By Donatus Onyejiakor

WHO says political and economic freedom is not desirable? It is, especially in a democratic setting. If not, why did someone like the iconic Nelson Mandela spend 25 years in prison to make his country what it is today? Why did our own great Zik, Awolowo and other nationalists, put their lives on the line to ensure that our country, Nigeria, is free from colonial imperialism.

But with the return of democracy in the country in 1999, homegrown imperialism clothed in political godfatherism was introduced in our political system.  It became even more dangerous than  colonial imperialism.

Between 1999-2007, despite the availability of enormous state resources, poverty, hunger and despair pervaded the land; our collective resources were shared among cabals; political crisis took over governance as the godfathers prowled like hungry lions in the land. Their words were laws and they had a field day because their godsons were made to abide by their wish against that of the people.

In the face of all these, some innocent ones in the corridor of power then were made sacrificial lambs and scapegoats. That was how Theodore Orji, the then Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State, became a victim of circumstance, as he was unjustly incarcerated by the powers-that-be, on account of his boss’ alleged offences.

Obviously a man destined to be great for a purpose, the development prepared him for the challenge ahead, which is the total liberation of the state from political vampires called godfather and godmother. His first term was dogged by protracted legal battle and undue interference by a godfather, which consequently slowed the pace of development.

But after recording a resounding victory in the April polls, Governor Orji took full charge of the affairs of state and hit the ground running. Within the past few months of his second term in office, his words and actions which many enemies might consider daring but progressive and meaningful, have given clear indication of what the future holds for the State under him.

For instance, in order to clean the Augean stable in the civil service which has remained a conduit pipe for looting in every state, Governor Orji, through the Head of Service, Chief Godson Adiele recently released a circular which reads in part: “As a part of the continuing reforms in the country and in consonance with Federal Circular No. HCSF/061/S. 1/111/68 of August 26, 2009, the Abia State government has found it necessary to develop a policy that will review and reinvigorate the service, restore morale of officers and unlock the creative potentials of hard working officers.

‘’Accordingly, government has approved that Permanent Secretaries and heads of non-ministerial departments shall hold office for a term of four years, renewable for a further term of four years, subject to satisfactory performance and no more. Directors shall compulsorily retire upon serving eight years on the post”.

It will be recalled that Governor Orji had recently vowed to rationalise the appointment of Permanent Secretaries in the State, which, he noted, had been so lopsided that while some council areas do not have a slot, some communities have about five.

He has also accused engineers in the Ministry of Works of being responsible for the poor jobs executed for government by contractors in the state and had threatened to sack them should they fail to turn a new leaf. Orji described the engineers’ performance as “a total disaster”, alleging that rather than do the job for which they are paid, the engineers seldom supervise road contracts in the state.

Because of the numerous illegal structures in the State, especially in the commercial city of Aba which have remained a nightmare to people in the state, Gov. Orji has set up a task force headed by his Security Adviser, Captain Udonsi Awa (rtd). The task force has started by demolishing some illegal structures in the state to pave way for reconstruction/rehabilitation of access roads.

Work is also ongoing at a fast pace at the new secretariat in Umuahia. To demonstrate his concern for transparency, the Governor has taken it upon himself to personally supervise this and other on-going projects across the state.