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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

The month of May, and now June have become strategic in Nigeria’s political calendar. While May 29, 1999 marked the country’s return to democracy, June 12th has been adopted as “Democracy Day,” in honour of late Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the 1992 presidential elections annulled by the military junta under General Ibrahim Babangida. In the past few weeks, across various media platforms, and different interactive sessions, politicians have been reeling out their respective “activities, achievements” to Nigerians, particularly constituents. Elected officials in the legislative and executive arms of government, allegedly vote substantial funds; public and personal to celebrate their “one, two, or more years” in office. These events are given flowery and psychedelic names and titles. Sadly, amid the serial self-validation and chest-pumping by some politicians, many people have remained pococurante and impassive. Somehow, the practice has become a regular tradition among elected officials that quality time and resources are channeled towards it.

From random analysis by the writer, it was shocking to discover that many people do not know anything about the origin of the tradition. Typical of human psychological make up, some politicians who are literally infested by “bandwagonism” joined the orchestra of periodic celebration of their tenured offices, and positions. From empirical studies, the concept was introduced by Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States of America, (USA). Sometime in 1933, he chose his “100 days” in office to give a report of his activities, and more importantly announce his “New Deal” programme targeted at the Great Depression in America. Since then, it has become a veritable benchmark for evaluating the performances and progress of elected officials; widely adopted by politicians, and government organizations across the world. Some historians argue that not minding its universal practice, it was a legislative concept at inception, which encouraged accountability, information sharing, and decision making.

As enshrined in Sections 4, 88, 89, 51, and 66 of the constitution, one can confidently state that the legislature is the closest to the people. Conscious of this, they are quick to seek, or call out lawmakers for intervention in all matters; important and pedestrian. The constitution, which is the grunnorm is limpid, with no rooms for calculations and conjectures about the responsibilities of the legislature. Knowing that they draw their powers from the people, it is imperative that lawmakers give periodic accounts of their stewardship. Many Nigerians are unanimous that the entire 109 Senators, and 360 Members in the National Assembly should do this regularly. A versatile journalist who has covered the National Assembly since 1999, but preferred anonymity declared that, “I encourage constituents, the media, and public policy analysts to do detailed inquisition on our lawmakers. Though it may sound controversial, some legislators in the House of Representatives have actually done very well.”

Obio-Akpor, is one of the 13 federal constituencies in Rivers state. Situated in the metropolis of Port Harcourt, it is one of the biggest settlements in the oil-rich state. It is densely positioned, and described as the melting pot of the “Treasure Base” – popular moniker for Rivers. Home to many people; indigenes and residents from diverse tribes and ethnicity, a first-time visitor may naturally assimilate and seamlessly integrate. As a federal constituency, it consists of 17 Wards, and about 100 communities. Since the birth of the Fourth Republic in May 1999, Obio-Akpor has had three people representing it at the House of Representatives. Chukwuma Godswill, 1999 – 2003; Chinwe Ike, 2003 – 2011; and Kingsley Chinda, 2011 to date.

Chinda, who is serving his fourth term has emerged as the first individual with the enviable record in Obio-Akpor, and Rivers state. Mr. Polycarp Halliday, a Port Harcourt based youth activist believes that, “to have won elections four times consecutively speaks volumes about his popularity, acceptance, and performances.” For Chief Franklin George, a serial entrepreneur “that the people have invested their electoral franchise in one person for over ten years, confirms that he is doing the right thing.” Mrs. Benedicta Osondu, an educationist declared, “as a resident for over forty years, I confidently state that Chinda has done very well. Though I don’t know, but he has proven to be a good representative both in Abuja and at home.” Mr. Vincent Romanus, a media communications practitioner affirmed that, “the quality and quantum of projects, and initiatives facilitated by Chinda, in the last two years are unprecedented.” Conscious of the tone of the season where politicians display their “achievements,” it is necessary to confirm or otherwise these commendations.

From available records, Chinda has distinguished himself creditably in Law Making and Oversight; the main functions of every legislator. Unarguably, every dispassionate and discernible chronicler of Nigeria’s legislature since 1999, recognizes his brilliance and intelligence. Given his broad-based experiences as an activist, attorney, and administrator, he exudes depth, fecundity, and composure in meeting (and surpassing) every legislative responsibility. Described as a first-class legislator by many people, he has moved numerous Motions that are people-focused, development-driven, and good governance-targeted. He has also made notable contributions towards addressing various issues of governance, welfare, and development. At different times, he led the advocacy for payment of living wages to workers; provision of affordable housing for civil servants in Abuja; return to parliamentary system of government; addressing irregular migration into the country. He has over 12 Bills to his name and constituency, which includes Borders Communities Development Agency Act (Amendment Bill) 2024); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration Bill) 2024.

