Chief Chibueze Pino Aniemeka, a frontline community leader, entrepreneur and politician, is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Community Development, As our Weekend Pointer guest, he spoke to Magnus Emuji and Chukwudi Asoya on his principal’s performance, among sundry issues. Excerpts…
Tell us more about yourself?
I’m from Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. I’m a trained engineer and one-time councillor under the Transition Committee in Oshimili North LGA. I’m a passionate advocate of peace and development. I was a Special Assistant (SA) under former governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
2027 is around the corner, so how do you rate the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC)?
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has performed creditably well. Under his MORE Agenda, the state is being totally transformed. Just look at the flyover projects in Warri, Ughelli and Agbor, among many other infrastructural strides. These are legacy projects, as well as his administration’s commitment towards connecting communities with roads and others aimed at giving the people a sense of belonging.
What solutions can you proffer to the security and economic challenges in the country?
I can tell you that the level of insecurity: armed robbery, kidnapping and banditry have reduced drastically, an indication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed commitment to make the country better and safer.
What about the inflation and exchange rate volatility?
The Tinubu-led administration has reduced inflation in the country to the barest minimum and to the extent that the prices of food items across the country have reduced. Take for instance, the price of rice which was sold for N90, 000 last year but went down to N50, 000 or less, as well as general goods. The policies of government are working in that direction, despite initial skepticisms.
How would you rate Governor Sheriff Oborevwori?
Governor Oborevwori is doing massively well. His achievements so far are unprecedented, he has demonstrated true governance and delivered effectively in line with the MORE Agenda of his administration.
What about the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Chief Innocent Esenwezie?
Let me commend Chief Innocent Esenwezie for not disappointing the good people of Oshimili North.
He has redefined governance and leadership, as his achievements are quite visible and enormous. He has truly brought governance closer to the people and that is what will speak for him in the future. In all ramifications, Chief Innocent Esenwezie is leaving behind a legacy of transformation in Oshimili North LGA.
What has been your experience in politics?
I’m a politician connected to the grassroots where I have served in various capacities and diligently so. I was an executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in my LGA. I have the passion to serve my people whenever the need arises.
Do you have any political ambitions?
My kinsmen have called on me to contest for the chairmanship position in Oshimili North LGA. I’m ready to do so with their support because I don’t see it as a personal project. Many might have seen the leadership qualities in me.
What are your chances if finally you decide on contesting?
In Oshimili North LGA we operate based on a consensus arrangement. Besides, Okpanam has a high voting strenght. We will seek the support of the people of Illah where the present House of Assembly member representing Oshimili North Constituency, Hon. Frank Esenwa hails from, as well as Ebu, Atuma, Ukala, Akwukwu Igbo and of course, Ugbolu. Okpanam is the centre of politics in Oshimili North.
Okpanam has not produced a substantive local government council chairman with a constitutional three years in office or six years of two tenures. For instance, the one we attempted to produce in the person of Hon. (Barr.) Ben Okonkwo, but he could not finish his tenure of three years as he was removed by court in less than one year in office.
As a politician, community leader and businessman, how do you combine all these responsibilities?
I’m the CEO of Pachip Construction Company, a civil engineer outfit, and a community leader that always thinks of the way forward for the community. All these are privileges and not a right. Hence, since I see it as a privilege, I make sure that I discharge those responsibilities effectively and with utmost commitment.
What would you want to change in Okpanam and the entire LGA?
As I said earlier, my friend and political associate, Chief Innocent Esenwezie is leaving behind a towering legacy of overwhelming transformation of the local government for the benefits of the good people of Oshimili North. I would like to see the people at the grassroots feeling more impact of government.
Lastly, youths seem to be lacking more in morals and social vices are on the rise. What are your thoughts on this?
There should be a youth advocacy and orientation as a deliberate approach towards curbing these negative vices among youths, such as drug abuse, violence and cultism. Such platform should be leveraged to orientate them on the consequences of indulging in social vices because many of the youths may not be fully aware of the dangers.
