In marketing, the best approach is to research into the need of a particular people in a particular environment and go ahead to providing the needed goods and services to such environment. Achieving such feat fertilizes the ground for salesmen to make bumper sales.
The politics, which is about government, governance and influencing the policies and programmes of the government ultimately focuses on the people. No form of politics is played in the vacuum. It's all about the people.
Drawing therefrom, a good politician is the one who knows the need of his tpeople and goes ahead to attack those needs by providing solutions to them. And more often than not, the hedge the so called politicians build around themselves make the matter even worse. There are variants of political needs, which are freedom, security of lives and property, freedom of association, freedom of expression, protection against violence of any sort, infrastructure, education and sense of ownership o their leaders.
It was one of the foremost American Politician and a congress man, Tip O'Neill that popularized the concept of "All Politics is local". It was between 1982 and 1983 that Tip O'Neill had a big challenge from the House Republican Leader, Robert Michel of Peoria, Illinois , for his $1 billion job bill proposal. But in a historic address in Tip O'Neill explained how many infrastructure problem in Peoria will be fixed. That made a killer punch on Tip's rival at his own door post. What could have been a normal wholesale socioeconomic and political affair was brought home if you like local explaining how it could affect the common man at the villages and cottages.
Coming back home, Imo State as a case in point. In 2011 after the elections, the first move made by Governor Okorocha was to ensure the government can still be trusted. The major plank of his electoral promises to Ndi Imo was to declare free education. Governor Okorocha did not just keep to this, he surpassed the expectations of Imo people and residents in Imo State when he extended the free education programme up to the tertiary level. In concert, the then Chief of Staff who is the present Deputy Governor of Imo State demystified the office of the Chief of Staff as he ran an open door policies. The present deputy also runs various interventions for the people at the instance of the Governor and most times at description all in a bid to serve the people irrespective of age, class or cadre.
Again, how else can one localize politics other than seeking means to reaching out to every dick and Harry irrespective of the social class especially the down trodden. Today in Imo State, there is no family or home that can deny Governor Okorocha's impact in one way or the other.
The greatest slogan visionally and creatively created by Governor Okorocha, which emphatically encapsulates the philosophy of his Rescue Mission Agenda- "My People, My People". Governor Okorocha with his deputy are only dramatizing what real politics is as they have government beyond what it ought to be. For every discerning mind, Okorocha led Rescue Mission government is a sharp contrast or possibly a radical paradigm shift from what his predecessors administered as a government.
Prior Governor Okorocha's Rescue Mission government, it was a civil rule instituted by a political cabal solely for the interest of the few. It was a government of template as the masses were cowed to play no role at all. In that system, you could win any elections without going on campaign or even embark on merchandising any of the electoral goods since the result will only be written. It was a primitive primordial establishment where we had serious clowns running Imo State as an estate in so far as their tastes which were personal interests were assuaged.
It was in that establishment where water schemes were only functional on the day of commissioning while bore holes sank for communities were made functional for less than twenty four hours only because those projects were mainly embarked upon to service the big stomach of some gangs. It does not matter whether the project failed or not since the set goal was never for the people after all. There was a certain commissioner who reigned as a grade A commissioner who made a past master in failure with a signature in failed water scheme. Other areas of concern bothers on over invoicing of the cost projects embarked upon,
How not to play politics is when people who are supposedly the ultimate essence of it are estranged. It is bad politics when people we ought to protect become targets of the State equipment procured with the people's taxes. It is bad politics when those in power care less to account for the people. It is undemocratic when the real sovereign are discounted in the scheme of things that they ought take the lead in the process.
Aforementioned is only trite because of the wise saying that he who does not know where the rain begins to drench him would also not know when it stops. Comparison in leadership creates room for improvement and and development.
Coming back to Rescue Mission Government led by Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha, for the first time the return of power to civil rule, the masses were consulted as they took part in the policy process and formulation. They are part of the implementation.
My People, My People slogan of Owelle Rochas Okorocha is encapsulated in his localizing politics through the dividends of democracy, which he ensured gets to the the masses even those at the rural areas. According to Harold Laswell, Politics is who gets what, how and when. This supposes that this definition will also mean allocation of societal resources. As economic as this assertion may seem, the question is, how much of these resources get to the masses or better put, the down trodden.
This again confirms one of the critical functions of government, which is distributive and re-redistributive functions in terms of resources of the State.
