Troubled Governors And Peter Principle - Politics - Nairaland
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| Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 6:49pm On Jul 05, 2015 |
As most governors in Nigeria run from pillar to post in search of funds to meet such basic obligation as salaries and pension arrears, this column wagers that all the petro-dollars in Arabia will not help a poor governor. Even as they collectively resolved to recover expenditure allegedly made on behalf of the Federal Government, a better option may well be to tell each other the harsh truth. Unless most of our governors purge themselves of spiritual and mental poverty, they will always be plagued by this manner of fiscal poverty. The newly-elected governors in particular must carry out a deep introspection over the activities of their immediate predecessors and determine to choose a fresh path because the road ahead is destined to be tough. It will be interesting to note the amount spent by some of the governors at the Abuja meeting last Wednesday in search of bailout. It will be even more interesting to note that some of the governors travelled to and from Abuja in chartered jets at highly wasteful rates. Just last month, even as workers suffer the pangs of hunger, a governor from the Southeast was on a junket with a chartered jet. As he touched down in his state, he kept the jet on standby for so long and at such huge cost that even the owners of the craft were worried at such wastefulness by a state’s chief executive. Early in this month, four vessels berthed at the Apapa Ports bearing 34,450 tons of imported crude palm oil worth over N3 billion. In the last five years, Nigeria has imported about 2.4 million metric tons of this commodity valued at about N314 billion (about $1.6 billion). We must point it out for the umpteenth time that between Adapalm in Imo State and Risonpalm in Rivers State all the palm products needs of Nigeria’s manufacturing industries can be met with extra to export to Europe. In other words, these states could have easily earned a chunk of this multi-billion dollars palm oil trade. But a visit to any of these sprawling palm estates would only make you weep. It would also afford you an idea of the kind of people managing our affairs. Apart from funds from the federation account, which has virtually vanished with the crude oil debacle, most governors never mustered the initiative to build alternative economic bases in their states. As we said here last week, has cocoa stopped growing in the Southwest of Nigeria or has it stopped being a major world commodity? Any thinking governor can make any state in the Southwest the hub of cocoa production and processing in Africa. Regardless that most states lacked any economic base and do not earn enough revenue, yet they all live large and embark on vanity programmes and projects that are not only way above their means, but have little economic value. Imo for instance was handing cash to pupils and also claimed to be building two universities at the same time. It was also building a fancy skyscraper and three massive hotels in the three senatorial zones. There are 27 general hospitals going on simultaneously in the 27 LGAs. There is no iota of financial planning in all of these. In Osun State, an unsustainable N3.6 billion free school meal programme is on, as well as free uniforms; free tablets and free tuition. What then are parents for? In the thick of all these is an airport project. Where on earth is this impoverished State supposed to get the fund for all these? Where is financial planning and projections in all this? Another state in the southwest is building so many posh public schools in towns while many students still learn under trees in the rural areas. There is also a plan to build a sky-scrapper like the Cocoa House in Ibadan, an ego-induced edifice, not minding that the Ibadan monolith is barely occupied and of little economic value apart from gracing the horizon. Why would a governor dare to purchase jets, helicopters and fly in chartered jets yet expect that cash is inexhaustible? Why are local government council workers also owed for months in many states? The federal allocation to LGAs ought to be enough to pay that level of staff five times over since hardly anything else happen in the LGAs. The point being made essentially here is that money or the lack thereof, is not the problem with these states that cannot pay their workers. This may be hard to comprehend but the point is that no state is in reality richer than the other. A state is only as good as its manager. This is buttressed by the fact that while some oil-rich state are in trouble, some that are deemed to be poor states have managed their finances so well that they have enough to bailout rich states. This is where the Peter Principle above comes in. This principle, espoused by a certain Laurence Peter and Raymond Hull states that people are usually promoted to positions quite above their competence. Are most governors in Nigeria truly competent. Are they willing to learn? This leads to the other Peter Principle: the Peter Obi Principle. This column will recommend him especially to the new governors. They must quietly seek out the erstwhile governor of Anambra State, Governor Peter Obi and tap his mind on the art of running a state in an emerging economy like Nigeria’s. It is not only that Anambra is not owing workers, it has enough in its kitty to lend money to some overly trouble states. Obi did not only leave about N8o billion in cash for his successor Chief Willie Obiano, he put millions of dollars of the state’s funds in bonds that will mature in a few years time at some profit. As if he saw tomorrow, he executed a policy of putting aside at least N100million monthly for his eight years in