Barr Ken Ikeh is the Enugu State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement, APM. In this interview, he assesses various initiatives of Gov Peter Mbah, and claims that Mbah’s administration is in the right direction, and deserves the support of Ndi Enugu. The excerpts.
What is your take on the electricity initiative of Gov Mbah?
I have had the privilege of looking at the manifesto that brought the administration of Gov Peter Mbah to power. The document is innovative. It is government and business unusual, and adopts a disruptive innovative system. Knowing that the power sector is the root of industrialisation in various ways, the state embarking on the electricity generation, transmission and distribution is a step in the right direction. That is the only way the governor can be doing his talk.
Can state legally embark on such scheme?
To the best of my knowledge, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission has given Enugu State government the licence to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. This development arose from the amendment recently passed by the National Assembly to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which removed electricity from the Exclusive List and placed it in the Concurrent List that allows both the federal and state governments to participate in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to ordinary citizens in Nigeria.
Does Enugu State have the capacity to embark on such projects?
In terms of resources, yes. The state has the resources to bring this initiative to fruition. It is not only Enugu State that got the licence. I am aware of Ekiti and Ogun states. The beauty about this development is that the governor promised the people that he will make the state a private-sector economy. It is therefore appropriate to take charge of that critical sector that can empower any well-meaning investor in the state. They will be rest assured that the major sector for development, which is power, is available for utilisation. It is believed that the state government will use it to appreciate the people by making the billing citizen-friendly as the programme goes on. The citizens of Enugu will expect electricity subsidy so that they can afford the billing. It will take away our youths from streets and discourage criminality a great deal.
The governor recently announced the award of contracts for the resuscitation of Hotel Presidential and Nigergas. Shouldn’t the power sector take the priority?
One major observation is that Gov Mbah is in a hurry to fulfil the promises he made during his campaign. In terms of which of the projects will come first, if the resources are available, he can execute them simultaneously. But the power issue is critical. You can’t run industries without power. Presidential Hotel and Nigergas cannot run without power. I am aware that the contract for the renovation of the Presidential Hotel has been awarded. There are other moribund industries crying for repair. I also observe that the governor has an eagle eye, and he is fishing out those potentials that when revived will create employment opportunities for the youths of the state, and add to the income earning of the people of the state.
Has the governor shown enough commitment towards making the private sector thrive in the state?
Part of critical factors for development, including manufacturing, is access to raw materials and market for distribution of products. There are a number of roads being rebuilt here and there, which directly help development in all ramifications. To all intents and purposes, Mbah is living up to those expectations. We are always encouraged to pray for our leaders. We pray he should not be distracted.
In the area of taxation, I am a researcher in the sector. What the governor has done is to expand the tax net by bringing persons who hitherto were not within the tax net into the system. Mbah brought in the concept of e-ticketing which makes it possible for all in business in the state to pay their dues. It is a good development to the extent that it is a form of enumeration to know the kind of businesses being carried out in the state and who does what. If anything goes wrong, there could be a trace of where and how it happened. I am aware there have been complaints. If you introduce a fee on what people have been enjoying freely, the people will not be smiling with you. What the government did, to the extent I know, is to bring in those classes of people to contribute to the development of the state. We can also see that the government is pursuing its promises to the people diligently.
What message do you have for Ndi Enugu to embrace these innovations?
One thing that human beings are not comfortable with is change. We know there are positive and negative changes. We have seen a situation that will lead the people to a positive change. If one is running a tanker and he is asked to pay a certain toll, which is a part of what one earns, I think it is reasonable to comply and collaborate with the government. It is also important that those affected have patience to see how these developments will pan out in the long run. It will surely be good for the people of Enugu State.
I think the problem is non-orientation of the citizens as the cause of the agitation. Administration is a difficult issue. Before these policies are initiated, there have to be consultations with critical stakeholders. In democracy, however, you won’t also expect that there won’t be other voices. Some people think that the way it is today is how it should be forever. That notion cannot help the situation. All of us are aware of critical development in the economy of the country. Before now, the most wanted people in the state are the tanker drivers because there was no potable water. But the demand is reducing. It will continue to be so by the time the road networks and the power system and the rest of them are done with. The private sector participants will then run well and come out with margin profits. Things are going to improve, but it does not happen in a flash.
As a former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in the state, how do you rate the governor’s relationship with political parties in the state?
Gov Mbah is a human being with his own personal and professional disposition. His manner of approach to parties will be the best that will help him to realise his dreams for the state. He created the Office of SPA on Political Matters. That office has been very efficient. It is headed by Hon Frank Anioma. Anioma has been interfacing with various political parties, and this may be an indication that Gov Mbah’s administration could be an inclusive government. It will be a lot in a hurry to conclude or arrive at a definite position that Gov Mbah is party friendly or not. Since he has dedicated an official who is looking after political parties, I think he is in the right direction.