FASHOLA AND CONGLOMERATE OF DETRACTORS – by Okeke Godwin Iyke

In our clime, opinion is formed base on the mindset of "we versus them". Sometimes, a bottle of 33export lager can motivate someone to join the bandwagon.

I have seen a deliberate attempt of recent by many Viju milk political analysts to label Fashola as a minister without clue. In as much as I do not hold brief for him, and his Principal have confidence in him, we must always set the records straight.

Fashola is one man that is result-driven irrespective of the cost. The job must be done.

First, it started after his ministerial briefing where he acknowledged that over 25000 km of roads were awarded by past administration but none was completed. He retreated his commitment to ensure that none of these projects was abandoned.

Some short sighted fellows saw completion of GEJ project as abomination forgetting that these roads are for Nigerians not Jonathan.

After the presentation of his budget for roads, another sentiment came up. This time, they alleged that most of his allocation was in favour of Yoruba.

It is evident, that Lagos-Ibadan expressway took the largest chunk of the budget.  How can any sensible creature see completion of Lagos-Ibadan express road as a favour to Yorubas?

Is there any tribe that doesn't use that road?

Is there any road in Africa busier than that road?

Do we present our regional Identity before plying the road?

This is the most ridiculous criticism I have heard of. Roads should be prioritised based on economic importance for all, not WAZOBIA.

There are wonderful road networks in Anambra state but yet yours truly, an Anambrarian, sleep in Lagos traffic daily. …

We must wear our thinking cap because lame criticism is strengthening the cult of elites.

Ok.Kontinu!

Few days after announcements of increase in power generation, while some supporters of this government saw it as a milestone, some elements of the ousted regime saw it as a crime.

Next, they blew up the pipeline and gas supply collapsed.  To bingos, it was a feat. To Fashola detractors, he must be crucified.  I am yet to be convinced why I should blame Fashola, though the GOVERNMENT must accept the full Responsibility.

This vandalism was opportunity for "I must talk" intellectuals to exhume Fashola quote that serious government can fix power in 6 months.

Yes! Has Fashola spent 6 months as minister?

Has his budget been approved?  What magic can he perform without budget?  Is Fashola responsible for vandalism of pipelines?

So….even if you eat without salt, are you not aware of unbundling of NEPA? How transparent was the bidding process? Even after paying for the prepaid meter, Eko Distribution Company is yet to supply me with one.

I must commend the government for apologising to Nigerians over the power shortage.  We deserve to know and it is our right, not a privilege. It worsened because of additional fuel scarcity.

Ok.Kontinu!

Do you know that the 2 past ministers of Power Prof Nnaji and Prof Nebo are both from Enugu state?

Do you know that Oji River Power plant is sited in Enugu state?

Do you know that Prof Nebo’s village is a 15 minutes’ drive from the power plant?

Do you know that as Minister of Power, Prof Nebo never visited the power plant that is right behind his village?

Don't also forget that Prof Nebo is an Igbo man and son of the soil.

Anyway, Prof Nebo attributed power failure to activities of witches and wizard hence, according to him, we needed more prayer than refurbishment.

Anyway, on Sunday 13th of March 2016, while we were busy praying as Prof Nebo recommended, Fashola personally led his team of experts to evaluate Oji River Power plant.

He personally took the inventory of the gory sight. Yes!!! He did not stop there, he proposed that the Thermal station will be feed by Coal and there is excess of the finest coal briskets in Enugu.

This means that even if you blew up all the pipeline in Nigeria, Oji River Power plant will never be affected.

Not only that, it opens a new window for job creation because coal mines will be revamped.

Finally, long term permanent solution is my interest in every sector not cosmetic solution to attract "one-minute joy".

We must keep Fashola on his toes but we must do it sensibly so that our words can trigger action.

In all, information and communication is key to modern governance. FASH!  talk to your media team!!!

Chanjiiiiiii is here! Embrace it!