My dear colleagues, we are very fortunate to be given consideration to serve in the Government of Delta State, this is because with the huge population of the State, the diverse cultural, political and social wealth that abounds in every nook and cranny of the State, our differences in language, culture, social background, religion and economic prospect in different occupational backgrounds, any person that is called upon to assist Governor actualize the prosperity agenda of Governor Okowa is not only lucky but also expected to enrich the flow of ideas in the state for the benefit of the people.
Everyone’s appointment carries political significance because we are all expected as servants of the people duplicate the presence of Governor Okowa in every Unit, ward, and community and make the people feel his presence. This is because as political aides of the Governor we carry a heavy burden of responsibility to live above board in conduct and character. We must in our daily conduct as representatives of the Governor meet and interact with the people daily and not compromise standards that are likely to bring opprobrium, shame and disgrace to our principal and office. The adage “show me your friends and I will tell you who you are” also translate to mean show me who Okowa’s political appointees are and I will tell you who he is.
We cannot therefore compromise in our conduct, at homes the Okowa in us must be evident as reference of family values, love and unity in our homes, an Okowa that instills moral lessons and who should live by example for the children to emulate. At any social function or public place we must live by example as moral teachers who educate others by our conduct and humility and be doers of what we preach. we must show humility and charisma that attracts citizens, we must discard arrogance and preach peace, we must demonstrate social responsibility in our neighborhood, meeting people and explaining Government policies on regular basis, we must within limited resources assist the needy and render help that brings commendation to Government. A political appointment is not about ostentatious living, it is not about spraying crisp naira notes in parties to give a wrong impression, it is not about going to night clubs and frolicking with women of easy virtue, it is about service and showing character and leadership.
Political appointees should use their positions to serve the masses and not to look down on the electorates. In crisis we must act as peace makers, in uncertainty we must be guiding lights, in deprivation we must be citadel of accommodation, in injury we must be healing balms, we must be instruments of reconciliation. We must discard rumours with knowledge, as Government appointees we are called to service and dedication. Our conduct must be so edifying that we must watch what we say or do in public and private because we are foot soldiers of Governor Okowa and this carries burden of responsibility.
Our duties and actions must be devoid of sycophantic gestures, in order words we must give Government the best always through service. We should learn to be known or seen by Government in our duties and responsibilities through selfless service not by being political bats that hovers around offices in search of fortune. We must not pretend to be working when we are doing nothing. We should be preoccupied on how to help Government and endear Government to the people because this is the essence of Democracy. We must be fortunate considering the army of qualified Deltans that abounds, most of whom are professionals, to be selected for appointment. This should be the beginning of humility, that we are not lords but servants of the people. This is why every appointee must imbibe the dreams, vision, values and commitment Governor Okowa exhibits.
A political appointee carries burden of responsibilities as we must be aware of Government programmes and policies, be well informed on all Government activities so as to act as change agents that impact positively on the citizenry through education, orientation and information that help endear Government to the people. We must collectively promote peace; inter-ethnic relations, and disregard rumours, sentiments that destroy good plans. As the Okowa in our various portfolios and Communities, we must give hope in despair, patriots in divisive sectarianism, and trust in disbelief. Much to be done and more are expected of us.
The reasons of spreading ‘Okowability’ as a political concept to every nook and cranny of the State are to drive away the fear of marginalization and have an inclusive State. We must therefore be committed in discharging our duties, having self re-examination daily, of what we have contributed not what to grab. Government is not what we get but what we give in service in qualitative leadership that transforms lives of our people. So much is demanded from us in our streets, vicinity, and work place and in our daily interactions, we must ask ourselves, and in what ways have we enriched the State to endear Okowa to the people?
We should encourage unity, tolerance and understanding, be involved in orientation of youths whose failing values is consuming society today, discourage indiscipline, falling standards in schools, cultism, greed and other social vices perpetuated by youths, have we in our callings as Okowa’s aides help in reducing these social ills in our immediate environment? We must do a rethink and redouble our efforts to be positive disciples of Okowa where ever we are found.
We give rooms for miscreants to criticize the Governor when we use official positions for unethical dark room activities that negate the high values and principles Okowa is known for. We must realize political appointment is not an “Owanbe” partying spree but call to service, an opportunity for sweat, toil and sacrifice for the masses, to put on moral armaments to confront indices of fraud, indecency and obstacles against growth and development, we must be patriotic to uphold our brotherhood and support Okowa because not doing so is dereliction of duty.
As political appointees in our various constituencies, we must serve by reflecting Okowa’s humility. There is so much to do in the State, we must be honest in doing our work and let our competence and duties be reflected in our duties so that we are recognize by our commitment rather than by sycophantic acts. It’s such a tall order but not insurmountable, we must live to expectations because true loyalty to duty is rewarded if not by man by God who see’s and knows all.
Prince A. Abugo
SA Social Advocacy/Director Orientation
Delta South to Gov. Okowa.
Comments
Post a Comment