SINCE its creation on August 27, 1991, Delta State has been striving to come to terms with the ideals of government which are located in the welfare and security of the people. Primarily, politics is all about socio-economic transformation through power and of its manifold relation to, and implications for all other aspects of society.

The people must be seen to benefit from such transformation by realising their dreams and aspirations. Fortunately enough, Delta State is blessed with sufficient human and natural resources, vast arable land and with oil and gas endowment accounting for over 25% of Nigeria’s wealth.  It will not be out of place, therefore, to wish that our dearly beloved state comes first among other states in Nigeria in the areas of education, health, food sufficiency, security and infrastructural development.

Education is a major consideration for any society that desires prosperity and Deltans need it for a holistic transformation of both the state and the people. Education gives one the leverage to become whatever one aspires to become. Collectively, education elevates society and it is a major index of development because it conquers poverty and other social ills. Hence, a government that will give Deltans access to qualitative education will endear itself to the people.

Furthermore, the health of the people of Delta State should be given priority by any government that wants to take the state to the Promise Land. Health, as they say, is wealth. Such a government should be able to formulate policies that must enhance access to quality health care. The place of agriculture in the provision of employment to the teeming youths and women as well as increase in the state revenue base cannot be overemphasized. Delta State has arable land suitable for agricultural activities and a favourable climatic condition of rain and sunshine.

The state’s ecosystem and wetlands harbour some of Africa’s most precious biodiversity and home to various species of animals, plants and fishes which can engage majority of the unemployed youths currently roaming the streets. A good government is what is needed to make this happen.

Election period like this is therefore the appropriate time for Deltans to begin the clamour for an ideal leader who will help realise their yearnings and aspirations. A leader that will be people-oriented irrespective of his ethnic background. This is because we all desire a state where we jettison ethnic and primordial sentiments in favour of merit and capacity which will catalyze development.  We can achieve this dream, especially as the 2015 general election is around the corner. Deltans must unite for this positive affirmation.

An appraisal of the profile of the aspirants to the governorship position in Delta State reveals that one them stands out. This is Mr. David Edevbie whose story reads like that of the Biblical David who came to the rescue of his people at a delicate period. Edevbie’s sterling record in the management and development sectors, particularly during his time at the Commonwealth Development Corporation, CDC, UK (now known as ACTIS), drastically changed the fortunes of many countries in Asia and the Pacific Regions.

As the Deputy Country Head in the Philippines in 1996, he not only facilitated the establishment of the CDC Philippines Office in Manila, but he also anchored the development of new business opportunities in that country.  He represented CDC on the Boards of several investee companies, notably power, telecommunications and Venture Capital companies, to mention a few. His work detail in the Philippines entailed originating new businesses within the mineral, oil and gas sectors of emerging markets.

This job took Mr. Edevbie to virtually every continent of the world operating in very diverse sectors of the economies of both emerging and developed countries.  During his time with CDC, he acquired significant project finance expertise by directly participating in several high profile deals in diverse sectors such as power, oil and gas, mining, health, telecommunications, financial markets, hospitality, etc.

Edevbie applied his Midas touch to the affairs of Delta State when he was appointed as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in 1999. As Commissioner for Finance, one of the first issues he tackled was the failure of the Federal Government to pay the minimum 13% derivation revenue due to oil producing states as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Following a sustained campaign led by Edevbie on behalf of the Delta State government, the Federal Government finally increased the payment of derivation revenue from 1% to 13%. Simultaneously, Edevbie transformed work attitudes, increased the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ministry of Finance and modernised its information and cash management systems.

Edevbie introduced the monthly cash budget for payment of contractors, ensured the timely preparation and publication of the Delta State Government’s Audited Accounts (the first state in the country to do so), designed and implemented the government’s privatisation policy, established the highly successful Delta State Small Business Loan Guarantee Scheme, floated the Delta State Revenue Bond and successfully obtained an A+ International Credit Rating for Delta State – thereby becoming the first government in the country to do so.

Edevbie also functioned brilliantly at the national level when he became the Principal Secretary to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua. He was the brain behind the highly acclaimed Seven-Point Agenda. He designed the Amnesty Programme which became the harbinger of peace in the Niger Delta region.

He also drafted the concept which gave birth to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.  Edevbie has come to transform the ideals of governance into reality in Delta State. He is articulate, dynamic and visionary with a well conceived strategy of evolving the Delta State of our dream. The choice is ours let us all key into his vision!

Ighomena Achoja, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.