage with effect from June 2007, we engaged in consultations with relevant stakeholders, the labour union and that process took us a few months to complete and that was why we announced during the May Day that with effect from 1st July, 2008, we will effect the payment of the 15% increment. As I said, I believe that government should have the interest of the people at heart. The primary purpose of governance is to secure the lives of the people and bring happiness to them.

Once the people in government have the interest of the ordinary people then governance will be very successful. That is why I am doing this, I believe it is my responsibility to the workers of the state in order to make them happy; workers have a great role to play in the development of the state so they can not be neglected. It is simply money well utilised.

Are you making special plans towards tackling the menace of flood in Benin City?
Flooding has been a perennial problem in Benin City, but so far, the best intervention made was during the era of General Ogbemudia when they made very major intervention measure of burying huge pipes and manholes across many parts of the city. It is regrettable that successive governments have not gone further beyond this strong foundation, so the state capital has expanded phenomenally and many new areas have become inhabited and the problem of flooding has become compounded. As I said, I recognise the issue of flooding as one of the areas that require our urgent intervention and we would do something to put it under control.

The state has intervened in a number of gully sites and contracts have already been signed to correct some, but are connections being made in order to solicit the help of the federal government since the state cannot do it all alone?
That is very correct going by the magnitude of the erosion. It is beyond the scope of what the state government can do, solely. I can tell you that the federal government is aware and is ready to help. The World Bank has also actually been handling some aspects of the problem.

You seem not disturbed by the verdict of the tribunal because I see that you are still working tenaciously. What will happen if the verdict of the tribunal does not favour you?
I am not even contemplating that. When we get to the river, we will cross it. I believe we will get a canoe to cross it. There is no problem at all. I am very optimistic that we have a very good chance of succeeding on appeal.

Sir, your national chairman said you have a very formidable opposition. How are you handling them?
He did not say so. He said we have a formidable trade unionist. He addressed Oshiomole as a trade unionist that is difficult to crack. He was not talking about Oshiomole the politician because Oshiomole the politician is an ant in politics. I have won elections twice to the Senate and he is yet to win one.

There is concern about the protracted crisis rocking your party and one is aware that the National Chairman, Prince Ogbulafor, gave a 10-day ultimatum for its resolution. What are your suggestions to resolving the situation?
Again, you have misquoted the National Chairman. He never gave a 10-day ultimatum. He said 10 day, to get back to the National Working Committee on how to resolve the problems. I believe the deadline has been met and the NWC is in possession of the proposals from the stakeholders. I am optimistic that the problems are within control. We have had more serious problems at the national level which we have solved. We always come out stronger from crisis. PDP is not going, it is growing.

There is no doubt that no development can take place in an atmosphere of fear and apprehension and you yourself said the purpose of governance is to create an enabling environment. Recently, the PDP raised an alarm that some people were planning to create unrest within the polity. Has the government investigated this allegation?
That is very correct. Peace is an essential ingredient for development to thrive. The government is aware of the situation. We are also aware that the security agencies have been put on the alert. It is necessary for the government to continue supporting those agencies so they will be able to perform their duties superbly and efficiently. In summary, the government is aware and it will perform its responsibility of safeguarding the lives and properties of its citizens.

By May 29, you would have spent a year in office, are there certain things you wish could have been accomplished?
There are just a few things. I have fulfilled about 80% of my election promises. But there is one thing I have not fulfilled which is the holding of an economic summit. I have always wanted to host one within the first quarter of the year. This is one of the consequences of the several distractions that we have had. Life is not a bed of roses and I hope we would come out of them with renewed vigour and determination.

Going back to the problems within the PDP, the opposition has always said that Your Excellency wants to run the government and the party in the state. What is your take on that?
First of all, crisis is not limited to the PDP, other parties have their fair share of it too. The buck stops at the President’s table, at the national level and at the governor’s table at the state level. I cannot stop anybody saying I am the cause of the crisis in Edo State because they are entitled to their opinion. I also believe that there are some people who do not mean well for the governor, they want him to derail. None of them can however match me in whatever department of life. But it is unfair for them to blame the governor for the problems of the PDP in Edo State.

How can you describe your relationship with Dr. Anenih and Ogbemudia. And also, at a time, your former commissioner was kidnapped and you accused your opponent. Later the commissioner was found dead at a hotel room...
You asked two questions, Chief Anenih and Ogbemudia. My relationship with them is cordial. I must confess they have played a very great role in my political development. Chief Anenih supported me all through from the constitutional amendment conference in 1995. I am forever loyal to him. However, there are some people who are not glad with the cordiality I enjoy and are trying their best to make the relationship sour. Chief Ogbemudia, has been very supportive. He is a father. A lot of what we now enjoy in Edo State was made possible by him when he was military governor of Mid-West Region. Every Edo State indigenes must show some gratitude for his good works. I respect him a lot.

To the second question, let me use this opportunity to clarify the issue, I read in the papers that the government of Edo State accused Oshiomole of murdering the commissioner. Nobody made that accusation. By the time the claimed statement was made, no one knew that the commissioner was dead. So it was surprising to me that some people alleged that we said Oshiomole murdered him. But there was a statement released linking the opposition party with the disappearance of the commissioner. Still the statement was not released by me but by the Special Adviser on Communication who also came out to issue the retraction, though I cannot fully exonerate myself since government is collectively run.

But don’t you think PDP members are engaging too much in dangerous 'extra curricula activities'?
I don’t know about that. It is just unfortunate. They said the same too when he was asked to disclose the identity of the lady. We all know what went on there. But let me tell you that that is not our trade mark in the PDP. I don’t have the full details concerning the incident.

Now to the area of sports. As it is well known, Edo people love sports and their only team in the premier division has been relegated. What plans do you have as regards the team?
I need to make some explanations in order to properly inform the Edo people. When I assumed office, one of the first approvals I made was for the sum of about N52 million to support Insurance Football Club in commencing the league season, for player’s welfare and coaches. After we made that release, it came to our notice that Insurance FC is really not our club (Edo State). Insurance FC is a private club owned by one chief and his two or three children. Insurance FC is a private property. It is not our own. Bendel Insurance used to be our own but for reasons which are still being investigated, the ownership of Bendel Insurance was converted to Insurance FC belonging to the said chief. It was disturbing, how property owned by the state government now became a private property. However, over the years, a lot of government funds were being pumped into a private property. I mandated the Commissioner for Sports, the Deputy Governor, the Attorney-General and some others to look into this controversy, and we did not get enough cooperation from the private owners. So we have decided to stop further funding.