Politics is hardly devoid of lies, propaganda and outright deception. Some other times it includes violence. But the ruling party in Rivers State, the All Progressives Congress, APC, under Gov. Rotimi Amaechi has proved to be different.
The Party has toed the path of honor to do the needful, apart from embarking on developmental projects but to also train the unemployed in skills acquisition and empowerment.
And just like the biblical event where water was turned into wine at the last minute, the best saved for the last, the Party is engaging on a monthly empowerment program across the twenty three LGAs few months to elections.
The first exercise took place in Obio/Akpor LGA last month after a training exercise at the Skills Centre built by Tony Okocha, the Chief of Staff to the governor and de defacto leader of the 23 Local Councils.
Okocha had trained women and youths in different trades and in a ceremony that turned out similar to a carnival, doled out cash, gifts such as Gas Cookers, Sewing Machines, and a Car. Others also received wrappers. The message was clear: "I have come in Peace and not Violence. Your welfare is our concern. We are not in Obio/Akpor to do what those who oppose us are doing. They initiate you into violence with their money that has come from questionable sources. Support the Governor to liberate our people from the enemies of the state", he said.
The Chief of Staff to Gov. Amaechi seems to be a far cry from his predecessor, Nyeso Wike, his fellow kinsman and former boss. Okocha is an advocate of peace and does not believe in mere twisting of the truth to score cheap political points. He is not known to be given to violence like his boss, Amaechi.
Since the outing of the APC in Obio/Akpor, others have followed suit. Next was Ikwerre Local Government where the governor comes from. While others are preparing for their turn, the empowerment train again made a stop at Obio/ Akpor. This time, almost 300 women and youths were empowered while the governor was represented by his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi. The governor while thanking the people of the area for their support to his administration since 2007 when the divine power of God brought him to office in a landmark judgment; wondered why anybody would follow those in opposition based on falsehood and evil machinations. The wife of the governor said there is nothing wrong in being in opposition but that must be done with the right reasons. She took a swipe at those opposed to the government whom she said do not know the difference between good and evil.
The occasion which has sparked of envy in the camp of the opposition also saw Okocha and his people donate a Hilux Patrol Van and security gadgets to the Police in the state.
The COS to Amaechi says its a monthly exercise that will be replicated in other LGAs.
Obio/Akpor is the home of the key opposition leader, Nyeso Wike, the Minister for State, Education. Okocha's appointment to replace Wike seems to be a master stroke by Amaechi since Okocha was a key member of Wike's group when he was a Local Government Chairman.
In all, the APC in Rivers seems to be like Christ who slept in the midst of the storm while his disciples panicked. While the opposition is in disarray, the APC has stepped up action by reaching out to the grass root with an initiative to quality development.
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