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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

In 2011, when Duncan Mighty; one of Nigeria’s gifted, creative musician sang “Port Harcourt First Son” it became an instant hit. The uniqueness and ingenuity displayed by the Niger Delta-born social activist-cum-crooner attracted wide listenership and groundswell commendation as it arguably became a “regional anthem” at parties in the “Treasure Base” – moniker for Rivers, and in other neighboring states.

The polyglot musician who recently revealed in news interview his decision to pursue a PhD; in addition to his M.Sc Acoustic from Freiburg University, Germany, highlighted glowing and graceful features of the “Garden City” which consistently makes it inviting, alluring, and endearing to residents and visitors.

He reeled out and eulogised some personalities who are originally “son of the soil” from the Rivers/Bayelsa sub-zone of the Niger Delta region. Nyesom Wike; Rotimi Amaechi; O.C.J. Okocha; Magnus Abe; Tonye Harry; Timi Alaibe; Oscar Igbokwe; Tonye Princewill; Dumo Lulu-Briggs; Tony Mc Pepple and few others were mentioned. Though he released other songs including “Ahamefuna,” “Obianuju,” “Dance For Me” none matched the lyrical depth, vocal strength, production expertise and marketing success of “Port Harcourt First Son.”

Over a decade after, there may be compelling reasons and growing need for the multi- talented artiste to do a follow-up. Given the vagaries of political and economic development in the oil-rich state that has thrown up new achievers, personalities, and stakeholders, it has become expedient for an encore to the hugely successful song. Realizing the natural flair of the musician for intellectual robustness, indepth research, and discoveries, one will not be surprised if he is in the studio already working towards that.

Indeed, when this happens, one name that will feature prominently is Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Leader of Opposition in Nigeria’s House of Representatives. In over two decades, the Ikwerre-born politician who came into public service as Rivers state Commissioner for Environment in the mid 2000s, has risen from being a state-wide personality to national prominence and country-wide relevance. The deep-thinking, intelligent and brilliant lawmaker who decades back was a foremost student union leader, has contributed immensely to the proper positioning and elevated status of Rivers in national discourse within and without the National Assembly.

Having acquitted himself creditably as superintendent of the state’s Environment Ministry, he was nominated, and subsequently elected as the representative of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency under the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011. He thus became a member of the 7th Assembly of the House of Representatives.

The 7th House of Representatives, which ran from June 2011 to June 2015, stands-out as the golden years of Nigeria’s legislature in the Fourth Republic. The House, at plenary, committees’ sittings, and oversight functions truly merited it’s sobriquet as the “House of Nigerian People.” Members; particularly new and first-termers exuded rare character, capacity, competence, and confidence in the discharge of their responsibilities.

With no measure of undue influence and subtle guidance by presiding officers and the leadership, Members engaged in robust, informed, and elevated debates on every burning national issue. As a result of it’s vibrancy, passion, and commitment to national development, the House endeared itself to majority of Nigerians. Chinda, who was Deputy Chairman, Committee on Customs was one of the outstanding Members in the 7th House of Representatives, and the National Assembly in general. He and few others including TeeJay Yusuf; Aliyu Madaki; Bimbo Daramola; Nkem Abonta; Karibo Nadu; Aminu Suleiman; Ibrahim Shehu Gusau contributed largely to the success and positive ratings of the 7th House.

In recognition of this and more, the good people of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency re-wrote history to show that “a prophet can have (and receive) honour in his homestead.” For the educated, industrious, and dynamic people of arguably the richest federal constituency, their son has tonnes of honour, integrity, and acceptability at home. To demonstrate this, a two-pronged event was organized to celebrate Chinda.

The ceremonies kicked off with a “special birthday service” at St. Martins Anglican Church, Elelewon, Port Harcourt. The second leg; “grand reception” held at another classy location in the capital city. Attendance at both events confirmed Chinda’s status as a crowd puller, loved by many; admirers and adversaries. While he is always celebrated by his loyalists, friends, and associates, his competitors and opponents cannot help but acknowledge the power of his mind, thought-process, unassailable elocution, commitment, determination, and patriotic zeal.

In over one decade as a federal parliamentarian, Chinda has unmistakably distinguished himself as one of the leading lights of Nigeria’s legislature, and a veritable vanguard for the country’s democratic development. He is a great mind who chooses to be simple, humble and easy going; erroneously interpreted as arrogance and stand-offish by some people.

Due to his spartan and secluded lifestyle, he looks withdrawn, on-my-own, and somewhat laid-back but beneath is a kind, gentle, tender-hearted and altruistic personality. Gifted with unusual calmness and quiet comportment, Chinda is imbued with uncommon empathetic principles anchored on sincerity, selflessness, contentment and love. His commitment and loyalty to true friendship and group interest is unequivocal, inspiring and challenging.

As a well-educated and properly nurtured lawmaker, he deplores his past (and present) experiences and exposures as a student activist, advocate and attorney to bear in his legislative duties, functions and responsibilities. At every forum; public or private, formal or informal he exudes brilliance, intelligence and discipline. He demonstrates top-level knowledge, profound understanding and enviable excellence on issues with masterful grace and magisterial composure. In few interactions with him, the writer was able to decipher he is a largely misunderstood personality who has unrestrained dedication to hard work, unapologetic diligence and exemplary stewardship.

At the 8th Assembly between June 2015 and June 2019, as Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Chinda demonstrated true leadership as he appropriately situated the committee’s relevance in the management and monitoring of national resources. For a committee that was feared and loathed by appointees and employees of the executive arm of government due to numerous instances of high-handedness and unsavory tendencies, Chinda changed the narratives.

