AMBODE: Approaching Governance With Human Face

THERE is no doubt that the art of good governance the world over is predicated on the unfailing factors of vision, courage, character, commitment, compassion and being a good team leader. And in a democratic setting as Nigeria currently operates, the bottom line is all about meeting the people’s interests, needs, dreams and desires. Leadership therefore, entails the capacity on the part of the helmsman to identify the most critical and crucial needs of the led majority, prioritize them and putting in motion the mechanisms to solving those challenges, one after the other.

With the new All Progressives Congress (APC)-led party in place in most states of the federation, people’s expectations are high that the ‘change’ mantra would become a reality. Good enough, emerging empirical evidence attest to the fact that some governors are already piloting their states towards assuaging the pains of their people.

For instance, we have seen an el-Rufai, the new governor of Kaduna state going beyond the slashing of his salary by 50 per cent to outright banning of street begging and mass gathering of people to mitigate the scourge of mindless Boko Haram attacks. His Kano state counterpart has merged Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals and streamlining them for a more cost-effective administration. Oyo state governor Abiola Ajumobi has also reduced the number of ministries from 24 to 13 in tandem with the prevailing harsh economic realities.

In a similar vein, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has re-jiggered the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the first time in many years to infuse a great dose of dynamism, pragmatism and cost-effectiveness in running state affairs. Gone is the Ministry of Rural Development to reflect the mega status of Lagos. In it come the more people-oriented Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment Generation. The new office of Civic Engagement is saddled with assuming the responsibilities of the erstwhile Office of Political and Legislative Powers Bureau. Besides, to catalyze foreign investment, the Office of Oversea Affairs and Investment nicknamed Lagos global has been created.  Now, over 40 multi-national companies are jostling to do business with the Centre of Excellence.

The former Office of Transformation has its scope expanded and rechristened the Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation to engage and unleash the mental capacity of our talented youths. Now also, the Ministry of Finance takes over the mandates of the former Debt Management Office, DMO and Special Adviser on Taxation. The Former Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, no longer undertakes cultural affairs, hence the rechristening to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

And to make his government more people-oriented, the former Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has since been expanded with the additional mandate of community affairs. Its focus on Tourism, Arts and Culture falls in line with his campaign promise to make the Centre of Excellence the haven of Tourism on the African continent, nay the world. All these are geared towards improving the internal management of the State government and reasonably so.

Similarly, recognizing the strategic significance of good road network in enhancing socio-economic activities in the state, creating jobs and boosting productivity, the new government has commenced work on the rehabilitation of some 90 roads by the Public Works Corporation. Interestingly, 70 per cent of these are in semi- urban areas. Some of these places include Ikotun, Ejigbo, Ayobo, Ijegun, Badagry; in fact cutting across the entire state.

That is notwithstanding the fact that this is the rainy season, with flooding still a persisting challenge, no thanks to the sandy nature of the coastal state. And some unpatriotic citizens dumping refuse right into the gutters. What with a tough topography of an average of 2 metres below sea level. Notably, the past government left over 9,000 roads paved in Lagos, spent some N5 billion on federal roads. Still, Ambode’s administration is already building on this. But he recognizes that there must be a workable marriage between infrastructural development and the people’s welfare. There comes his humane and compassionate nature, which has started unfolding to the great admiration of millions of people resident in Lagos state.

For instance, his speedy response to distress calls from victims of fuel tanker explosions in Iyana- Ipaja and Ikotun soon after mounting the pedestal of political power was instructive. Next came the heart-rending, true-life tale of Mrs. Uche Ruth. She was abandoned by her husband soon after she gave birth to the last pair of three sets of twins. The piece of good news however, is that she has been placed on welfare by the Lagos State Government under the directive of Mr. Ambode the ever- caring and compassionate Lagos State Governor. His desire is to see that the children grow up comfortably to become responsible citizens. Said he: “It is only when such children are properly taken care of that they can achieve their full potential in life and become responsible citizens in the future.”

Similarly, only the previous Monday, the governor alighted from his vehicle to assist in the rescue of an accident victim. The voiceless victim, Miss Anukam Angela, was driving alone in a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla car with registration number EKY 415 CG, at about 8:15am, when she lost control and rammed into the median of the road along Osborne Road, Ikoyi before the vehicle somersaulted.

The governor immediately instructed the ambulance attached to his convoy to convey Miss Angela, who was in a state of shock, and could barely move or talk, to be taken to the Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment. Angela’s sister, Amaka, who was contacted shortly after the incident, said she was treated for minor injuries and discharged free of charge on the order of the governor.

So far, residents of Lagos State have been watching with a keen interest what unique attributes the new governor is bringing to the table. By directing the officials in charge of traffic laws, environmental sanitation and tax collection to handle people with the courtesy they deserve and demonstrating same, they have being inspired to see themselves as part and parcel of government.
No longer do we have to see government and those who run it as dictatorial, despotic or throwing themselves around as the philosopher kings who know it all. This had in the past pitched the people against the government. Ambode has come in as the humble but determined game changer to reverse the ugly trend. To him, everybody counts as encapsulated in his Inaugural Speech.

Said he: “As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognize our strength in diversity. A common national identity, where everybody counts. I shall run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind. No matter your age, sex, tribe or any other Status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos work for you. “This should be food for thought for all.
We all must therefore, assist his government to succeed by playing our own part without been compelled to do so. And this is because Ambode has proven within a short time to be the people’s governor.

Opeyemi, a political analyst writes, from Lagos.