By Efio-Ita Nyok |8 July 2015 |6:17am
Generally inferring, it is trite fact that every dispensation, generation or era is characterised by some defining features/trends just as the Holy Writ of Christians contend that 'to everything there is a time'. In the political arena, republics, tenures or administrations are likewise distinguished by designated trends: some of which are noble while others maybe ignoble to say the least.
For instance, in the fourth republic(1999-present), in Nigeria's south-southern state, Cross River, the Donald Duke administration (1999-2007) was marked by urban development, exploration of strong tourism potentials and a robust business drive. Afterwards came the Liyel Imoke administration (2007-2015) which some argue have bordered on rural and infrastructural development. The present author have been quite critical of this opinion. And now have come the Benedict Ayade administration(2015-?). In more express terms, the question becomes, what will the incumbent administration be remembered for in terms of concrete delivery on campaign promises? Will Ayade make a heroic political leader or will he earn the tag: that villain-of-a-governor!?
His Excellency, Governor Benedict Ayade may have been aware of this reality under review been an accomplished business man and astute politician when he greeted the political scenery of the state by announcing his intention to embark on the execution of a set of gargantuan projects while in (public) office as the number one helms man in the state. Ayade intends to etch his name in the sands of time via the accomplishments of these lofty aspirations and thus rightfully tagged these projects 'legacy projects'. Some have called them 'Ben Ayade's signature projects'.
In real terms, what constitute these signature/legacy projects? Research has it that the said projects include:
1. 240km super(dual capacity) highway from Calabar to Obudu
2. Deep Seaport in Akpabuyo LGA
3. Calabar garment factory &
4. Cement/mining corporation.
It has been anticipated by Broad Spectrum Industrial Services Limited, an Israeli firm with over 30 years experience in project financing, energy/power, civil engineering/agriculture, who have been officially contracted by the state government, that the project will require 500 million Euros to execute. In the attempt to allay fears considering the economic downturn characterising the state in which it is believed that the state is in debt to the whooping tune of N400 billion Naira, Gov. Ben Ayade explained that the state will not be plunged into further debts in the bids to fund the projects. In his exact words, he said: “This is not a debt, this is not a loan but project financing and the project has the capacity to pay
back by itself. The state has meticulously studied the projects and concluded they will add value to
the lives of Cross Riverians as the seaport and evacuation corridor will be serving not just Nigerians but landlocked countries like Niger and
Chad with deep dredging to be carried out to accommodate mother vessels”.
An objective assessment suggest that the execution of these projects retain the capacity to revolutionalise the economic outlook of the state. On the one hand, Mr. Gabriel Ogbechei, the Managing Director of Fynfield Petroleum has observed that, “the essence of the proposed super highway fromCalabar to Obudu was to enhance the efficient evacuation of petroleum products from the proposed deep seaport to the South East, North East, Niger Republic and Chad''. This, in itself will provide a safety pad for the private sector to thrive. On the other hand, Concerning the deep seaport, Ayade has revealed that the project will be completed in 18months(that is, by the latter part of 2016) time, adding that the project will ease "the
hardship encountered by those involved in the lifting of petroleum products”.
In all, these legacy projects will create employment opportunities for our teeming youthful population/graduates, alleviate poverty, industrialize the state and invoke the confidence of the masses in the government. It will be a practical demonstration of the fact that democracy can work even in third world economies.
However lofty these political aspirations are, there is the tendency for the so-called Legacy Projects to become another elephant project considering the fact that as Nigerians we are excellent in planning but poor in execution. Corruption seem to now be our second name.
It is view of this that it becomes expedient to charge the incumbent administration to deliver on this project that retains the capacity to effect a turnaround in the economy of Cross River, south south Nigeria and the nation at large. This should not be another attempt to plunge the state's debt profile 500million euros deeper than the N400 billion it is already infamous for.
It is my opinion that the masses should keep faith with His Excellency by giving him time, at least 2 years. Beyond this, if concrete projects in this regard are not visible, then questions should be asked. The government should be called to book. All the same, Benedict Ayade's legacy/signature projects is a welcome development. How I pray that we will have cause to remember His Excellency for good. Long live Cross River.
