IN any developing society like Nigeria, the role of the government in the provision of infrastructures cannot be overemphasized. The level of development and civilization in such a society to a large extent, reflect the quality of life of its people.
Today, we are seeing the practical application of governments efforts at meeting the socio-economic challenges in the society in Edo state and the people are witness to a fast transformation of policies into action.
Indeed, there are indications that majority of the people who are not necessarily politicians appreciate the tempo of development going on in the state and steps taken so far by the government to bring dividends of democracy to them.
Though the fulcrum of the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration is geared towards industrializing the state, to provide jobs and revitalize the economy, there are salient aspects of governance which no doubt have impacted the common man on the streets, like in the transportation sector with the Comrade Bus which has made many who could not afford cars the opportunity to be mobile at very reduced cost.
Also, it is however important to note that the rehabilitation of roads across the state and award of contracts for the construction of some strategic roads in the state capital which is in continuation of the governments aggressive drive towards the development of new towns and opening up of the suburbs are some of the physical manifestation of governments resolve to make life meaningful for all.
We can also see constructions and rehabilitation of some of the states infrastructures like the old secretariat buildings, ministry of Justice and even the government house, all going on simultaneously.
Historically, Benin City, the heart beat of the nation used to be a prosperous land with one of the best network of roads in Nigeria, which European nations such as Portugal Spain, Germany, Holland, France and Britain Scrambled and outsmarted one another to establish economic and diplomatic relations.
It is obvious that the vision of the Governor who has traveled extensively to other climes is to translate into physical forms the aspiration and yearnings of the people and he has no doubt started well barely two years without undue publicity.The government has invested in the Azura power project ostensibly to guarantee power supply in the state, created enabling environment that has been attracting investors and the gelegele sea port project is in the offing as well, just as other policies in the education, arts, culture, tourism and sports development are being given priority.
Those of us in Benin City, the state capital and those who transit through to the north, east or western parts of the country can attest to these transformation that are taken place, even in the three senatorial districts of the state, as acknowledged by the people including the traditional rulers of Edo Central recently.
In appreciation for Governor Obaseki’s response to the developmental needs of the people of Esan land, the traditional rulers through the Onojie of Opoji, HRH Ehidiamen I (JP) mentioned in particular what is happening in Ewu and Ekpoma roads which are soon to be tarred in the dry season.
Investigation has revealed amongst others that the awards of contracts for the construction of roads including the over 25 kilometers roads in Benin City and those going on in other parts of the state to enhance human and vehicular movement from one end to another is a testimony of the government’s interest to take development to the entire state which is just a matter of time
With these efforts to improve the living conditions of the people, connect communities and impact their lives meaningfully with amenities it is most unfortunate that some person’s are still playing politics of witch hunting the governor because their selfish interest are not been catered for by this administration.
In as much one is not holding brief for the government, the recent attack on the governor by some sponsored hoodlums in Esan Land is definitely taking politics too far. The unprovoked attack is unnecessary and it is a show of shame as it has exposed the appalling level of reasoning of some politicians.
This however goes to confirm the statement of a former governor of Bayelsa state, Timipre Sylva who said recently that some of our politicians need psychiatric evaluation. It is very obvious that the sponsors of such heinous crime against every modicum of civilization, will by now have regretted their unreasonable actions because they do not have any justifiable reason to embarrass a man who means well for the state.
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Eubaldus Enahoro is Deputy Editor of the Nigerian Observer