Relating to the spirit of governance and government under Rochas Okorocha Rescue Mission Government and his deputy, they have in no little measure left their foot print in the sands of time. The free education policy of the government is all about the people and to a great extent, it allocated not just resources to every family but societal values to every home in Imo State. Value as a better qualification comes in here for obvious reason of its future effects on the families, the State and the country at large. Education is an investment, which its values goes beyond immediate but valuable for generations yet unborn .
In terms of Freedom, it remains a value that may not be seen but could be felt and it is life. Losing one's freedom is like losing a life. What characterized the preceding government before Rescue Mission Government was such where people lost their essence of being human beings. Losing one's liberty r freedom could be likened to an imprisoned fellow whose aspirations and rights are cut short or temporarily put on hold for reason of threat. In so far as such freedom does not impinge on another's right, it remains one value that can be equated to basic necessities of life. This is so to the extent that freedom allows us ample opportunity to find our essence and thereby contribute our quota to the growth and development of the society.
Under Rescue Mission example, at the inception of office, people have experience avalanche of protests, solidarity and vagaries of averse stance against or for government actions and inactions whether justifiably placed or on lose sand. On the opposition Internet flat-chest tigers, they have even overreached their bounds yet no one goes after them. There is freedom of Press in Imo State to the extent people write fiction without any fear of intimidation or molestation. Governor Okorocha and his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere become object for sales of Newspapers when they are in lack for good news. In all these, no heavens have fallen because the duo are real democrats and proponents of liberal and free society in so far as other's rights and freedom are not infringed upon.
Freedom square, which symbolizes the Rescue Mission highest regards for freedom, has remained a place where all manner of criticisms are sponsored to be aired free of charge on State owned Radios mostly against the sponor-government and suggestions to serve the people better in so far it is practicable.
In terms of infrastructure, at no time has Imo witnessed such magnitude of development. Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu Cities have totally been transformed. Imo can boast of numerous by pass, which affords Imolites and travelers choices for easy movement. Imo can boast of Dee Sam Mbakwe Road that links a traveler from Assumpta to Aba Road. There are three Inland Road with bridges linking old Owerri to New Owerri. Beyond these Roads, New Owerri has received many dualized Roads linking every business establishments especially the hospitality outfits and other related ones. For the first time, ISOPADEC can boasts of her own layout of four floors saving so much bleeding from their coffers in rents.
The many years of abandonment of Naze-Federal Polytechnic-Nekkede-Federal University of Technology- Obinze Road and many communities in that axis have had a sigh of relief following the near completion of rehabilitation of that Road. At a time, it became a cow for milking for some godfathers. Today, Rescue Mission Government has broken that jinx. The students no longer pay through their nose to transport themselves and business activities at the area has improved in such a high magnitude.
At the rural areas, Rescue Mission Government has asphalted nothing less than twenty kilometers of Road in every local government. In Onuimo whch by nature of the texture of its clay soil, it made a difficult terrain to walk on let alone vehicles. Today, Onuimo as one of the special local governments can boast of over forty kilometers of Road as over 80% are already paved. So it is in Ohaji-Egbema and Ngor Okpala local government areas
In a bid to boost hospitality sector in Imo State with an eye at the Corporate bodies and other big organizations, Imo International Convention Centre about ten thousand Capacity was constructed. These was able to cater for the last Annual Convention of Nigeria Bar Association. Several other groups and associations have found Imo State a heaven for their various meetings of great magnitude, which in return create serious market for the hospitality outfits and other tourists centers while direct and indirect employments have received a boost.
Again, the clusters at Naze for commerce Industry purposes are for the people. Rescue Mission Government has affected the informal sector in such a manner that it stands tall above other establishments of its stature in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The new Obowo Market christened Imo Rescue Market or Malaysia Market is one example too many. Today, that market has passed a test as a center of excellence in commerce as it binds Imo, Abia and other neighbouring States together in progress.
Coming to the core essence of government, which is maintenance of law, order and peaceful coexistence of the people, Governor Okorocha through his able and reliable Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere in collaboration with security agencies have made Imo a model State in Law and Order with ingredients of conciliation and mediation have made Imo State the most peaceful in the comity of States. True, we have had infractions, which are not far from human nature but such have always been handled with requisite tact and wisdom.
