DutchBrah:

Donald Duke owns Admirality towers in Ikoyi which he purchased during his tenure as Governor. We don't need another looter as President.
http://saharareporters.com/2008/07/11/open-letter-efcc-investigate-donald-duke

Being wealthy is not proof that he is corrupt, or is it a crime to be wealthy

Lakeside79:


But pls add it here I totally agree with you, I strongly feel Donald duke is so underrated by Nigerians and i just don't know why

Is it because he isn't considered one of the major tribes ?
I am Yoruba but this really annoys me the way people easily ignore this brilliant mind

Please add it here so all can see the milestones this humble gentle man achieved without undue noise

I read a post where someone said all Lagos past governor's are better than him

Such things annoy me

The Donald Duke Legacy

by Yemi Ogunbiyi

While working as an editor of a book on the Donald Duke years as Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who was co-editor, and I, agonised about the choice of a proper title for the book. After a series of deliberations, we settled for: Doing the Right Thing: The Donald Duke Years. The first four words of the title were not original. They had come from the text of a Donald Duke interview with journalists in which he had said that the best guarantee for success in public service was to do the right thing always.

In retrospect now, as one attempts a brief review of Duke's legacy, the choice of that title seems most apt because it captures, it seems, not only the essence of his monumental achievements as two-term Governor of Cross River State, but also the general public's perception of that success. Yet, unless some facts about Duke's achievements are properly situated within the larger context of what can truly be referred to as Duke's 'eight-year wonder' at Cross River State, he might be remembered more for his achievements in Eco-tourism and other related areas than for the unprecedented solid foundation for enduring development, growth and prosperity that he laid for the state.

The very first thing he did upon being sworn in as Governor in 1999 was to deploy an Economic Blueprint, which outlined his Development agenda and vision for the state. Not surprisingly, the document bore all the signs of years of gestation. This Blueprint was anchored upon a deceptively simple set of prerequisites for development ----- the provision of sound minds and healthy bodies for the populace. In other words, if government provides education, training and infrastructure for the people and keeps them healthy, they will become economically productive.

A second major plank of this Blueprint was the enactment of a unique public-private partnership model for growing major sectors of the economy, especially the sectors where the state had comparative advantage, such as agriculture and tourism. To further drive this Blueprint, the government took two key decisions. One, it adopted an unprecedented performance tracking mechanism that was to benchmark the state's performance in the key socio-economic development areas. Secondly, it decided to set aside N50 million as strategic reserve out of its meagre monthly allocation from the Federation Account for use in emergency situations. Taken together, these broad objectives led, as will be shown presently, to one of the most ambitious investment drives of any state in the history of the country.

For instance, in agriculture, which was to become a major anchor of Duke's development agenda, in the first four years of the administration, Cross River State leapfrogged from subsistence agriculture to large scale commercial farming such that the state became a major producer of pineapple, cashew, cocoa and, of course, oil palm. Working closely with Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia, our own NIFOR in Benin and other private investors, the oil palm business blossomed into a major industry. Similarly, the pineapple project became a huge success, leading to the establishment of a pineapple processing plant at the Calabar Export Free zone.

The plant has since been privatised and taken over by Dansa Food Processing Industry. Also, in the first four years of the life of the Duke administration, Cross River went from being the sixth largest producer of cocoa, nation-wide to the second. As I write, Cross River State produces about 20 per cent of the total national tonnage of cassava. These figures did not exist before 1999.

But, perhaps, the most unique feature of Duke's agricultural policy was the judicious combination of micro and macro schemes to create poverty alleviation strategies which were to have immediate impact on the fortunes of the poor. To take one of several examples, in 2005, for instance, the state, under a turnkey agreement with private investors, took delivery of Bee-keeping equipment and honey processing machines that would produce some 50,000kg of honey annually on the Obudu Ranch. Under the agreement, 25 trainers and 400 farmers were to be trained in modern bee-keeping techniques, with Beehives imported from South Africa. When fully operational, the factory will create a diversification of skill, as it can also process other by-products such as wax into candles. This model was successfully extended to fish-farming and live-stock delivery.

