It’s too early to speak on Buhari — Ogbeha

Senator Tunde Ogbeha, erstwhile military governor of the old Bendel State and subsequently, Akwa Ibom State served two terms in the Senate where he represented the Kogi West Central Senatorial District. He was an active player in the Senate where he alongside Senator David Mark were central players in the power schemes in the Senate between 1999 and 2007. Fourth and Fifth Senates.

In this interview, Sen. Ogbeha speaks on his experiences as military governor, senator, and his assessment of the preparations towards the forthcoming governorship election in his native Kogi State.

Senator Ogbeha, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP also gives his reasons why the incumbent governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada should get a second term in office. Excerpts:

By Kingsley Fanwo

What is your assessment of the preparations by INEC for the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State?

With the statement by the new INEC chairman, we are hopeful that the electoral umpire will conduct a free, fair and credible election, not only in Kogi, but also in Bayelsa State. INEC has a duty to ensure that best practices are employed to ensure the elections reflect the true wishes of the people of the two states. The commission must use the upcoming polls to gain the confidence of the Nigerian electorate.

The bailout fund for states to enable the payment of salaries has grown controversy in Kogi State. What is your perception of the issues around the bailout fund?

From the signals coming from members of the APC, they don’t want that bailout to be paid due to political considerations. It is unfortunate because this bailout is meant for the workers and should not be laced with politics. The APC is doing all in their power to obstruct the release of this fund. This is unfair to the workers and all Kogites. It shows the APC in Kogi State doesn’t have the welfare of the workers at heart. But I am sure the governor is doing all he can to ensure the bailout is released and when it is released, workers’ salary arrears will be cleared.

As a former Military Governor of the old Bendel and Akwa Ibom states, can you recall your memorable experiences in governing those states?

In the two states that I governed, I had the cooperation of the indigenes and they made my job a little bit easier.

Citizens’ cooperation

I enjoyed working in those two states and it is difficult for me to say which one I enjoyed more. I thoroughly took the opportunity of the citizens’ cooperation to impact positively on the two states.

You governed two states as an executive officer before moving into the Senate to spend eight eventful years. How was it working in the two different arms?

As a military administrator, I had the powers to execute projects and policies. The scenario in the senate was quite different. In the Senate, I was concentrating on lawmaking and attracting federal presence to my district. In the legislature, you don’t have executive powers, so you have to collaborate with the executive arm to get things done.

How would you respond to the assertion that you and Sen. David Mark were responsible for the frequent leadership changes in the Senate between 1999 and 2005?

I wouldn’t know what you mean by the frequent changes in the Senate. Sen. David Mark made great contributions and later went on to become a great President of the National Assembly. Whatever leadership changes we might have contributed to effecting was for the good governance of Nigeria.

How will you describe your relationship with former Senate President, late Senator Adolphus Wabara?

We had a great personal and working relationship. He was a great leader respected by many people.

But there were insinuations that you both had a frosty relationship.

That wouldn’t have been true. People peddle a lot of rumour. I was the man involved and I am confirming it to you now that we had a great relationship and had mutual respect for each other.

There was this story that Sen. Arthur Nzeribe once pulled the carpet off your feet on the floor of the Senate. Can you recollect such act by the maverick politician?

There was nothing like that. Those were the creations of the media. I had great collaboration with Sen. Nzeribe. He was sitting next to me in the chambers. He was my very good friend and we worked well together.

You were said to be one of the PDP leaders who opposed another term for your predecessor, Sen. Smart Adeyemi. What is your take on that?

I will not want to say anything about the issue.

Saying something would have helped to inform the Kogi West people on the role you played in the entire political intrigues.

I know it will, but I also know that I won’t be saying anything about that. When the time is ripe, maybe I will say something on it.

How will you assess the Buhari administration so far?

It is too early to pass judgment on the young administration. Let us keep watching. At the right time, we would offer our modest views.

Sir, what were the compelling factors that drew you into the broadcasting industry?

I know that information is power. For my people to make informed choices politically, culturally, economically and socially, there is a need to get information. This is why we stepped into the industry.

Your message to the people of Kogi State as they prepare for the  November 21  guber polls.

I want us to be calm, disciplined and prayerful. We can’t sacrifice peace for anything. Our people must conduct themselves in orderly and peaceful manner. Let them shine their eyes and vote for the best candidate and that candidate is the candidate of the PDP, Capt Idris Ichala Wada.

Thank you so much for speaking to us.

You are most welcome. I want to also commend Vanguard for giving the election an objective coverage. You have done a great job and must be commended for that.