Undoubtedly, there are a plethora of multi-sectoral challenges prevalent across the country. Pervasive hunger, corrosive poverty, disabling unemployment, monstrous hardship, and decrepit infrastructure have stifled personal growth, communal integration, and national development. With these over aching realities, most Nigerians look up to the legislature for succour, support, and handouts. Harassed, harangued by their constituents, some lawmakers; who genuinely desire to positively impact on people are perpetually under stress and pressure. Just last week, the Senate’s spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu revealed that lawmakers are constantly made to underwrite costs of some ridiculous demands. The situation has gone dislocated such that constituents seem not bothered about the true mandate of their representatives. Across the country, in numerous instances the legislators are expected to perform similar functions as the executive. The ugly trend keeps increasing that Legislators are, today, mostly rated by “what they bring back home” through empowerment and development.

Mindful of the nexus between advocacy for good governance, human development, and national transformation, Chinda has ingeniously leveraged on his resourceful attributes towards impacting Obio-Akpor. His numerous constituency development and empowerment initiatives are visible across all the communities and wards. Instructively, beneficiaries of these projects and programmes are all-inclusive. Indigenes and residents, as well as people from contiguous communities are not left out. Concerned about the glaring infrastructure decay which affects the movement of goods services, about 10 road projects have been completed in 2 years. It includes the Okworo/Odunwere Link Road; Worwumati Street, Rumueme; Chukwuodara Rigid Pavement Road, Rumuodara. Recognizing the importance of power to boost economic activities and security, transformers were procured and installed at Elelenwo, Oroazi, Eligbam, and other communities. Just as solar powered street lightings were installed at various locations across the entire seventeen wards.

To ameliorate the sufferings of the people in accessing potable water, Chinda facilitated the rehabilitation of the Atali Water project; construction of solar powered boreholes at Rumuokparati, Iriebe, Eligbam, Ogbogoro, Eneka, Atali, and Elelenwo communities. Conscious that the government cannot address, in one swoop the huge healthcare challenges in the state, he embarked on numerous initiatives. This includes the equipping and furnishing of health centers in Obio-Akpor; provision and distribution of medical equipment and materials (Phase 1 and 2 completed); regular medical outreach programmes. Confident that education remains the key to human development, and communal integration, he facilitated many projects including the construction of Computer Base Centre, Elelenwo; construction of blocks of classrooms at secondary schools in Choba, Rumuomasi, and Elelenwo; distribution of desks, and other learning materials across many schools within Obio-Akpor (Phase 1, 2, and 3 completed). Not forgetting the yearly distribution of JAMB forms to candidates; sponsorship of 150 Teachers for the University of Buckingham (UoB), International Diploma of Education (IDE) programme; the O.K Chinda “Back 2 School” programme; adults education scheme. As a pro-active measure to prepare students for the dynamism in knowledge, agriculture science teachers were trained on the use of artificial intelligence and robotics for enhanced understanding and capacity development.

Convinced that the growth and development of trade, commerce, and the economy are hinged on the promotion of the semi-formal and informal sectors, he has organized diverse training programmes for people of the constituency. These capacity building initiatives which have impacted many youths, women, and men include training in digital skills and artificial intelligence, continuous vocational training for adults; categorized skills training for youths (Phases 1 to 5 completed). Others include training for artisans, drivers, welders, poultry, fish farming and maritime services. One noticeable trend is that participants at many of these programmes are given relevant starter packs to start business. To promote creativity, integration, and tackle social malaise, youth centres were built in Elelenwo and Atali; construction/renovation of Town Halls at Mgbuchi, Rukpokwu, and few other communities; as well as the construction of Women Centres in few communities. Through the OYAFSI farm programme, many people (particularly youths) are exposed to the rudiments of modern skills of agriculture businesses.

Indeed, attaining these milestones in two years, exemplifies his vision, passion, and commitment towards the general well-being of his people, as well as the development of Obio-Akpor. The vast majority of constituents, politicians, leaders, the media, and general public are unanimous in their commendations. Chief Saviour Ogoke, a community leader believes that, “Chinda has not only justified our trust in his ability to deliver, but has gone far above our and expectations.” For Mrs. Patricia Elue a beneficiary of one of the training programmes, “the man has made many of us realize that there are truthful, dedicated politicians.” Prince Freedom Wokoma, a social activist declared that, “considering the magnitude of his achievements, he has further endeared himself to the people.” Ms. Rhoda Akpore, a banker reiterated that, “since the voice of the people is the voice of God, he has many years of relevance in government.” Comrade Jude Nwokike, a youth leader declared, that, “having achieved so much in two years, and being a consistent performer since 2011, I am looking forward to Chinda getting the chance to replicate all these in a higher position and office.”

From these comments, and many others, it is obvious that Chinda is doing positive things that have touched the right chords in the heart and minds of people. However, in spite of the positive outpourings, people are expectant of more developmental projects and programmes by him. The consensus is that, these gestures and more will not only elevate the status of Obio-Akpor but also improve the well-being of people. Responding, Chinda promised to, “continue to dedicate time, contacts, and goodwill towards elevating the quality of life and living in Obio-Akpor, Rivers state, and Nigeria.” The self-effacing lawmaker reiterated that, “there are many of my colleagues that have also performed creditably across the country. Even in Rivers, virtually all of our representatives are doing well.” Perhaps, this open commendation by the Minority Leader could spur one to embark on regular visitations to other federal constituencies in Rivers, and other parts of the country. Who knows?

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.