This same drive permeated other aspects of Duke's ambitious plan in education, infrastructure, urban regeneration, and health. Unfortunately, the constraints of space would not permit a detailed look at these areas. But sketches will survive to provide insights into an enviable legacy of commitment and service. For instance, in early 2000, Duke convened a state-wide Education Summit. Among other recommendations, the Summit called for a surgical and multifaceted approach to the crisis of education in the state and the amalgamation of all the tertiary institutions in the state into one Centre of Excellence.

Continued:

The implementation of the latter decision led to the creation of Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH). To ensure that CRUTECH meets the objective of harmonising local standards with global academic benchmarks, its intakes from secondary and primary schools had to be properly equipped. Accordingly, under a diligently pursued, state-wide universal free primary education scheme, the state wrote, printed and distributed text books to primary and secondary schools, virtually free of charge, perhaps, the only state on record to do so in the federation. And to complete the final education jigsaw, the state embarked on a massive incentive programme for school teachers by introducing handsome tax exemption packages, 'difficult station allowances,' mobility allowances and prompt promotion for teachers.

While the full impact of these innovations are yet to be felt, it is sufficient merely to state that already some dramatic results are beginning to be seen. Not only have JAMB results improved dramatically throughout the state, two Cross-Riverians, both graduates from the last CRUTECH batch, have recently secured admission to two Ivy League universities in the United States for post-graduate work.

Achievements in the health sector were no less spectacular. In 1999, Cross River State had one of the highest HIV/AIDS sero-prevalence rates in the country. Acutely convinced that health was a cardinal part of his economic agenda, Duke took full control of the sector as if his success as Governor was dependent solely on it. Under his every watch, a massive re-orientation programme and grass-root health delivery was embarked upon to confront Tuberculosis, Malaria, Onchocerciasis and HIV/AIDS. By 2005, Cross River State's sero-prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS dropped from 14% to 6%, the highest such drop anywhere in the world, causing the World Health Organisation (WHO) to cite the state as worthy of emulation by others.

Also, in 1999, only about 15 rural communities, covering no more than 10% of the state had electricity.
Eight years on, some 80% coverage had been achieved, covering some 200 communities, again making this achievement one of the most outstanding in the federation. In similar vein, under a massive urban regeneration programme, which included the designation of five cities, Calabar, Ugep, Ikom, Obudu and Ogoja, as centres for capacity enhancement and excellence, a state-wide environmental programme was rolled out. Today not only is Cross River State the cleanest state in the country, the network of roads and the level of modernity to be encountered, sets it apart from many.

However, for many, Duke's greatest legacy would be, and with justification, TINAPA and the renovation of the Obudu Ranch Resort. Because a lot has been written about them, I will dwell solely on the uniqueness of these projects. It ought to be restated that these projects were a part of a well-rounded and well-orchestrated public-private partnership vision, driven by opportunities in commerce and the new global awareness for environmental conservation. The plan from the outset was for TINAPA, with its N200 billion annual economy, to become the destination of choice for the commercial traveller, while Obudu Ranch Resort, from its pristine state, would become the haven for the tourist seeking peace, beauty and tranquility. Put differently, by investing in an area of comparative advantage and strength, Duke, sought, through these projects, to enact a model of economic management that is unprecedented in its transformative effect on the fortunes of the people of Cross River State.

When the projects were first unveiled, the former President, Chief Obasanjo, was ecstatic. He had this to say: 'This young man is full of fantastic ideas and vision, capable of turning the economy around. He is an invaluable asset to the Fourth Republic'. Then, two years after, at the commissioning of the revamped Obudu Ranch Resort, complete with the new cable cars, Obasanjo wrote: 'Donald, I wish to commend you again as I did on TINAPA. Truly, where there's a will, there will be achievement, I challenge other state Governors to either replicate something like this or unique to the economy of their states. This challenge which is in line with the six focal economic points of the federal government should be based on the principle of comparative advantage'.