office. Apart from a glaring fiscal discipline, he never embarked on any vanity projects of policies but enacted numerous decisions that would continue to redound on the economic well being of the state for a very long time. There are investments in modern shopping malls in Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha; Onitsha Business Parks one and two and a N500 million investment with the Bank of Industry to support SMEs in Anambra State. Perhaps most remarkable is the SAB Miller’s breweries in Onitsha, which recently expanded to Nnewi. SAB Miller, one of the biggest brewers in the world has invested about $170 million in its Nigeria subsidiary based in Anambra and will provide about 50,000 jobs at full capacity. This is the way to build a state’s economy. Peter Obi exemplified prudent leadership while delivering value to the people. At the time he left in March 2014, he had restored the people’s trust in public schools and Anambra candidates topped in all national exams for many years. While some states are so indebted that they are no longer credit worthy, Peter Obi did not borrow a dime in eight years. His time in Anambra (2006- 2014) ought to be a case study on how to run a state. He left the state far better than he met it and proved that it is not the quantum of funds available to a state but the quality of mind managing it. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by Nobody: 7:02pm On Jul 05, 2015 |
That's why we Anambrarians named him... Okwute Ndi Igbo! He doesn't talk much, but with little he have in his disposal he performed absolutely well. God bless Peter Obi. 2 Likes |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by mensdept: 7:02pm On Jul 05, 2015 |
This is why we need to abolish these useless 36 states and reduce to either 4, 6, or 8 regions. That way it will be difficult for a governor to dupe people, for rogues to emerge as senators and representatives, and for real projects and city/urban planning to arise. Does anyone know why the best leaders of this "country" all come from the exact era? Because the political structure and boundaries made common sense before the naive Gowon and co came in to further the already departing colonial masters wishes. 2 Likes |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by hisgrace090: 7:59pm On Jul 05, 2015 |
If not Peter obi of an am bra who will you mention? In fact he is an epitome of goodwill. He is a good calculator, manager of resources, and a man with direction. He have laid the foundation of anambra state for any wise fellow to build on. He ought to be celebrated for sure, but some of the people he governed are still persecuting him because he refuse to share money as usual during his tenure. obi also refuse to bribe any for cheap praises. His work in anambra state is unountable. any state that have his type of person to me is blessed. I wish him continues God's guidance and protection. 2 Likes |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by hisgrace090: 8:00pm On Jul 05, 2015 |
If not Peter obi of anambra who will you mention? In fact he is an epitome of goodwill. He is a good calculator, manager of resources, and a man with direction. He have laid the foundation of anambra state for any wise fellow to build on. He ought to be celebrated for sure, but some of the people he governed are still persecuting him because he refuse to share money as usual during his tenure. obi also refuse to bribe any for cheap praises. His work in anambra state is uncountable. any state that have his type of person to me is blessed. I wish him continues God's guidance and protection. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 9:07pm On Jul 05, 2015 |
alfred5:God bless him and his family, he will leave long. 1 Like |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 9:16pm On Jul 05, 2015 |
hisgrace090:the truth is that Peter does not share public funds to politicians, I know this for sure because I stayed at government house during my study days at NAU, his favourite car is 406,he does not move with too much entourage and only blows the siren at Unizik Junction because heavy traffic there. I met him one day at a small normal restaurant at Aroma eating, from story i heard from his entourage he hate first class and luxurious Hotel Rooms, his commissioner for works has only Toyota Hilux as official car, That guy is a leader. 4 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by Nobody: 6:48pm On Jul 06, 2015 |
o42austino:Okay, now I've seen a fellow alumni member of Unizik, Awka. Nice meeting you brother me. Studied Political Science. izuchukwuadichie@gmail.com |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by Nobody: 7:51pm On Jul 06, 2015 |
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| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by AtlanticBreeze: 8:18pm On Jul 06, 2015 |
o42austino:Behind these smoke screen and acting is a greedy and stingy man with insatiable desire for accumulation of wealth. Are you also aware his media aide was once caught with raw 250 million naira in lagos? Are you also aware this same man seized LG funds for 8 years? Are you aware he built a multi billion naira mall in abuja as governor? Beer factory in onitsha and other investments? infact..... 1 Like |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by Nobody: 8:37pm On Jul 06, 2015 |
AtlanticBreeze:
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| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by Nobody: 11:22pm On Jul 06, 2015 |