During his leadership, he successfully re-directed and re-packaged the committee’s focus and responsibilities. Chinda and members of the committee enthroned the culture of proper, result-driven oversight of MDAs as enshrined in the House rule book. Without being confrontational, he ensured invited Heads of MDAs honoured invites, and complied with directives by updating their records in line with extant rules. Also, for the first time since the Fourth Republic, the committee succeeded in automating records of activities, actions, findings, and resolutions.

Cognisant and impressed with Chinda’s sterling performances in the parliament, constituency development, and national discourse which has greatly elevated the position of Rivers state in the National Assembly, the dual-event was organized as a mark of honour, recognition and endorsement for a worthy son of Obio/Akpor, and Rivers. It was also a veritable platform to further the constituents unflinching allegiance to a man whom they have invested their electoral franchise since 2011.

Little wonder the “talk of the city” event was colourful and glamorous; fitting for a star-performer. As a people’s man who has undying passion for humanity, people of different categories and status thronged the church and reception venue. Aside dignitaries, influential personalities, politicians, professionals and top-players in the private sector, the every day, normal and ordinary Nigerian across Port Harcourt were in attendance. The admixture of the high, medium and low further exemplifies and validates Chinda as a leveler; always at home with people.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.Tajudeen Abass, PhD, led over three dozens Members to the reception. In his entourage were Ali Isa, Minority Whip; Aliyu Madaki, Deputy Minority Leader; Fred Agbedi, Chairman, Committee on FCT Area Councils; Abdulsamad Dasuki, Chairman, Committee on Shipping Services; Kwamoti Laori, Chairman, Committee on Co-operation & Integration in Africa; Amos Magaji, Chairman, Committee on Health Institutions; Salman Idris, Deputy Chairman, Committee on Agriculture Colleges & Institutions, and many others. Acknowledging and espousing the stabilizing role of Chinda in the parliament, Speaker Abbas declared that the self-effacing and intellectually sound lawmaker “remains one of the very best products in National Assembly, and ever since he steeped into the legislature he has been given Rivers state quality representation. He is indeed, an invaluable asset to Nigeria’s legislature.”

In their various comments on the celebrant, Ali Isa corroborated Speaker Abbas thus, “Chinda’s deep knowledge of the laws, spirit, and working of the legislature is second to none. His cool comportment and matured temperament no matter the pressure and timelines is simply amazing.” Aliyu Madaki averred that “Chinda as an indomitable lawmaker and altruistic personality are very obvious as he selflessly contributes towards making other lawmakers and colleagues function better.” For Kwamoti Laori, “he is not only forthright and open-minded but keeps to his word at all times.”

Personalities from Rivers state at the reception included Chief Nyesom Wike, FCTA Minister; Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Speaker, Rivers state House of Assembly; Chief Victor Giadom, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman, South South; Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Member, Revenue Mobilisation & Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC); Chief O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, former President, Nigerian Bar Association, and numerous others. Wike eulogised Chinda’s loyal, dependable, reliable and fidelity credentials, “he is a straight forward, sincere, and frank politician who is not only committed but ready, willing to sacrifice for the success of group interest and individuals good. His loyalty and firmness to the pursuit and realization of mutually agreed decisions stands him out.”

To add panache and glitz to the reception were some Members of the Rivers state caucus in the House of Representatives including Dumnamene Dekor, Chairman, Committee on Host Communities; Solomon Bob, Chairman, Committee on Capital Market & Institutions; Kelechi Nwogu, Deputy Chairman, Committee on Agriculture Production & Services; Felix Uche, Deputy Chairman, Committee on Information, Orientation, Ethics & Values, and others. Members of Rivers state caucus in the 8th and 9th Assembly also attended. On ground to offer solidarity and comradeship with Chinda were about 20 former Members of the House of Representatives; not from Rivers state. They included his friends and confidants such as Chukwuka Onyema; Rimamnde Shawulu; TeeJay Yusuf; Emma Ekong; Uche Onyeagocha; Muraina Ajibola. Barristers Chuma Chinye, Abdu Mahmud, and other friends were visibly present.

On the sidelines of the reception, some friends of the celebrant volunteered their thoughts about the quintessential lawmaker. According to Barrister Chuma Chinye, “Chinda is very knowledgeable and reels out educative and enlightened perspectives to any issue under focus.” Rt. Hon. Chukwuka Onyema, a former House Deputy Minority Leader describes him as “forthright, sincere, tolerant, and imbued with integrity and capacity for hard work.” For Rt. Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, former Chairman, Committee on Capital Market & Institutions, Chinda at all times speaks, “truth with robustness and profound candour.”

In similar vein, Rt. Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu, former Chairman, Committee on Army averred that, “he demonstrates conviction, clarity of purpose, and frank disposition on issues.” Rt. Hon. Emma Ekong, former Chairman, Committee on Local Content declared that on every assignment, “Chinda deplores character, competence and capacity, as well as dedication, diligence, and determination.”

In his brief, touching and inspiring vote of thanks, an obviously enthralled, enthused, and excited Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda who apparently charmed and captivated by the outpouring of love, good wishes and prayers confessed that he was “overwhelmed by the large turn out of people who decided to honour me on this occasion.” Confessing that he hardly celebrates birthdays, “but had no choice when my constituents and friends decided to mark this year’s with such big ceremonies.”

Grateful and appreciative for the continued support he has enjoyed from constituents, leaders, elders, friends, colleagues, and associates in his political odyssey, he promised to “re-dedicate my time and energies towards the general well being of not only my constituents but including Rivers state and Nigeria. Just as I have remained steadfast and passionate in improving the lives of people, I pledge to double and deepen my efforts and interventions in every way possible towards the individual and corporate development of our communities, state, and Nigeria.”

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communication Specialist writes from Abuja