This is one of the many areas Governor Okorocha has variously commended his partner in progress. Prince Madumere among other Appellations he earned by virtue of his rare positive traits and character is "Peace Maker". He is ones rosin who tells the truth and advise for trade offs when necessary in conflict and crises resolutions. In many communities in Imo State, in his believe that everyone is equal before the law and that everyone deserves a fair treatment, he has never usurped anyone's rights at this perilous times. Between the host communities and oil firms and other big firms in Imo State, Prince Madumere holds the ace as he has never caved in for whatever reason in seeking peace among the two entities. Orsu-Obodo, Irete, Awarra, Oguta to mention but few and their people would remember Prince Madumere as a man who may not be a Justice of the Apex court but a man of Justice in character. Nigeria Bottling Company, Addax Exploration, Shell Petroleum, WalterSmith Exploration and many others would not forget in a hurry how Rescue Mission Government dealt with them in such a manner no compromises were traced neither was any unpatriotic demeanour found in him in their period of challenges.
Truly, no government is adjudged totally free from pitfalls as no government can boast of having all the resources and all the wherewithal to solve all the insatiable human needs and challenges but Rescue Mission holds an ace as a Government, which has saintly dealt with her people in all respects; as a government which has dealt with the political class with good intentions while ensuring that the greatest number of people in the State benefit from the greatest good the government can offer despite its slim resources. And this is the the real meaning of every politics is local and if you like as Owelle Okorocha will prefer to dramatize this philosophy in his " My People, My People".
Now that the electioneering season is at hand, these ones have been tested. They stand very far away from the blame quarters because they made the hare while the sun shone. They did not have to wait. They pursued an Agenda that is people oriented. They pursued an Agenda that is futuristic. They never tottered in their pursuit for policies that affect lives of the greatest number. They understood that all politics is local and resolved to connect with the people. Like one of the foremost Telecom Firm in Nigeria, Rochas-Madumere joint ticket will fit into that trade mark of "everywhere you go". The bill boards of their campaign are all hosted in the minds of the people. With their dependence on God with hard work, it will make seven wonders of the world to have any opposing party or candidate come close in the forthcoming Guber elections.
Their Excellencies, Governor Okorocha and his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere after addressing a cross section of people at Lake Malinda in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State recently.
Uche Onwuchekwa is the Special Assistant, Media, to the Deputy Governor of Imo State. http://www.massbestentertainment.com/search/label/POLITICAL%20NEWS/dated: 19/02/2015
The politics, which is about government, governance and influencing the policies and programmes of the government ultimately focuses on the people. No form of politics is played in the vacuum. It's all about the people.
Drawing therefrom, a good politician is the one who knows the need of his tpeople and goes ahead to attack those needs by providing solutions to them. And more often than not, the hedge the so called politicians build around themselves make the matter even worse. There are variants of political needs, which are freedom, security of lives and property, freedom of association, freedom of expression, protection against violence of any sort, infrastructure, education and sense of ownership o their leaders.
It was one of the foremost American Politician and a congress man, Tip O'Neill that popularized the concept of "All Politics is local". It was between 1982 and 1983 that Tip O'Neill had a big challenge from the House Republican Leader, Robert Michel of Peoria, Illinois , for his $1 billion job bill proposal. But in a historic address in Tip O'Neill explained how many infrastructure problem in Peoria will be fixed. That made a killer punch on Tip's rival at his own door post. What could have been a normal wholesale socioeconomic and political affair was brought home if you like local explaining how it could affect the common man at the villages and cottages.
Coming back home, Imo State as a case in point. In 2011 after the elections, the first move made by Governor Okorocha was to ensure the government can still be trusted. The major plank of his electoral promises to Ndi Imo was to declare free education. Governor Okorocha did not just keep to this, he surpassed the expectations of Imo people and residents in Imo State when he extended the free education programme up to the tertiary level. In concert, the then Chief of Staff who is the present Deputy Governor of Imo State demystified the office of the Chief of Staff as he ran an open door policies. The present deputy also runs various interventions for the people at the instance of the Governor and most times at description all in a bid to serve the people irrespective of age, class or cadre.
Again, how else can one localize politics other than seeking means to reaching out to every dick and Harry irrespective of the social class especially the down trodden. Today in Imo State, there is no family or home that can deny Governor Okorocha's impact in one way or the other.
The greatest slogan visionally and creatively created by Governor Okorocha, which emphatically encapsulates the philosophy of his Rescue Mission Agenda- "My People, My People". Governor Okorocha with his deputy are only dramatizing what real politics is as they have government beyond what it ought to be. For every discerning mind, Okorocha led Rescue Mission government is a sharp contrast or possibly a radical paradigm shift from what his predecessors administered as a government.
