An interview with Nnaji Asiegbu, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on e-Governance & Strategy - nkechi Opurum
Nnaji Asiegbu, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on e-Governance & Strategy, in this interview with Nkechi Opurum, highlights the developmental direction of the administration and results achieved so far.
Tell us more about yourself
I am a graduate of History and International Studies from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University. I also hold a Masters Degree in International Relations and Development Studies from the University Of East Anglia, England. My focus is on working with my boss (Governor Theodore Orji) to improve the lives of people in Abia and making sure that we lead the way in promoting good governance by making ourselves transparent to the people we serve.
What are your duties specifically?
My primary duty is to make all relevant information available to the public, especially to Abians, using information technology. Creating platforms for the people's voice to be heard is also part of my primary responsibility. The state’s website, www.abiastate.gov.ng, was designed to suit the new media needs of our people and the general public. I respond on a daily basis to general enquiries, as well as using social media to disseminate information, interact with the people and gather feedback for policy making.
There have been allegations about you publishing untrue stories online, creating false email accounts and using them post comments attacking political opponents. How true is that?
I would like to say my business is to be part of the solution and not the problem. Integrity means a lot and I too have been a victim of these unfair and despicable 'slur tactics'. They are all unfounded and malicious. I am an authentic individual who is principled and from a strong Christian home; serving a sincere government under the leadership of Governor T.A Orji, a well known God fearing man. I have a strong identity to protect even though there is no room for smear campaigns under the current administration in Abia. It is important for us to focus on the difference the state is making in improving the lives of thousands by restoring peace and economic growth.
As 2012 is drawing to an end, what can you list as major achievements by the government this year?
2012 is a year of great accomplishments when Abians saw heavy duty building equipments on various legacy projects sites. Such projects include: the 9000-capacity International Conference Centre; the Secretariat, International Market, Timber and Allied Market; the Ministry of Justice Complex in Umuahia; the construction of various administrative buildings across the state; and the development of affordable housing schemes for medium and low income earners. There is also the construction and reconstruction of about 38 rural and urban roads, including the Danfodio by East Road in Aba, Ukwu Mango Road, Old Express Road in Aba, Jubilee Road in Aba, the Owerri/Port Harcourt Road, Tower/Ahieke Bende Road in Umuahia, among others; plus 16 roads in Aba currently undergoing reconstruction. Above all, Abians still enjoy peace, security and stability all through the year.
How does the government plan to leave a lasting legacy of sustainable development, growth and transformation of Abia State?
The governor has embarked on numerous legacy projects, thereby putting Abia State on the path of sustainable growth and development. The foundation being laid by this government will massively accelerate future sustainable growth in the state.
In August, many residents expressed their concern over the filthy conditions of Aba. What has been put in place to check this?
The government of Abia State has embarked on continuous sensitisation of Aba residents on the need to be environmentally friendly. Before the last rainy season, the e-governance team initiated various healthy environment awareness campaigns using social media. We campaigned against the incessant blocking of drains by Aba residents, inappropriate refuse disposal attitude, and street trading. We solicited for collective efforts at solving some environmental issues which are as the result of human activities. The state government continued the drastic opening up of water ways that were illegally blocked by traders and residents; and currently, about 1800 illegal structures are being pulled down to give way for water ways and restore sanity.
A few years ago, the state was a den of criminals, notably kidnappers, and people were afraid of visiting. However, Governor Orji was recently awarded the ‘Best Governor in Africa on Security Matters’ by the Security Watch Africa Network. What was done to return relative peace to Abia State?
The governor placed security on top of other agenda and priorities; with adequate funding and the proper use of security personnel, while adopting the right approach to safeguard lives and property in the state. Some of us forget the origin of government. Government became needful as a result of insecurity. Without security, development in any form becomes a mirage.
Can you list some of the current ongoing projects in the state?
The International Conference Centre; 28-room constituency offices at Abia House of Assembly; reconstructed Old High Court and Magistrate Court Umuahia; new Ministry of Justice Complex; ASEPA Head Office Complex; Dialysis Centre and Doctors’ Residence Abia State Specialist Hospital; the Umuahia North Council Headquarters; reconstruction of the Federal Secretariat; the new National Planning Commission Complex; Amaokwe Housing Estate; Umuahia Industrial Market; Police Officers’ Quarters; additional Commissioners’ Quarters; Ohafia Army Barracks; 133 KVA Power Substation; Ohiya Mechanic Village; and Motor Spare parts Market; among others.
How does the state plan to improve its internal revenue?
It is a prudent and fiscal responsibility government we have in Abia State presently. Identifying the needs with well thought out plans are key factors to our achievements so far. On the issue of revenue, a holistic approach has been initiated by the govt to improve the IGR, adopting a more friendly approach. The era of multiple taxation is gone. We operate a friendly one stop tax system starting from the next taxation year.
What have been the challenges faced by this administration?
Every government has its challenges; however, the major and initial challenges faced by this government have been tackled. When you consider the security challenges, energy, health, education, infrastructure and others, you will agree with me that some of the challenges have been met; but sustaining them can also be seen as challenging because they are highly expensive to sustain. The good news is that all of these, including job creation and youth empowerment, are all highly classified as priorities by the administration. Therefore, the key challenges are witnessing drastic problem solving approach.
What does this administration hope to be remembered for at the end of tenure?
Governor T.A. Orji's administration will be remembered for solving security challenges, sustaining peace and harmony amongst Abians. He will be remembered for building a nonexistent foundation after decades of creation.
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