Other people may argue, again, not without justification, that Duke's greatest legacy is to be found in his style of governance, one that was down-to earth and shorn of the lofty and pretentious trappings of power and office. There was an unusual self-assurance about Duke as Governor, borne, I suspect, out of very powerful instincts, deep religiosity and spiritualism, which are not easily discernible. Instincts, without doubt, have played an important role in his career. While his instincts explain, in part, why he was never daunted by the fear of failure, his self-assurance explains why he went about his business as Governor, almost self-effacingly, without fanfare, without sirens, without a truck-load of armed personnel or a long convoy of escort vehicles.

For a young 45-year old, who came to the job at 37 in 1999 with a 'Lagos-Boy' tag, he showed a capacity for work that was almost without parallel. As his personal aides would testify, it was not unknown for Governor Duke to drive himself at past mid-night on a 90-minute inspection tour of TINAPA and then return there again at 8.00 a.m. in the morning, with a team of prospective business investors in tow! His impeccable good manners, candour and behaviours were matched only by his unalloyed commitment to the service of his people. Clearly, his period as Governor was a study in decorum and propriety. He was one Governor who strove always to do the right thing.

Yet, successful as he was as Governor, he did not always get things right! As I have written elsewhere, his muffled response to the third term debacle did not endear him to many. While it may be correct to surmise that his hedging on the matter derived, presumably, from an accurate reading of the gratuitous self-righteousness of the topmost leadership of his party, in retrospect, he had little to lose by either remaining silent on the matter or taking a clear position.

Obviously, he made enemies for himself by not chumming up with famous old leaders in his state, either of the political or intellectual sorts, hence the claim that he ran the state like a private enterprise. A variant of this criticism was that he was a tight-fisted politician who refused to adjust to the free giving style of many politicians. Duke's counter to this is that Cross River State is still a very poor state and that he had little money to spend even on salaries and projects, let alone extras to give away. The same critics who accuse him of refusing to 'spray' money are quick to accuse him of leaving behind a huge debt profile for the state, mischievously confusing the temporary borrowings for projects like TINAPA with state debts

.
Duke left no state debts for his successor. But there are debts on the TINAPA project, which, if not liquidated with the impending IPO, will be liquidated in no time. And at any rate, the enduring benefits of TINAPA, not only as a holistic vision of development but also as a globe trading hub, reminiscent of other great international free trade zones like Hong Kong and Dubai cannot be quantified, certainly, not today, and not in Naira and kobo alone.

In the end, Donald Duke's legacy might well lay not so much in the actualisation of these visionary projects, but essentially in the fact that he, like the old men of the scriptures, dreamt dreams! Donald Duke also taught us to see visions! And there could not be a greater tribute to his legacy than the warmth accorded him on his last day in office. As he was ceremoniously pulled around the Esuene Stadium on the 29th May, waving, with the people waving back in spontaneity, you knew, without prompting, that it was an appreciative populace that was saying 'good-bye and so long' to a worthy servant.

Later that evening, as Governor Imoke and his wife, Obioma, saw Donald and Onari off at the Margaret Ekpo airport and some of Duke's erstwhile commissioners and a few friends formed an unrehearsed guard-of-honour, clapping and cheering, it was an emotional Donald Duke who took leave of the crowd to board the waiting aircraft, with a depth of satisfaction knowing that he had given the job his best shot. And there can be no doubt at all that from Donald Duke, the best is yet to come.

NeeKlaus:

Yes, Sir.. I live in this country. This combination has been debated upon severally. Let's ignore the fact that they are not Yoruba or Hausa and focus on what they have achieved before and what they can still present.

I understand your view but your point got me thinking if u actually live in Nigeria where tribalism has eaten deep in every fabric of Nigerian.

NeeKlaus:

Let's leave sentiments and tribalistic differences apart. Inasmuch as I know that the powers that be and the Fulanis in the North won't like to concede power to the South East, I believe we have passed that stage of regional rule.

Nigeria is at a level where we just have to consider individual capabilities and not just ethnic bigotry.