Prior Governor Okorocha's Rescue Mission government, it was a civil rule instituted by a political cabal solely for the interest of the few. It was a government of template as the masses were cowed to play no role at all. In that system, you could win any elections without going on campaign or even embark on merchandising any of the electoral goods since the result will only be written. It was a primitive primordial establishment where we had serious clowns running Imo State as an estate in so far as their tastes which were personal interests were assuaged.
It was in that establishment where water schemes were only functional on the day of commissioning while bore holes sank for communities were made functional for less than twenty four hours only because those projects were mainly embarked upon to service the big stomach of some gangs. It does not matter whether the project failed or not since the set goal was never for the people after all. There was a certain commissioner who reigned as a grade A commissioner who made a past master in failure with a signature in failed water scheme. Other areas of concern bothers on over invoicing of the cost projects embarked upon,
How not to play politics is when people who are supposedly the ultimate essence of it are estranged. It is bad politics when people we ought to protect become targets of the State equipment procured with the people's taxes. It is bad politics when those in power care less to account for the people. It is undemocratic when the real sovereign are discounted in the scheme of things that they ought take the lead in the process.
Aforementioned is only trite because of the wise saying that he who does not know where the rain begins to drench him would also not know when it stops. Comparison in leadership creates room for improvement and and development.
Coming back to Rescue Mission Government led by Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha, for the first time the return of power to civil rule, the masses were consulted as they took part in the policy process and formulation. They are part of the implementation.
My People, My People slogan of Owelle Rochas Okorocha is encapsulated in his localizing politics through the dividends of democracy, which he ensured gets to the the masses even those at the rural areas. According to Harold Laswell, Politics is who gets what, how and when. This supposes that this definition will also mean allocation of societal resources. As economic as this assertion may seem, the question is, how much of these resources get to the masses or better put, the down trodden.
This again confirms one of the critical functions of government, which is distributive and re-redistributive functions in terms of resources of the State.
Relating to the spirit of governance and government under Rochas Okorocha Rescue Mission Government and his deputy, they have in no little measure left their foot print in the sands of time. The free education policy of the government is all about the people and to a great extent, it allocated not just resources to every family but societal values to every home in Imo State. Value as a better qualification comes in here for obvious reason of its future effects on the families, the State and the country at large. Education is an investment, which its values goes beyond immediate but valuable for generations yet unborn .
In terms of Freedom, it remains a value that may not be seen but could be felt and it is life. Losing one's freedom is like losing a life. What characterized the preceding government before Rescue Mission Government was such where people lost their essence of being human beings. Losing one's liberty r freedom could be likened to an imprisoned fellow whose aspirations and rights are cut short or temporarily put on hold for reason of threat. In so far as such freedom does not impinge on another's right, it remains one value that can be equated to basic necessities of life. This is so to the extent that freedom allows us ample opportunity to find our essence and thereby contribute our quota to the growth and development of the society.
Under Rescue Mission example, at the inception of office, people have experience avalanche of protests, solidarity and vagaries of averse stance against or for government actions and inactions whether justifiably placed or on lose sand. On the opposition Internet flat-chest tigers, they have even overreached their bounds yet no one goes after them. There is freedom of Press in Imo State to the extent people write fiction without any fear of intimidation or molestation. Governor Okorocha and his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere become object for sales of Newspapers when they are in lack for good news. In all these, no heavens have fallen because the duo are real democrats and proponents of liberal and free society in so far as other's rights and freedom are not infringed upon.
Freedom square, which symbolizes the Rescue Mission highest regards for freedom, has remained a place where all manner of criticisms are sponsored to be aired free of charge on State owned Radios mostly against the sponor-government and suggestions to serve the people better in so far it is practicable.
In terms of infrastructure, at no time has Imo witnessed such magnitude of development. Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu Cities have totally been transformed. Imo can boast of numerous by pass, which affords Imolites and travelers choices for easy movement. Imo can boast of Dee Sam Mbakwe Road that links a traveler from Assumpta to Aba Road. There are three Inland Road with bridges linking old Owerri to New Owerri. Beyond these Roads, New Owerri has received many dualized Roads linking every business establishments especially the hospitality outfits and other related ones. For the first time, ISOPADEC can boasts of her own layout of four floors saving so much bleeding from their coffers in rents.