AtlanticBreeze:Yes, we are aware of all the garbes you posted now. Peter Obi was never a poor guy before he contested Governor! Accept the fact that he wasn't a saint, yet he left the state on a better stage more than he meet anyone else. Coming to your allegations of 250million naira.. We still need an evidence. Coming to his Mall at Abuja, go back to your drawing table, and check when the project started. Oh mpa at Onitsha, is a public-private gov't business. Peter Obi remains the best Governor in the fourth republic of South Eastern state. Well, I haven't heard of EFCC following him with these your assuming watering mouthed guttared diarhoea mouth. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by AtlanticBreeze: 5:55am On Jul 07, 2015 |
alfred5:The current governor of Anambra state has dwarfed obi's achievements in Just 1 year. Obi cannot even tie the lace of Chime in Enugu if we measure performance. The mall was started and completed during Peter obi's tenure.How many corrupt governors have EFCC gone after? Even TA orji is walking free. Peter obi fraudulently enriched himself as governor while pretending to be a saint.l You can google the 250 million naira fraud. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 7:58am On Jul 07, 2015 |
alfred5:studied physics Electronics(protech) |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 8:07am On Jul 07, 2015 |
AtlanticBreeze:lol.... The dude was already a billionaire before he became a governor, his the only source of South African win in Nigeria called two Oceans, he also supply other brand of S.A wines, his the only source of ovatin chocolate drink in Nigeria, he owns Fidelity bank, he own chain of stores and mall in S.A before he became a governor. Regarding the story that his media was caught with money was true but not that amount, it four million in cash but the media wrote 250 million which the EFCC HAS drop the case which they say is the media personal money. Regarding the LGA fund, would u prefer that he used LGA funds to transform the state and also make public school more via and attractive than Private school or u just prefer him to give it to LGA chairman to pocket?. 1 Like |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by AtlanticBreeze: 8:17am On Jul 07, 2015 |
o42austino:Are you aware Orji Uzor Kalu was richer than Peter obi before he became governor? Did it stop him from looting or is it that he doesnt have a propaganda machinery like peter obi. This excuse doesnt fly. Fidelity bank was merely like a micro finance bank before peter obi became governor. Compare it to now. How did peter obi transform the state? people like Chime conducted LG elections and still transformed their states wonderfully |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 8:27am On Jul 07, 2015*. Modified: 9:07am On Jul 07, 2015 |
AtlanticBreeze:I Laff when I hear ur type that thinks good governance is all about building Road, that the current government in Awka is building does Road is because of the investment Obi made so that Anambra government can generate their own funds independent of the government in the central. The Awka master plan that is been implemented now was done by Peter Obi, he also developed master plan for Onitsha and Nnewi. Am a living witness to all this stuffs, obi is not craze about building urban road but, he built rural Roads. Now in Anambra u can connect any town and local government u want on rural Roads that are potholes free. The investors in Anambra was attracted by Peter with the help of Mrs.NOI, NOI introduced obi to some group of foreigner that became our partners, they are called Anambra developmental partners, she also introduced Peter to a section IMF where he can access interest free loans for state development if he wants, PLS the Good things ur seeing now, Peter prepared the foundation. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 8:43am On Jul 07, 2015*. Modified: 9:04am On Jul 07, 2015 |
AtlanticBreeze:is their a proven Statistics that showed u the wealth of this two men before they entered politics? Both are rich we agree but to say that the slot chairman Is richer is a lie, orji life style is loud, he owns a private jet and all luxury stuff but, Peter hate loud life style, he hate luxurious life style, his humble and easily approachable. U Comparing him with chime is a disgrace, chime did a great work in enugu state that I will give to him but did u know how much chima left for him? Do u know all those money was lotted by chime and his gang of forty thieves?, do u know that what u saw in Enugu state was borrowed funds? Do u know that chime do forcefully take over choice property from people in Enugu?, do u know that chime is a land grabber?, that he forcefully take people's land and build estate on them?, do u know how many estate he owns in Enugu?, all the government lands In choice area in Enugu has been turn into his personal estate? , that guys greed has no boundaries, do u know that he wants to borrow additional 5 billion in less than 48hrs to end his tenure which the house rejected?, that does not include ducking small girls and using state funds to buy Kia Picanto for them. CHIME IS AN EXAMPLE OF A VERY GOOD RULER NOT A GREAT LEADER. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by AtlanticBreeze: 9:19am On Jul 07, 2015 |
o42austino:your comparing obi to uzor kalu's wealth before they became governors shows you lack information. I dont care what you say about Chime's private live (peter obi is worse) but atleast he turned Enugu to a top destination State in Nigeria, he conducted LG elections, Enugu workers never went on strike, unlike Peter obi's substandard roads, he constructed quality roads around Enugu. Peter obi never constructed any dual carriage road with street lights anywhere in Anambra for 8 years.. Leaving money behind is not what public office is about. America is deep in debts, Lagos state, Britain, Germany, Dangote, etc.. A governor should be more concerned about impacting lives of masses and not saving money. Peter obi is a trader and not fit for public office. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 10:24am On Jul 07, 2015 |
