By the grace of God, I humbly plead and advise that we should at times, endeavour to create a chance and read some sincere and reasonable write-ups.
If not for any other reason, let it be that we obtain more knowledge of what happened in the past, and what is going on at present and make use of it as a remarkable reference in the future if necessary.
One major reason that States were created in Nigeria is for the people of every place, to try and build their domestic Steads in their own home States as a family.
The initiators of the creation of all the States in Nigeria started with the honest argument, that government should be brought very close to the people.
As the States were being created during the Army regimes, the Local Government Systems were also being created. This was to bring the government closer to the masses, for more feasible developmental benefits getting to the grassroots levels.
In Ebonyi State, even the Development Centres were added, to bring the presence and services of the government closest to the indigenes.
It is all about building each place for people that belong to the same house to enjoy the benefits, or the dividends of governance in their various localities or environments.
I had the golden opportunity to work with the Honourable Justice IRIKEFE Panel on the historic creation of States in Nigeria. Later on, we were also posted to work with the Committee on New Local Government Reforms System.
The new Local Government Reforms System in the draft report was designed, to become Development County Councils in the suburbs all over Nigeria.
However having wound up the Committee that suggested the change of the New LG System designation to Development County Council, a special Committee was set up to review the report.
Thereafter, the Special Committee made a "U-TURN" recommendation for the New Local Government Reforms System to stay put.
That's why the present Local Government System remained what it is today. However, the issue of establishing the Development County Councils was left for official possible pushover to the grassroots levels. That's why the Development Centre cases were put into the picture, for those who can adopt it for use in the future, but only by lawful permissions.
While the sound of the New Local Government Reforms System remained loud, the Development County Council matter was silent.
But it seemed like having been prepared as a pending document, filed for possible use at the grassroots.
Still, that is only if adopted as a preferred choice and permissible by the law establishing it in the States accordingly.
The reason was to bring the government close, closer and closest to the masses who are the political pillars of whichever regime comes and goes.
So, all the happenings were to build a house that belongs to everyone born and unborn in Nigeria.
One thing that the Nigerian Politicians seemed to bypass is the formations that ought to be relevant in building every State as a home for the masses.
They should have been able to use the diverse key arms of the society, to help and keep the home States well and strong.
In a State, there should be the formation of society into different groups of people, to operate hand in hand so that decency and orderliness prevail in every place.
In the first place with any government, the Traditional Rulers should be recognized as the grassroots mobilizers. They should also be part and parcel of the regimes that came or came into power at any time.
Secondly, any State in Nigeria has got some key people who fought for the creation of such a State. Therefore the Founding Fathers of such States should be Watchdogs of events in the system. Thirdly, there should be the Elders Council should set in all the States as good Advisors to every existing government.
The next important group of persons should be the middle-class citizens, who will be in government together with the Youth so that everyone can be useful in the relevant areas of governance.
All the while at the federal level, there have been many political party patronages in recognizing contributors, but not quite down the line as it should have been for long.
In Ebonyi State, I remember there was a time when I made a suggestion Online to the regime of Governor Umahi about the need to recognize Elders in the system of governance. He was quick to make use of it and the Elders Council was set up and added to the Founding Fathers of the State. He appointed the middle-class group into offices, joined the Youths together with them and got huge support from the masses. He recognized the Traditional Rulers very richly.
One thing I loved and must continue to cherish about the regime of Governor Umahi is his appetite for the use of good advice. He even goes further in heeding good advice more than one expects it. I see it as using the tool of "Excellent Wisdom" in rendering services to the masses.
His respectful character to elders made me not find him wanting. If he has any fault I do not know it. I cannot count him amongst those who are faulty.
Even if he offended or offended me I can't fault him as guilty of the offence. This is because of the right side of his character.
Only a few individuals can tell me the contrary story about David Umahi, his regime and his performances for reasons best known to them alone.
I can see now from all indications, that the new regime of Governor Francis Nwifuru has started at a very good pedestal, in doing great things to meet the needs of the people of Ebonyi State.
Such a humble, easygoing, smooth selling and level-headed regime shouldn't be toyed with in any form.
I believe that God who planned the regime of Governor Francis Nwifuru will keep it safe, secure and sound till the end.
Let me briefly return attention to Engr. David Nweze Umahi and his sensible actions.
Another expertise sense in the Umahi's action is that at times, he involves the owner of any good suggestion to take part in the work. He reserves the habit for what he wants to do for the people, who have his personal, official and special attention.
Many people don't know why he does what is wonderful, because they don't know it and don't want to know. Even if they are involved to enjoy the fine benefits thereof, they ignore the knowledge of their privileges.
Being ignorant of some people they look down upon, there's no how to know that those people must have been the initiators of whatever they are enjoying.
That's why any expert leader in Nigeria could be criticized for doing what is right. This is because those who don't know the reason he does or did what is right don't know how to appreciate what is right. Friends are also part of the problems that leaders have.
Critics and greedy supporters don't know that good leaders have always wanted to bring the government close, closer and closest to the masses with the good things they do or did and which some ignorant people socially and politically abhor.
That's why come what may, God is always supporting such good leaders to get to their best destinations as desired. He equips them well every time.
I am not talking about fake this and fake that. I am talking about real issues that can bind people together to build their own home States, involving the relevant sections of society to achieve good governance.
God wants that wherever one belongs, he or she should be part of building their places of origin and not destroy them.
This is because the business is for everyone to help and build a house, where everyone can live together with love, peace and harmony as one family.
This issue of creating political party yawning gaps and, or harmful sociability demarcations must not be used to destroy the art of building State homes in honesty, togetherness, peace, unity and love unfeigned.
To God is the glory forever.
*Written by Egede Lawrence.*
*Media Highlights On Building Own Home States By Everyone In Nigeria.*
