I read a line from the usual pedestrian syntax typical of Gov. Sim scripts, specifically in his failed attempt to respond to the deluge of well~thought out criticisms against his moribund Government, during the inauspicious inauguration of Boards of Tertiary institutions in Rivers State,
I stopped reading when I picked up from the inexperienced Governor’s speech, that those subjects and objects of criticisms from critical minds, are Noises.
What a faux pas?
On a second thought, I agreed with Gov. Sim that those constructive criticisms and unearthing of his cluelessness are noises to his undiscerning ears.
Afterall, “Noise”, is a sound made so loudly that creates discomforts and amounts to disturbance.
(1)How would a Governor refer to as “noise”, the counsel offered pro-bono, against weekly frittering away of State funds in Street jamborees dubbed Thanksgiving for Supreme Court judgement, in the 23 Local Government Areas and 319 wards of Rivers State, at the chagrin of the mass of Rivers State People who wallow in choiceless want, occasioned by the prevalent global economic downturn?
(2) How does it sound unpleasant in the ears of one who heads the Executive arm of Government, when unbiased critics and well~meaning statists ,pieces of advise on the need for him to work with the Legislative arm of Government?
(3) How does it discomfort when a Governor is advised to undertake a peer review with colleagues of other States and also think outside the box with a view to being responsive to the immediate clamour of the people he was elected to govern?
(4) How is it “noise ” to remind the Governor that States are not run by whims and caprices of a Governor?
That holding of State Executive Council meetings at regular intervals agree with laid down tradition and thusly, sine qua non, knowing the fact that it is at the floor of the SEC that Commissioners and other constitutionally recognised top Government officers, profusely canvass policies and programmes of their respective areas. And that huge approvals of funds for Government projects and programmes, are as debated and agreed at the SEC meeting.
(5) How is it “Noise” to demand that the Governor falls to the constitution and the laws of the State which he swore to protect?
That Local Government Elections, being statutory provision in the laws of the State, should be conducted as and when due?
Just how?
(6) How is it “Noise” to remind the Governor of the mantra upon which he ascended the rostrum?
If he will change or discontinue with it, shouldn’t Rivers People be told?
Does it look like Rivers People have become electric switch at the beck and call of the occupant of a room?
In clear conscience, is the Governor still within the planks of “Consolidation and Continuity of the Rivers vision?
(7)Is it “noise” to speak against the gory sight of hunger~stricken and pale looking Old Grandmothers and Mothers and Wives and Sisters, clad half nude in public, in a sponsored function, markedly to shore support for Gov. Sim.
Is it not one of the definitions of “organic support” of Rivers State people that Gov. Sin boasts to enjoy?
(8) Is it “Noise” to counsel the Governor to present the budget of the State for the 2024 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, so that it is vetted and passed as law of the State?
Can a State really run without an approved budget?
(9) Is it “Noise” to demand that the Governor should concentrate on Governance ~ the reason for electing him and de~emphasise inanities and frivolities?
(10) It is “noise ” to advise the Governor to be sensitive to environments and situations and scenarios, and so, choice matching dictions?
Is it not true that a speech at a burial ceremony by no less the Governor, should be about Tribute to the dead and the family and not a place for political innuendos especially as the one lying in State, wasn’t a Politician and the audience at the funeral service not purely Politicians?
(11) Alas, it is “noise” to hold the Governor or demand accountability from the Governor on the finances that accrued to the state from the inception of his Government to the present, especially when one is convinced that it doesn’t reflect or translate to visible tangible projects?
Did the Governor not vouch to accountability?
(12) We should have applauded the Governor for not obeying and religiously following Mr. President’s charges towards peace in Rivers State as evinced in the 8 points Proclamation document of Mr. President, as handed down to feuding parties in Rivers State.
These further questions will beg for answers?
(A) Is it true that it was only the Gubernatorial Election case in Rivers State that Transported to the Supreme Court?
(B) Is it true that it is only Gov. Sin that enjoys “Organic support” in the comity of State Governors?. Reason why his, are on the streets every weekend on jamborees while the others because of inorganic support from their people, don’t enjoy the privilege?
(C) Is it true that Gov. Sin’s election case, which he won at the elections tribunal and the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, was the most feared and dicey in our history?
(D) Which other State in Nigeria dares the volatility of the environment and the attendant security challenges and the pervading economic crunch to sponsor ostentatious weekly streets jamboree?
(E) Who was after Gov. Sin at the Supreme Court?
(F) Who engaged the legion of Senior counsels (SANs) that stood in courts for Gov. Sin’s Governorship victory ?
(G) Did Governor Sin, having been sworn~in, at anytime even in the thick of the controversy with his benefactor, change the defence Lawyers?
(H) Were the Lawyers withdrawn by the one who hired them at any point, to show disdain and disinterest or worse case, aversion for the matter at the Supreme Court?
(I) Is it true that manna falls for Rivers People as a result of the ostentatious thanksgiving events in the whole length and breadth of the State?
(J) Is it the tradition that Thanksgiving service provides the veritable grounds to derogate, denigrate and/deride a perceived political enemy to the extent that a Speaker pointedly calls a perceived enemy, ‘a Mad man’?
(K) Is it recommended that intra party squabbles which have rocked the ruling PDP in Rivers State should negatively rob off on members of other political parties and those non~aligned citizens of Rivers State?
Any rational thinking person, devoid of the least atom or iota of bias and other prejudices and idiosyncrasies providing answers to the questions posed herein and subjecting these submissions to critical scrutiny, will arrive at the conclusion that the counsels and lead we provide, are noble and “noises” as held by Gov. Sin.
It is only one with the spirit of insanity or in this case unthinking or visionless or mindless being, that abhors wise counsels and at best, dismisses them as Noises.
“Wisdom is profitable to direct …” so said the Holy books.
Gov. Sim should expect more “Noises” that will continue to come as shrapnel in the days ahead.
What war is Rivers State enmeshed so fiercely that would warrant this statement – “if resigning will bring about peace in Rivers State, I will resign” .~Gov Sim Fubara. The Governor Sim had announced in advance that he will resign for incompetence and it is commendable.
Enough of the shameful flip flops, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara (My brother Knight)
Chief Tony C Okocha KSC DSSRS JP
Chairman, (Caretaker Committee)
APC Rivers State.
(Public affairs analyst)
March 14, 2024.