Very well said, I could not agree more

emerged01:

I understand your view but your point got me thinking if u actually live in Nigeria where tribalism has eaten deep in every fabric of Nigerian.

I see your angel but honestly we can't continue like this.

Where then does one draw the line if we keep succumbing to this anomaly called the Nigerian way ?

Where then does hope for this country come from ?

ProjectNaija:


Being wealthy is not proof that he is corrupt, or is it a crime to be wealthy

He has been a politician his whole life, that is the probelm brah.Why didnt he build Admirality towers before he became Governor of Cross Rover State.He is no different from Diezani Madueke.

DutchBrah:

He has been a politician his whole life, that is the probelm brah.Why didnt he build Admirality towers before he became Governor of Cross Rover State.He is no different from Diezani Madueke.

Nope he was a wealthy business man before venturing into politics, learn to get your facts right.

He should just choose Ribadu as his vice

ProjectNaija:


Nope he was a wealthy business man before venturing into politics, learn to get your facts right.

Which business did he own?All Nigerian politicians are "wealthy businessmen". Where is his company located,staff strenght and how much taxes does he pay annually?Why didn't he build the Admirality towers which are worth billions of naira before he became Governor brah?

Believe it or not, Senator David Mark may be the next President of this country. I don't know him, never met him but looking at the interested candidates so far he has the numbers, the political connections, the money, and as well the backing of the Nigeria Godfathers. Don't get me wrong, as a young person I wish for a more better and younger candidate bt the reality is if wishes are horses, beggars will ride. Most of us that comment here are neither politician nor registered voter.
So let me explain my points
1. The Numbers: So far only few regions of all the country have presented a Presidential candidate. David is Middlebetter, this region comprises of some many states, which is also a good thing for the stability of the country. The last Middlebetter Head of state has one of the longest reign in the history of the country, he's Rtd General Yakubu Gowon.
2. The Political connection: his CV speaks for itself
3. Money: It's obvious
4. The Godfathers: Believe it or not, all the presidential candidates/ president of the country are not matters of coincidence except GEJ, although his VP candidature was neva coincidental. It's obvious that David Mark is a IBB loyalist and put that against other suggested candidates, they have no grounded Godfathers like the ex-head of state.
**Remember Democratic politics is a game of numbers (the silent majority).

Lakeside79:


You need not sell BRF to me , I am an unrepentant die hard fan of his, but to go as far as saying he had been the best minister of power is flawed ...

Facts do stand to show prof Nnaji who served under the legendary ineffectual buffoon was the best .

BRF may have been an awesome governor but to conclude that also makes him perfect to be president is wrong

I couldn't agree more with ur point. I always say this, There's no state in Nigeria whose political demographics replicate that of Nigeria as a country. Being a President of a country like Nigeria isn't a job a lot of people can qualify for due to its complexity. Ask any Past President, they will tell you, it's a very hard job.
Lots of these governors practice autocratic governance which they will neva get away with being a President of Nigeria. Ask Buhari and Osinbajo how far, I'm sure they never expect such complexity of the job.

ucheo:
This man grounded Cross river state till date with huge debt on his failed Tinapa projects. All the LGAs signed off more than 15 years allocation on that..Banks that reneged to give loan for the project based on their analysis were blacklisted.
Serious hunger dey for CRS till date due to his bogus projects...lets leave what we read here oo and pay a visit to Calabar pls...he wan finish Nigeria with grammer?

Most people are fooled by his looks and propaganda machinery. He is almost as bad as Diezanni Madueke when it comes to looting.

yhemster:


I couldn't agree more with ur point. I always say this, There's no state in Nigeria whose political demographics replicate that of Nigeria as a country. Being a President of a country like Nigeria isn't a job a lot of people can qualify for due to its complexity. Ask any Past President, they will tell you, it's a very hard job.
Lots of these governors practice autocratic governance which they will neva get away with being a President of Nigeria. Ask Buhari and Osinbajo how far, I'm sure they never expect such complexity of the job.

Exactly, armchair political analysts here on nairaland think it's black and white .

Frankly duke has the intelligence level to rule this country effectively

He should not be underestimated