Comrade Ovie Igho Anthony
Comrade Ovie Igho Anthony is the President of the Urhobo Progress Union Youth Wing, Worldwide. In this interview, he bares himself on various issues, such as the silent mood from the UPU youth wing after the election, the expected gains of the Urhobo’s in the present delta state government, personalities in the present cabinet and much more.
While, the Silence from the youth after the Election?
You are right but to be silent does not mean one is asleep. As you know too well, the union in the last few months has been under serious pressure as a result of the just concluded election and its inherent challenges. We were like soldiers recruited at time of dire national defense need and critical security challenge or war situation as the mandate before us at the short run was nothing but to ensure Urhobo gets a pride of place in the political set up of both the state and federal. We had no luxury of time and protocols for engagements outside the demands of that moment, though like every decision is bound to fail or succeed, the permutation for now appears to be unfavourable. You will agree with me that the pre and post electoral experience in the light of the current state of affairs of Urhobo nation calls for sobriety with view to re strategizing on possible way forwards. This probably accounts for what you called silence.
Many are attributing the Current Political State of Urhobo Nation to Wrong Decision by the UPU and as Such Feel There is no Hope in the Current UPU?
What decision are you talking about? It was neither an Omene nor UPU decision. Rather, it was Urhobo Nation’s decision. We are all not unaware of the processes. As it is impossible to gather the entire Urhobo nation together for a collective decision making and by way of electoral college, the Union stratified Urhobo nation into various strata along organs representing various interests across Urhobo nation. We had the forum of president generals which cut across the various kingdoms of Urhobo nation, we also had Urhobo elder’s forum (representing Urhobo elders), the EWEYA (representing the women), the Urhobo Clergy, the IGHELE (representing the youths), the political class and other relevant interest groups. These various group believed to represent the collective interest of Urhobo nation met with the UPU one after the other in reaching and forming the political pathway the union threaded. The question now is, how come is it now Omene or UPU decision? As a people, we must learn to accept responsibility for our actions. Not when it goes wrong it becomes that of UPU alone but when the reverse is the case, it becomes everybody’s joy. Like I said earlier, every decision is bound to fail or succeed. To me, what should form the focal point of our reasoning now should be a way forward round this delicate interface faced by us as a people irrespective of our individual interests. We should stop blaming blames after all, AFANIFERI AND OHANEZE NDIGBO also took decision along the same line. So why should ours be amplified out of proportion?
What do You Think is the Possible Way forward?
As a matter of fact, we must completely give our past to history and focus our attention on the attractions of the moment, which is finding the place of Urhobo in the present government both at the state and at the federal level. In doing this, the issue of self must to a reasonable extent be sacrificed as the bone of contention here is not whether Mr ‘A’ supported Mr ‘B’ or not, but the orientation that a victory for one signifies victory for all. After all Buhari is not President for only APC, the party that projected him but a president for all Nigerians (both those who supported him and those who did not). We must understand that political parties are but mere vehicles for acquiring political offices and because Nigeria practices a democratic system of government which allows for multi party interplay, it shouldn’t be seen as a tool of vendetta and witch hunting one another. On that note, I believe everyone has equal right to the present administration both at the state and federal. I feel the starting point on the way forward should be a unification of interest and reconciliation of differences among our political leaders.
We Hear there is Infighting in the UPU Which Has Led to Division Within the EXCO, What is that True?
Misunderstanding or disagreement is a common factor in any organization, especially when human beings are involved. But what matters is the ability to master each other’s differences and forge ahead. You would agree with me that the Chief Omene led UPU came on the heels of multiple challenges facing the Urhobo nation. In other word, it came at a very challenging time and as such no one should expect him to perform magic. No one in his position would have done anything different! I believe in the light of circumstances he found himself, he has done creditably well. The task of managing people is an herculean one, especially in the UPU. Certainly, there are exco members who may not like the leadership style of the PG but that doesn’t mean they are better off. It would be unfair and potentially damaging for any executive member(s) of the UPU to call for the head of the PG. Bearing in mind the principle of collective responsibility and the saying that he who calls for equity must come with clean hands, I feel any exco member who is pointing accusing fingers at the PG should place the issues with facts on the table before our President General and key Urhobo stake holders for appropriate actions rather than washing dirty linen outside. As far as am concern, I believe all is well in the UPU and am not aware of any division and we still have so much confidence in the person of Chief Engr. Joe Orode Omene as the President General of the union.
Do You Think Urhobo as a People Stand the Chance to Gain from the Okowa’s Administration Bearing in Mind the Role UPU Played during the Election?
Like I said earlier and in the ideal sense, the business of genuine state craft should be devoured of all forms of sentimentality and sectionalism. The state does not belong to any political party and as such governance opportunity should not be viewed as a punishment on the opposition. Any politician that wishes to prosper must not view state craft through the prism of malevolence. There is no denying the fact that Urhobo nation remains an integral part of the state and as such must not be taken for granted by any government that wishes to succeed. Regarding the question as to whether Okowa would marginalize Urhobo or not, I do not see the governor being vindictive and considering the altitude of his appointments so far, it looks like there would be hope for Urhobo in his government.
Do you Think Okowa Has the Capacity to fulfil His Campaign Promises of Prosperity for all Deltans?
No doubt, the task of managing a multi ethnic state such as Delta is not an easy one. Besides, considering the poor economic state of the nation and the state today, it is clear that the expectations of Deltans are high and on the note, Okowa cannot afford to fail. But the sad thing is that his administration like many other states, is starting on a near zero template- a situation of high expectation and little or no resources to satisfy them. To succeed in this delicate interface, Okowa must not give in to any form of sentiments and godfatherism in his appointments. But am a bit worried with some of the personalities he has given sensitive appointments so far. The governor must constantly remind himself, that with Buhari as the President of this country, there should be fear of the unknown as governance might not be business as usual. So to record sustainable achievements, he must give priority attention to excellence. In other word, he must go for the very best in his appointments, i.e, men and women of proven expertise in the respective fields of endeavour that would add good values to his administration.
What are Your Plans for the Youth Now That Elections are Over?
We have been working on a road map for the youths. We have succeeded in putting up an agenda. First and foremost, we are working on an international economic and business youth summit that would create room for effective dialogue between the youths, Urhobo patriots and investors (both local and foreign). This summit amongst others would expose investment opportunities in Urhobo land with view to encouraging investments which in turn would create employment opportunities. We have also put plans in place for a comprehensive database of our youths and youth empowerment center that would see to practical empowerment of our youths in the area of job creation, skill acquisition and other relevant opportunities that may be beneficial to the youths. Also, we are currently working on partnership with the UPYA Leadership and Skill Acquisition institute on the actualization of this dream. Meanwhile, we have designed an enlightenment workshop that would go round the 24 kingdoms. The essence of this workshop is to educate our youths on the dangers of youth restiveness and criminality as well as the gains of skill acquisition, diligence and obedience to constituted authority. Finally, we have started writing to companies in Urhobo land in view of partnership to would culminate in empowerment opportunities for our youths.
