Emeteole ..Ayemanor: How we cut cost of governance in Delta

Vanguard

17 December 2011

Emeteole ..Ayemanor: How we cut cost of governance in Delta

The name Lucky Ayemanor may not ring a bell in Nigeria’s celebrity list, but in Delta State where he presides over the state’s Direct Labour Agency, his contributions to the governance of the state is acknowledged. This Sapele born politician and  National Chairman of Niger Delta Peoples Network explains the importance of direct labour in cutting the cost of governance in the state.  Excerpts.

What is the Direct Labour Agency about?

Well, it is an interventionist agency set up by the Government to evaluate, monitor and maintain existing road networks, and all other sundry issues concerning development in the state.

In practical terms, what have you contributed to this agency?

Like what we intend to do, because if you traverse the length and breath of Delta State, you’d see that the roads are in terrible shape. So as part of our workplan, we’ve gone out to identify the problems those whose maintenance is overdue, those to be tarred and those to destroy outright.

+++ 

How does the Niger Delta Peoples Network fit in all of these?

Yes, the NDPN is a non-governmental organization. It is a heterogenous and coheisve network that believes in good governance, development of the Niger Delta, the corporate existence of Nigeria and these are the three objectives of the organisation. We celebrated the 10th Anniversary, wrapped up in a seminar in Benin , which has been reported in Vanguard and other media houses.

+++

We stand unequivocally for peace that is why we have printed and distributed many leaflets to the youths. You will appreciate the fact that those who are deemed fit to receive the awards are those who have actually merited them.

What about funding? Who is footing the bill?

Well, this is a group of articulate men with like minds. We’re up and doing and pay our dues. We don’t have any problem with funding, even though we on principle, don’t accept government funding. Neither do we have external sponsors. Our funds are generated internally. They come from our members since they believe implicitly in what we’re doing.

Finally, what is your advice to youths in the Niger Delta?

The should keep the peace, development and fine-tune their potentials and cultivate dialogue as a means of resolving crisis.