AtlanticBreeze:I don't Enugu the Enugu ur talking about but if it's the same Enugu I was born and grow up In and still living today In, I will tell u that Enugu has always been a beauty to behold even before chime came to power, mostly the road that chime did are already existing Roads, Agbani Rd, Ogun Rd, Rangers Avenue, some part of new heaven, ziks Avenue Rd, Akwata Rd. This are all existing Tared Road major Rd before, he just converted them to double Lane. So he did not build any new major Rds, the other Road he did are inner street Roads which I give to him but, what about rural road? Name a single Rural Roads done by chime.? All the major Rd within Enugu urban are once highways, the major Rd constructed by him are federal Roads they are federal road which he was paid back by federal government. I will give him credit for inner street Road. Like I said his a very Good Ruler but not a leader. Again say what u know, the teachers want on strike during chimes tenure, abeg talk true. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by patrick89(m): 11:38am On Jul 07, 2015 |
if it was in a saner climes Peter's classic policy would be studied in university, and also used to advice government, they will even expand and modify it for future purposes, but here in africa we don't know nothing other than Kalrl Max and the rest. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by AtlanticBreeze: 12:52pm On Jul 07, 2015 |
patrick89:I dey laugh oh, policy of "saving government money" while the masses languish in poverty and at the detriment of infrastructure? no please. Its not even obtainable in "saner climes" like America |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 3:00pm On Jul 07, 2015 |
patrick89:ur just spot on, his policies should be studied In our higher institutions to avoid a situation again in the Nigerian history that state will be looking for money to pay their workers. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 3:25pm On Jul 07, 2015 |
AtlanticBreeze:u should understand that not every money that government makes should be spent, every government need investment, u talk about America without talking about American oil companies operating in Nigeria to make money for their mother nation, Chinese government Is spending heavily in project across Africa as an investment for the growth of their nation, America and Russia has the hight gold bars stored in their national treasury, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia saved Tens of Billions of dollars from the oil boom that just past, that also include Qatar, Iraq and so Arab world. Why are this nation saving money and golds? Why not America and Russia sell their Gold off and use it in their failing health care and social amenities, Y did Saudi save Tens of Billions?, they should hv used it to build new Roads and City like United Arab Emirates do. What did this nations understand that we don't understand in this nation? They understand that after the rain comes the dry seasons, they understand that what ever goes up must come down, they understand that the future of their countries and generations does not End with them so their are every need to save and invest for the future Russians, Americans, Chinese, Arabians that will come after them, they understand that government should be futuristic in planning, now next generation of those countries will not worry about food and development because their leaders took care of it. Here in Nigeria the former president wants to do that but, the greedy governors took him to court and won that he should share everything that the nation makes, he did share it with them in obedience to court order and what is the result after the oil boom, no dollar to back Naira, the Naira is failing on daily basis, the government can't pay their works because all the nation saved is gone, it's only one governor then that saw reason to save and invest for his state and today when others are crying because of money his state new governor has surplus to bailout other states,That is vision in Leadership my dear and it's the Peters principal at work. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by AtlanticBreeze: 3:42pm On Jul 07, 2015 |
o42austino:Chime, Akpabio, Fashola are governors that didnt make any noise about savings and their governors are still paying salaries and working. And yet these people dont go about the media making noise like Peter obi even though they all performed far more than peter obi. Obiano has never confirmed receiving any credit running into billions from obi's government. Peter obi never understood what public service is all about. |
| Re: Troubled Governors And Peter Principle by o42austino(op): 4:33pm On Jul 07, 2015 |
AtlanticBreeze:chime save what? Are u in Enugu or in heaven? They reason that payment of workers is going on is the recent shared money between federal government and the states, Enugu is near Brooke if u don't know am active member of Ward 9 in Enugu south so I know what am telling u, Regarding the Akpabio and Fashola, this two has the highest IGR in Nigeria and they did not save buy what is sustaining them is the source of revenue available to them, u can't compare the IGR of Akwaibom and Lagos to the rest of Nigeria and Anambra they earn much more than us but we hv been able to sustain our own economical development by the vision of Peter and wisdom of obi, Akwaibom and Lagos are on the first Four IGR states in Nigeria, the statistics is there for u, u can even use Google to find it, I was also serving in Akwaibom when they got back about 47oil well illegally given to Cross River state and that made them the highest oil producing state in Nigeria. |
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