By Ere Efeke
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Traveling through the landscape of Bayelsa State, one would see the level of underdevelopment and lack of modern infrastructure that would classify it as developed in this 21st century.
Such services and infrastructure like electric light, pipe borne water, planned layout, and good road network, including modern buildings for commercial and production (factories), are lacking both in the state capital and the rural areas.
This is the reason many of the Governors when elected get confused after seeing the enormity of the resources needed to develop the state.
Hence, many have resorted to developing their villages, maybe as a pivot, since they say charity begins at home.
This trend has angered the majority of the populace who believe they are stakeholders in the Bayelsa Project and also need development in their towns and the State Capital.
One cannot in all honesty blame the Governors that develop their towns because such towns have come into the spotlight as international visitors may want to visit them in their villages and the underdevelopment of such villages may send a wrong signal to such guests as they may use the status of such towns to generalize on the developmental status of the state.
The Governors trying to put their best foot forward may encroach into funds budgeted for other sectors of the state.
Truly speaking, the development of the governors and other top government officials’ towns is not a bad exercise, but it should not be done to the detriment of the other towns.
Hence, there is a need to draw up a blueprint and master plan for the development of the whole State by Politicians seeking elections. These plans should be short-term and long-term. A development plan spanning 10 to 20 years will be more appropriate. One that is drawn up by stakeholders that cuts across the state.
With the perchance of every Governor and highly place government officials developing their towns and villages as the first priority when elected, the electorate now also vote along that line knowing that when their town’s man is elected their town will see development and the dividends of democracy.
Hence, most voters vote based on their candidates from their town, local government, and other personal considerations such as religion, cults, and party.
That has been the style of voting; that, based on the development that will come to their area of abode and town., and their kinsmen that will be given appointment.
Let’s wait and see if this will change in the coming November 11, 2023 election.
God bless Bayelsa State.
*Ere Efeke is an Architect and Retired Permanent Secretary based in Yenagoa.
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