RESPONSE TO FRED LATIMORE OGHENESIVBE’S WRITE-UP IN DEFENSE OF GOV. IFEANYI OKOWA AND JAMES IBORI, AS PUBLISHED AND BROADCAST ONLINE – ANOTHER GROSS DISGRACE OF AN ARTICLE BY A PAID-WRITER IN DEFENSE OF HIS PAY-MASTER
March 15, 2021 | News
What separates one man from another, is not necessarily the measure of his wealth or status because those things are ephemeral. What separates men from one another is their level of INTEGRITY. Once a man has lost, or has dented his integrity, by virtue of his actions and what he stands for, such a man can do almost anything because of money, power and fame.
RESPONSE TO FRED LATIMORE OGHENESIVBE’S WRITE-UP IN DEFENSE OF GOV. IFEANYI OKOWA AND JAMES IBORI, AS PUBLISHED AND BROADCAST ONLINE – ANOTHER GROSS DISGRACE OF AN ARTICLE BY A PAID-WRITER IN DEFENSE OF HIS PAY-MASTER
What separates one man from another, is not necessarily the measure of his wealth or status because those things are ephemeral. What separates men from one another is their level of INTEGRITY. Once a man has lost, or has dented his integrity, by virtue of his actions and what he stands for, such a man can do almost anything because of money, power and fame. Even if it means going public to constantly ‘defend’ an internationally-recognized ex-convict and an unrepentant public figure. As such, no right-thinking individual that means well for Delta State, and who is very much aware of what has been going on in Delta State politics and economy in the last two decades, would take such a man seriously, or consider anything he has to say. That is how best we can describe the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, and his recent swift response to my statement on why I think Okowa's media Aides should play it down with all the praise-singing of the achievements of the Governor Okowa and his administration.
While I am not surprised at all by Oghenesivbe’s response, which is simply a response from a drowning man, but calling me “tool in the hand of a failed, criminal minded governorship aspirant,” is simply ridiculous and a prank put together. Anyone who knows Zik Gbemre, be they in Delta State and beyond, knows that I will never, and can never stoop so low to become ‘a tool’ in the hands of anybody – no matter how highly placed they are. While I am not perfect, like no one is, but my intact proven record of integrity, is what has separated me from the rest, and what has earned me the respect amongst well-meaning patriotic Nigerians. That proven record of integrity, is not something that can be bought with brown envelops or compromised in exchange of juicy government contracts, or positions in Government. It is something that can ONLY BE EARNED through hard work, standing for the TRUTH regardless of what anyone else feels or says. However, I seriously doubt if Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe would understand any of this because it has been his style, and I will not allow myself to be dragged to his level, especially with his said flawed response.
I once asked Oghenesivbe, to define what he understands by ‘Good governance’, after he postulated in one of his write ups that “Okowa’s Good Governance Guarantees Victory For PDP in the 2021 Council Polls.” And I noted the fact that all of that claim of Good Governance is only in his imaginations. Come to think of it, if OKowa’s supposed Good Governance is what guaranteed victory for the PDP in the last Delta State Council elections, how come that election was another complete disgrace of an electioneering process? Where there was evidently ‘no election’ across the entire State, even in areas where the PDP were strong. How can Oghenesivbe be talking about ‘Good Governance’ when poverty is everywhere in Delta State? Pensioners are dying without payments of their gratuities in Delta State; most of the road networks and streets are in unmotorable conditions across the State; the State’s health sector is still in a deplorable situation; the once commercial oil city of Warri is now a ghost economic town; the power sector is nothing to write home about, and the list is endless.
In his clear lack of understanding of what Good Governance is all about, Oghenesivbe, in his said response, decided to display some pictures showing the so-called achievements of the Okowa administration, which include: “Delta State Secretariat along Marian Babangida Way, Stephen Keshi International Airport along Nnebisi Road, the rebranded and concession of Asaba International Airport and the construction of Technical Colleges across the 25 local government areas in the state.” That is what Oghenesivbe believes is worth singing the praises of the Okowa’s administration. Let us not even go into the gross level of misappropriation of funds that went into the execution of these stated projects, most of which are already embroiled in massive corruption allegations – like the so-called concession of Asaba International Airport. Yet, on the other hand is the all-important Osubi-Warri Airstrip expansion/upgrade to an International Airport, which the Okowa administration left abandoned until the Federal Government recently intervened to have it opened for day operations only.
Oghenesivbe should also be reminded that the Delta State ‘looting government ministries buildings displayed by him should not be considered as development. The big size of the government building is not what they measure as good governance. Hence, I have described the Delta State Office Complex as a LOOTING BUILDING. Is that how Dubai, Washington DC, New York, Paris, Dallas, Miami, Manchester, Berlin, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Marseille, Toronto, Brussels, Ottawa, Edmonton, London were developed? The famous “10, Downing Street,” which is the Official and Residential house of the British Prime Minister, as well as the US White House, are very simple old buildings which have been maintained for decades as the official Offices and Residences of these world leaders. From those old buildings: 10, Downing Street in UK and US White House, they control the whole world.
