By Egufe Yafugborhi

INVESTORS reluctant to explore business opportunities in Rivers state due to the recent political climate are now free to move into the state, assured of the safety of their stakes as Governor Siminalayi Fubara bags Silverbird Peace Advocate of the Year award.

Enterprise developer and Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who stated this noted that the governor has sacrificed so much, restraint in the face of provocation from reactions that could destroy the state as when two elephants fight.

On Fubara’s rare commitment to peace, China reflected, “It seems, for the sake of the grass, the elephant has refused to fight, quietly instead, going about his projects, just to ensure the grass does not suffer, even when most of the grasses are boiling for blood or fight back.

“Every state is ultimately represented by the kind of leader it has. It is clear that peace promotes productivity. Productivity promotes profit, profit promotes peace, a circle of good. More profit makes more peace and people can increase productivity.

“It also allows investors go out and come in. It has added to the trust in peace in Rivers. For external investors waiting to see if it is real peace so as to come, they can see it is real. They’re now convinced to make final investment decision. Those seated on the fence now see the signal that real peace is here.”

To the political class in Rivers, China advised, “The food crisis in Nigeria means productive politics is what is needed because soon there will be nothing to share. Unlike sharing politics, in productive politics, nothing to share if you don’t produce.

“The thrust of productive politics is internally generated revenue (IGR) and one of the greatest drivers of IGR is business activity, and one driver of business activity is the surge of investors.

“Soon, it would be like medical tourism driving some states in Nigeria. Soon, states with best business climates would attract investors and they get IGR. We are getting there.

“The earlier the political actors realise this, the better it is for Rivers so they can learn how to fight without destroying the economy. There are ways they do these things so the investment community is not harmed.”