The many years of abandonment of Naze-Federal Polytechnic-Nekkede-Federal University of Technology- Obinze Road and many communities in that axis have had a sigh of relief following the near completion of rehabilitation of that Road. At a time, it became a cow for milking for some godfathers. Today, Rescue Mission Government has broken that jinx. The students no longer pay through their nose to transport themselves and business activities at the area has improved in such a high magnitude.
At the rural areas, Rescue Mission Government has asphalted nothing less than twenty kilometers of Road in every local government. In Onuimo whch by nature of the texture of its clay soil, it made a difficult terrain to walk on let alone vehicles. Today, Onuimo as one of the special local governments can boast of over forty kilometers of Road as over 80% are already paved. So it is in Ohaji-Egbema and Ngor Okpala local government areas
In a bid to boost hospitality sector in Imo State with an eye at the Corporate bodies and other big organizations, Imo International Convention Centre about ten thousand Capacity was constructed. These was able to cater for the last Annual Convention of Nigeria Bar Association. Several other groups and associations have found Imo State a heaven for their various meetings of great magnitude, which in return create serious market for the hospitality outfits and other tourists centers while direct and indirect employments have received a boost.
Again, the clusters at Naze for commerce Industry purposes are for the people. Rescue Mission Government has affected the informal sector in such a manner that it stands tall above other establishments of its stature in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The new Obowo Market christened Imo Rescue Market or Malaysia Market is one example too many. Today, that market has passed a test as a center of excellence in commerce as it binds Imo, Abia and other neighbouring States together in progress.
Coming to the core essence of government, which is maintenance of law, order and peaceful coexistence of the people, Governor Okorocha through his able and reliable Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere in collaboration with security agencies have made Imo a model State in Law and Order with ingredients of conciliation and mediation have made Imo State the most peaceful in the comity of States. True, we have had infractions, which are not far from human nature but such have always been handled with requisite tact and wisdom.
This is one of the many areas Governor Okorocha has variously commended his partner in progress. Prince Madumere among other Appellations he earned by virtue of his rare positive traits and character is "Peace Maker". He is ones rosin who tells the truth and advise for trade offs when necessary in conflict and crises resolutions. In many communities in Imo State, in his believe that everyone is equal before the law and that everyone deserves a fair treatment, he has never usurped anyone's rights at this perilous times. Between the host communities and oil firms and other big firms in Imo State, Prince Madumere holds the ace as he has never caved in for whatever reason in seeking peace among the two entities. Orsu-Obodo, Irete, Awarra, Oguta to mention but few and their people would remember Prince Madumere as a man who may not be a Justice of the Apex court but a man of Justice in character. Nigeria Bottling Company, Addax Exploration, Shell Petroleum, WalterSmith Exploration and many others would not forget in a hurry how Rescue Mission Government dealt with them in such a manner no compromises were traced neither was any unpatriotic demeanour found in him in their period of challenges.
Truly, no government is adjudged totally free from pitfalls as no government can boast of having all the resources and all the wherewithal to solve all the insatiable human needs and challenges but Rescue Mission holds an ace as a Government, which has saintly dealt with her people in all respects; as a government which has dealt with the political class with good intentions while ensuring that the greatest number of people in the State benefit from the greatest good the government can offer despite its slim resources. And this is the the real meaning of every politics is local and if you like as Owelle Okorocha will prefer to dramatize this philosophy in his " My People, My People".
Now that the electioneering season is at hand, these ones have been tested. They stand very far away from the blame quarters because they made the hare while the sun shone. They did not have to wait. They pursued an Agenda that is people oriented. They pursued an Agenda that is futuristic. They never tottered in their pursuit for policies that affect lives of the greatest number. They understood that all politics is local and resolved to connect with the people. Like one of the foremost Telecom Firm in Nigeria, Rochas-Madumere joint ticket will fit into that trade mark of "everywhere you go". The bill boards of their campaign are all hosted in the minds of the people. With their dependence on God with hard work, it will make seven wonders of the world to have any opposing party or candidate come close in the forthcoming Guber elections.
Their Excellencies, Governor Okorocha and his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere after addressing a cross section of people at Lake Malinda in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State recently.
Uche Onwuchekwa is the Special Assistant, Media, to the Deputy Governor of Imo State. http://www.massbestentertainment.com/search/label/POLITICAL%20NEWS/dated: 19/02/2015