It is only in this part of the world that you will see political leaders who are very good at, and derive pleasure in singing their praises. And having others to sing their praises as well, even when it is evidently clear that they have been underperforming in their statutory functions, and when it is apparent that they are doing their statutory duties as expected of them. Some of them do this so arrogantly and proudly, that one might think they are doing the people a big favour by simply doing the LITTLE they manage to do while in Government. They forget that: when a masquerade dances, it is the onlookers that should praise his dance steps. That is what Latimore Oghenesivbe, as one of the media, information and communication aides in of the Okowa government, does not understand.
Everything about the Okowa PDP-led administration has been nothing but a channel through which those loyal to the Government of the day are compensated with jobs, government contracts, appointments and what have you. And not a Government that is people-oriented and investment-driven to increase economic growth and improve the general standard of living of the populace. That is how it has been right from the time of James Ibori. The governments on such foundations can never be sustainable, or leave good legacies behind. Rather, they will always leave debts, and more debts and abandoned projects behind. That has been the sad story of Delta State in the hands of the trio that has governed the State since in 1999 till date.
Latimore Oghenesivbe is a drowning man and everything I have written about Ibori, Uduaghan and Okowa are glaring facts that are solid as the rock of Gibraltar. Latimore Oghenesivbe’s response to my write-up is simply childish and senseless. The government officials can't rate themselves. The said response from Oghenesivbe, also means that Ibori and his loyal boys are not yet sober of the financial atrocities committed against Deltans, and it is rather unfortunate.
I would have ignored Latimore Oghenesivbe with his said response, but I need to set the records straight, and reiterate the fact that I can’t be intimidated by such falsehood and political propaganda. Those who know me, know that politicians can't influence me. I am not a politician, and I don't belong to, or affiliated to any political party or politician. If I am offered any appointment, be it the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, or the Delta State Government, or be appointed Chief of Staff to the President or Governor Okowa; I will not accept any of them. I am not scared to say things the way I see them. I will gladly commend only what is commendable, and condemn what is wrong in our society and globally, no matter who or what is involved.
Latimore Oghenesivbe's defense of his pay masters is porous and empty. Oghenesivbe is nothing but a ‘hired pen,’ placed there to address issue of propaganda to paint his pay masters in good light. So, he is simply doing the job they pay him to do. But he should be advised to apply wisdom and take caution of what he says, and stop misleading his masters the more. Any reasonable person knows that Dubai is today the world’s tourist centre/business destination, and no one needs to broadcast it. Same way, if those who have been governors of Delta State, including Okowa, have been doing what was expected of them with the State’s public funds, the ‘realities they would leave on ground’ would announce Delta State to the world, without anyone praising them in the first place. Oghenesivbe should rightly advise his masters for posterity’s sake.
Zik Gbemre.
March 15, 2021
We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes
What separates one man from another, is not necessarily the measure of his wealth or status because those things are ephemeral. What separates men from one another is their level of INTEGRITY. Once a man has lost, or has dented his integrity, by virtue of his actions and what he stands for, such a man can do almost anything because of money, power and fame. Even if it means going public to constantly ‘defend’ an internationally-recognized ex-convict and an unrepentant public figure. As such, no right-thinking individual that means well for Delta State, and who is very much aware of what has been going on in Delta State politics and economy in the last two decades, would take such a man seriously, or consider anything he has to say. That is how best we can describe the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, and his recent swift response to my statement on why I think Okowa's media Aides should play it down with all the praise-singing of the achievements of the Governor Okowa and his administration.
While I am not surprised at all by Oghenesivbe’s response, which is simply a response from a drowning man, but calling me “tool in the hand of a failed, criminal minded governorship aspirant,” is simply ridiculous and a prank put together. Anyone who knows Zik Gbemre, be they in Delta State and beyond, knows that I will never, and can never stoop so low to become ‘a tool’ in the hands of anybody – no matter how highly placed they are. While I am not perfect, like no one is, but my intact proven record of integrity, is what has separated me from the rest, and what has earned me the respect amongst well-meaning patriotic Nigerians. That proven record of integrity, is not something that can be bought with brown envelops or compromised in exchange of juicy government contracts, or positions in Government. It is something that can ONLY BE EARNED through hard work, standing for the TRUTH regardless of what anyone else feels or says. However, I seriously doubt if Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe would understand any of this because it has been his style, and I will not allow myself to be dragged to his level, especially with his said flawed response.
