Delta State Governor, Dr Uduaghan has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the approval of the Good Governance tour explaining that it shows that the President is transparent in his dealings and wants to be assessed accordingly.
Speaking yesterday in Asaba when the team visited the state, Governor Uduaghan said that creation of employment was the main focus of the state policy of “Delta beyond oil”. He explained that the state government was putting in place infrastructural development projects which would sustain the economy
“I want to appreciate what this team is doing; we will continue to support this programme. I commend Mr President for approving this programme, it shows that the President is transparent in his dealings and wants to be assessed. The media should be specific in their reporting especially in negative issues. They should learn to appreciate what we have and change this attitude,” he said.
Emphasizing further he said “As a state government we are doing our best to build a state beyond oil through our three-point agenda. Our ultimate goal is that of job creation and I believe that when our youths are engaged they will have no time to be involved in criminal activities”.
He assured the Minister and his team of the state government’s continuous support to the various law enforcement agencies to deal with issues of kidnapping and piracy.
The governor explained that Delta State was peaceful and safe for anyone to live and move around in because his administration has been committed to tackling the issue of security squarely.
Governor Uduaghan informed the team that there were some intangible programmes being carried out by the state government.
Speaking further, he noted that the state has free maternal and child care delivery in the health sector, pay NECO and WAEC fees for SS3 students and that there was scholarship schemes for Delta students at all levels of education.
His words “There are areas people do not appreciate that this administration has spent a lot of money on. There are things you will not see on ground as you move round the state but are important and are part of our developmental programmes”.
“In the health sector we have free maternal care for pregnant women and free medical care for children from 0-5 years. In the education sector, we offer scholarship schemes for Deltans at all educational levels and pay for external examinations for our SS3 students in public schools,” he said.
Governor Uduaghan said his administration was In support of the Good Governance tour as it would help showcase the developmental strides going on in the country to the outside world and improve the image of Nigeria.
He admonished the media to appreciate the democratic gains in the country by positively portraying the developmental strides all over the country and stop making negative issues frontline stories.
Speaking further, he advised the team to brace up to the challenges they would encounter in the course of the tour and accept constructive criticism cheerfully.
In his address, the Honourable Minister of Information Mr Labaran Maku informed the governor that the Good Governance tour was not a Federal Government programme but a national programme put up to help promote the country’s democracy.
He explained that it was a programme supported by the 36 state governors and Federal government to showcase the progress made so far in the 13 years of democracy, adding that the tour has nothing to do with partisan politics.
According to him “This programme is not a Federal Government programme, it is a programme supported by the 36 state governors after extensive consultations and deliberations. It is to showcase the progress made so far in different states to promote democracy. We are putting partisan politics aside. We will not be partisan; we have sworn to be transparent and neutral in our assessments.”
Mr Maku also commended Governor Uduaghan for the peace enjoyed in the state, stressing that normalcy had returned to Delta State after a long period of crisis saying “Delta is peaceful now, normalcy has returned to the state and this has given rise to the developmental strides we are witnessing today.”
…Delta Deploys Multi-Pronged Security Strategy
Delta State Government has deployed a multi-pronged security strategy aimed at addressing cases of insecurity and other violent crimes.
Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the State Governor, disclosed this while declaring open a meeting of Federal and States’ Security Administrators in Asaba on Thursday.
Uduaghan, whose address was read by his Deputy Prof. Amos Utuama, explained that the three-point agenda of peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development being implemented by his administration were “informed by the realization that sustainable development…is impossible in an atmosphere of insecurity and chaos.
“We are developing infrastructure and evolving programmes that will engage our youths to make crime unattractive to young people. The objective is to reduce crime and youth restiveness to create a conducive environment for development.
“Youths in the state receive empowerment packages through the Micro-Credit Scheme, Skills Acquisition Programme and Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture Programme of the State Government among others.
“Other concrete steps taken by my administration to ensure security of life and property in the State include the installation of hybrid communication equipment at the State Police Headquarters, which enables the various security agencies to link up with each other during emergencies, donation of sixty Hilux pick-up vans and communication equipment to the Police.”
He added that the State Government has also donated other sets of operational vehicles to security agencies and paramilitary bodies, noting, “this is part of measures designed to fight the scourge of crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery.
“Traditional and religious leaders, chiefs, youth leaders, market women and security agencies are being engaged in conflict resolution and promotion of peace.
“As a State Government we have continued to confront headlong, the issue of insecurity in order to ensure enduring peace in the state.
“The State Security Council meets weekly to deal with matters of security concern. This body is replicated at the senatorial districts and local government levels…”
