That Bayelsa may continue to thrive and prosper

BY FRANCIS AKPOFEMOWEI

In terms of infrastructural development and economic progress, Bayelsa State does not look its young age. Its speed of growth across sectors has dwarfed its gloomy past as a state founded on nothing. Beyond the talk about its gains from oil and gas exploration, the state has benefited from a stable political system and focused leadership.

The stability which has become the essence of its political character is about to be tested come November 2, 2019. But the political built-up, especially the party primaries, are the ultimate decider of the state’s ability to sustain the existing political structure and economic drive or lose that sanity forever.

In a few day’s time, the peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), the ultimate custodian and beneficiary of the Bayelsa stability, will put to test its ability to consolidate on its 20-year traction.

Of course, the party’s hierarchies would have realized that the odds against it are enormous, a reason it cannot miss the opportunity to present its best for the general election. There is no doubt that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been itching to expand its sphere of influence in the Niger Delta; Bayelsa poll presents an opportunity to test its expansionist strategy.

Among those who have indicated interest ticket, Kamela Okara stands out. The aspiration of the gentleman is a clear departure from the norm. And for a region that is notorious for the genre of crude politicking, his coming is symbolic.

First, Okara is not of the breeds of political merchants that the country is used to. Until 2012 when he ran on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), many political watchers did not really reckon with him even though he had built a flourishing law practice in Lagos and the United Kingdom where he was called to bar in 1989. His worldview also gave him out as too refined for the politics of the era.

In the intervening years, Okara has learnt the fundamentals of local politics but without throwing away his civility. His immersion started in 2014 with an acceptance to join Governor Seriake Dickson’s in his efforts to transform the state, to the admiration of his fans and the chagrin of his critics.

His portfolio, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, turned out to the launch pad he needed to convince his people that he genuinely wanted to serve. And this happened at a time the state needed the geniality of an Okara to unveil its investment destination talking point to the extremely cautious global market.

The British-trained lawyer also needed such an opportunity the stage his new role offered to show his mettle and intellectual capability. His exceptional performance and delivery on mandate was rewarded with a promotion to the Secretary to the State Government where he expanded his emotional tie with the Ijaw nation through his intellectual contributions to the Restoration Agenda of Dickson.

Okara has in the past few years inadvertently sold his brand and strength of personal character to the admiration of all. And this is something different from what officialdom can do for anybody. His acceptance to work with the person he lost election to some years ago has also showed his deep sense of humility and desire to serve selflessly.

The Okara political trajectory is unusual in the Nigerian political culture. And the rareness of this narrative seems to matter as much as the credentials he throws into the ring. Good enough, the aspirant is from the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, which is tipped for the slot based on the party’s zoning formula. In 2012, he ran on the strength of his personal integrity. But this time, he is not a green horn anymore. There is a glowing basis for assessment, and he has performed far above average.

Come Tuesday, Okara will stand against Timi Alaibe, Douye Diri and other politicians who are going into the battle with a lot of baggage. His most strategic edge is his clarity of purpose, sophistication of ideas, untainted personality and an unwavering commitment to the Bayelsa dream and developmental blueprint. Should the PDP sacrifice these uncommon traits for a pot of porridge, it would have discounted its success chance ahead of November 2.

This is not a decision the party will make without their eyes widely open and set on the ultimate goal.