I once asked Oghenesivbe, to define what he understands by ‘Good governance’, after he postulated in one of his write ups that “Okowa’s Good Governance Guarantees Victory For PDP in the 2021 Council Polls.” And I noted the fact that all of that claim of Good Governance is only in his imaginations. Come to think of it, if OKowa’s supposed Good Governance is what guaranteed victory for the PDP in the last Delta State Council elections, how come that election was another complete disgrace of an electioneering process? Where there was evidently ‘no election’ across the entire State, even in areas where the PDP were strong. How can Oghenesivbe be talking about ‘Good Governance’ when poverty is everywhere in Delta State? Pensioners are dying without payments of their gratuities in Delta State; most of the road networks and streets are in unmotorable conditions across the State; the State’s health sector is still in a deplorable situation; the once commercial oil city of Warri is now a ghost economic town; the power sector is nothing to write home about, and the list is endless.
In his clear lack of understanding of what Good Governance is all about, Oghenesivbe, in his said response, decided to display some pictures showing the so-called achievements of the Okowa administration, which include: “Delta State Secretariat along Marian Babangida Way, Stephen Keshi International Airport along Nnebisi Road, the rebranded and concession of Asaba International Airport and the construction of Technical Colleges across the 25 local government areas in the state.” That is what Oghenesivbe believes is worth singing the praises of the Okowa’s administration. Let us not even go into the gross level of misappropriation of funds that went into the execution of these stated projects, most of which are already embroiled in massive corruption allegations – like the so-called concession of Asaba International Airport. Yet, on the other hand is the all-important Osubi-Warri Airstrip expansion/upgrade to an International Airport, which the Okowa administration left abandoned until the Federal Government recently intervened to have it opened for day operations only.
Oghenesivbe should also be reminded that the Delta State ‘looting government ministries buildings displayed by him should not be considered as development. The big size of the government building is not what they measure as good governance. Hence, I have described the Delta State Office Complex as a LOOTING BUILDING. Is that how Dubai, Washington DC, New York, Paris, Dallas, Miami, Manchester, Berlin, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Marseille, Toronto, Brussels, Ottawa, Edmonton, London were developed? The famous “10, Downing Street,” which is the Official and Residential house of the British Prime Minister, as well as the US White House, are very simple old buildings which have been maintained for decades as the official Offices and Residences of these world leaders. From those old buildings: 10, Downing Street in UK and US White House, they control the whole world.
It is only in this part of the world that you will see political leaders who are very good at, and derive pleasure in singing their praises. And having others to sing their praises as well, even when it is evidently clear that they have been underperforming in their statutory functions, and when it is apparent that they are doing their statutory duties as expected of them. Some of them do this so arrogantly and proudly, that one might think they are doing the people a big favour by simply doing the LITTLE they manage to do while in Government. They forget that: when a masquerade dances, it is the onlookers that should praise his dance steps. That is what Latimore Oghenesivbe, as one of the media, information and communication aides in of the Okowa government, does not understand.
Everything about the Okowa PDP-led administration has been nothing but a channel through which those loyal to the Government of the day are compensated with jobs, government contracts, appointments and what have you. And not a Government that is people-oriented and investment-driven to increase economic growth and improve the general standard of living of the populace. That is how it has been right from the time of James Ibori. The governments on such foundations can never be sustainable, or leave good legacies behind. Rather, they will always leave debts, and more debts and abandoned projects behind. That has been the sad story of Delta State in the hands of the trio that has governed the State since in 1999 till date.
Latimore Oghenesivbe is a drowning man and everything I have written about Ibori, Uduaghan and Okowa are glaring facts that are solid as the rock of Gibraltar. Latimore Oghenesivbe’s response to my write-up is simply childish and senseless. The government officials can't rate themselves. The said response from Oghenesivbe, also means that Ibori and his loyal boys are not yet sober of the financial atrocities committed against Deltans, and it is rather unfortunate.
I would have ignored Latimore Oghenesivbe with his said response, but I need to set the records straight, and reiterate the fact that I can’t be intimidated by such falsehood and political propaganda. Those who know me, know that politicians can't influence me. I am not a politician, and I don't belong to, or affiliated to any political party or politician. If I am offered any appointment, be it the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, or the Delta State Government, or be appointed Chief of Staff to the President or Governor Okowa; I will not accept any of them. I am not scared to say things the way I see them. I will gladly commend only what is commendable, and condemn what is wrong in our society and globally, no matter who or what is involved.
Latimore Oghenesivbe's defense of his pay masters is porous and empty. Oghenesivbe is nothing but a ‘hired pen,’ placed there to address issue of propaganda to paint his pay masters in good light. So, he is simply doing the job they pay him to do. But he should be advised to apply wisdom and take caution of what he says, and stop misleading his masters the more. Any reasonable person knows that Dubai is today the world’s tourist centre/business destination, and no one needs to broadcast it. Same way, if those who have been governors of Delta State, including Okowa, have been doing what was expected of them with the State’s public funds, the ‘realities they would leave on ground’ would announce Delta State to the world, without anyone praising them in the first place. Oghenesivbe should rightly advise his masters for posterity’s sake.
Zik Gbemre.
March 15, 2021
We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes