The APC government has taken these steps in the interest of our economy despite the short term hardships. Gradually things will take shape and history will vindicate the current administration–Hon Francis Ejiroghene Waive
Renowned Preacher of the gospel of Christ, Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive is a voice for the voiceless and a champion of change. His name rings a bell in Delta State because of his preaching prowess and exploits in the kingdom of God for many years. In 2019, he got elected into the House of Representatives to represent the people of Ughelli North/South/Udu Federal Constituency.
In this interview Hon Francis Ejiroghene Waive spoke about a wide range of issues including the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his entire Members of EXCO, Political appointees, House of Assembly members and local government chairmen and his role in the release of the Ovie of Ewu after the Okuama incident. Furthermore he says “we will all be alive when God calls the election results in 2027. Everything is in God’s hands” Excerpt
By Ovie Edomi, and Tony Enebeli
You appear to be the man who sees tomorrow when you called on the Governor of Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to leave his party, the PDP to join the APC. What informed your decision?
First is the performance of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. In less than two years, he has definitely proven himself as a performer. It is clear that it’s impossible to defeat Governor Sheriff Oborevwori due to his people oriented programmes and quality projects evenly spread across the State. Since I want my party to win, it becomes imperative that we field a candidate who is sure to win. Again the reality of the rotation of the governorship among the three senatorial zones favor him, as the other two zones would not trust any other candidate who is most likely going to do two terms. But more importantly, I am also a cleric and those who relate with me know that I have a prophetic touch to my ministry. Anytime I hear from God I am bold to declare what I hear. And to God’s glory he’s been faithful to his word. That is why I don’t get moved by those who do not see what I see and do not hear what I hear.
The way members of the opposition parties especially Governors of the PDP states are joining the APC, it appears carrots are being dangled before them. What is your reaction to this?
I don’t think it’s a matter of carrots being dangled before them. The PDP has destroyed itself and any politician who wants to win elections and retain victory knows that the internal wranglings in the PDP which have become intractable are capable of denying one a hard earned victory at the courts. A study of similar situations in the recent past is enough to scare away any serious politician from the PDP.
At a time in this country the PDP said they would rule in Nigeria for 60 years until the opposition took over. Do you think the way hunger is ravaging the country coupled with insecurity, APC can hold on to power for the next 6 years?
You sound as though the hunger issue, insecurity and other challenges began with the APC government. Was it during an APC government that a Minister described the situation as not yet bad because people were not yet eating from the dustbins? Was it during the APC government that Chibok happened or the UN building in Abuja bombed? The truth of the matter is that our country has been mismanaged for decades. Corruption and lack of courageous leadership have almost destroyed the fabric of the nation before the APC government came into power. This government is not led by saints but the economic decisions that should have been made several years ago in the interest of our people are now being made. The removal of fuel subsidy and floating the naira are two decisions that those who just want to be politically correct will never contemplate. But the APC government has taken these steps in the interest of our economy despite the short term hardships. Gradually things will take shape and history will vindicate the current administration. Our people are not fools. The rhetoric of the opposition will not confuse the electorate to vote out a courageous government that is working for the good of the common man. The PDP allowed a few fat cows to take advantage of the dis-economics but the APC has since stopped that situation, and of course the fat cows are instigating the masses not because they love the people but for their selfish gains. APC will win the 2027 elections overwhelmingly and consolidate the economic reforms it started. And at the end of the day the people will be happy
There is this speculation making the round that if you join APC, no matter your sin and allegations of corruption, they will be forgiven. How do you see it?
I heard the saying myself. I am personally searching to see cases that have been discontinued by the anti-corruption agencies based on the criteria you mentioned. I will advise everyone entrusted with public office to be careful as a day of reckoning will definitely come for each one. If it does not come today do not deceive yourself that you have escaped justice.
Governor Fubara, who was suspended on March 18 after a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State, is also coming to APC including other PDP Governors, how do you see it?
Belonging to a political party of your choice is a constitutional right of every citizen. No law forbids anyone from joining any political party at any time. All politicians want to win elections and bring the dividends of democracy to their people. Today APC has the midas touch and therefore attractive to those who seek elective offices. Political parties are vehicles to contesting elections especially in a country like ours that does not provide for independent candidacy. To this extent politicians will continue to embrace political parties that have the capacity to help them achieve their objectives.
We hear that the political structure of APC will be handed over to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ibori who has a great role to play.Considering the political intrigue and meetings that are going on, who would you now consider as your number one APC leader in Delta State
It is not a question of who I will consider the leader of APC in Delta State. The position is very clear and devoid of any ambiguity. Any APC State that has a serving Governor as a member of the APC is automatically the leader of the party in that State QED.
By your calling you are a voice for the voiceless and a champion of change. As a member of the 10th National Assembly, how have you used your calling and membership of the National Assembly to speak for the voiceless and innocent people being either killed or kidnapped across Nigeria particularly in Delta State including your constituency.
Both on the floor of the House and in the Press as well as every public fora my position is quite clear and loud on these issues. Several of my Bills and motions attest to this. My advocacy for the people of Agadama in Uwheru clan who were attacked by herdsmen and the response of the military as well as provision of relief materials worth hundreds of millions of naira by the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is well documented. My role in the release of the Ovie of Ewu after the Okuama incident and continued campaign for the release of those still in detention as well as the re-building of the community is public knowledge.
Creating jobs and modernizing our security architecture are yet to be properly handled in Delta State. Now that Delta state is for APC are we going to see any difference?
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Job creation is usually an ongoing process as the population increases and needs arises. Even in developed economies, Job creation and modernizing the security architecture is not a destination but a dynamic journey. It can not be different in our clime. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is known not only to be hardworking but also close to the grassroots. This has guided his approach to governance. With additional support from the Federal Government I see things getting better.
Considering that Okuama people are still living in squalor, what efforts are being made to rebuild the town for the people to live a better life?
Destruction is usually easier and faster than building and construction. My motion calling on the military to re-build the community was passed by the House of Representatives and communicated to the military authorities. They have not refused to obey the prayers of that motion in any way. I am aware that the State Government has also made a pronouncement and commitment in this regard
We hear deals are being struck by the APC leaders and the coming PDP Governors. Are there assurances that the three Senators representing Delta State and your good self will return in 2027 to the National Assembly or others are coming in to continue in 2027?
Power ultimately belongs to God. Those who don’t acknowledge God or play god will always learn in disappointment. For instance those who boasted that they will ensure I never did a second term are alive today to see the work of God. Sadly men never learn. They started their boasting much earlier this time. And we will all be alive when God calls the results in 2027. Everything is in God’s hands
In your constituency for instance, some people are saying it is the turn of Ughelli North to produce the House of Representatives member come 2027. Others are routinely calling for a third term for you.What is the true position?
The legislature is not like the executive arm of government that has a two term bar. Indeed the more experienced a legislator the better he can serve the country and his constituents. The idea of rotating representation on the basis of LGA or whatever has made legislators from our area to be constantly freshmen learning the ropes. Thus we never produce principal or presiding officers in parliament. It also denies our people of the huge benefits that accrue to ranking members. We must continue to educate our citizens to change the narrative. Once we are lucky to have a good legislator we should retain him for as long as possible in order for our constituency to get the best from representative democracy.
Former Governor James Ibori mean different things to different people. As for you, how would you describe the man Chief James Ibori
He’s a great man. My experience in the last few years in government has made me understand the challenges and intricacies of governance among our people. I respect him. He has paid a huge price for his support for the Niger Delta struggle. His contemporaries from larger ethnic groups in the country are by no means better than him.
There is a distinct possibility that a conflict of interest will obviously arise between Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori considering that OmoAgege has held APC structure in the state and was eyeing the governorship come 2027.How is this being handled?
The structure of a political party is always contested for during every political circle at the congresses and convention. It is never the property of one individual forever. In 2015 Olorogun Otega Emerhor had the APC structure in Delta State. In 2019 it was Ogboru/Omo Agege. In 2023 it was Omo Agege. As we approach 2027 it is clear even to the blind that the sitting Governor who is seeking reelection has it. It is foolhardy to contest this.
It is said that if Nigeria can return to steel production, it will be the beginning of industrial revolution. Why are you not able to get the National Assembly to revive DSC Aladja. Is DSC, Aladja a forgotten corporation
The failure of the privatization exercise of government corporations across the various sectors in our country is very sad. And that of DSC Ovwain/Aladja is a case study. Using my office as the elected representative of the people, I have tried to use legislative powers to revoke the sale of the famous Steel Plant to the Indians. I have studied the sales agreement with officials of the Federal Agency that monitors privatized institutions with a view to using any loophole or breaches to revoke the agreement. I have also engaged the Indians with a view of understanding what they are doing and why. For instance why can’t they produce? Why are they balkanizing the plant? Whose interest are they serving? I have also dragged them before parliament and they went to court to obstruct our investigations. My conclusion is that the best way out is to pay them off or get funds to outbuy them especially since they haven’t completed payment till today and the community has also not paid for her allotted shares
There are wide speculations that a certain tribe has spread round Nigeria and may actually take the indigenous people by surprise one day by taking over their land/territories. Have you not heard this and does this not worry you as a legislator?
This is a worrisome situation and must be handled with tack and courage.
You facilitated the establishment of the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Ovwian as well as its temporary take-off site at General Hospital, Otor-Udu. What is the exact position of the Medical Center as at now?
The establishment of the Federal Medical Center Ovwian is the major infrastructural development that marks my tenure and I am grateful to God my colleagues and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GFCR. The Delta State Government has released Otor- Udu General Hospital as the takeoff hospital. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has also promised the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Government on the land donated by the Ovwian Community for the construction of the permanent site of the Hospital. This is a tertiary healthcare facility and a very big project. It’s a Teaching Hospital and I am glad that God Almighty used me to bring this to my constituency. We’re presently awaiting the announcement of the pioneer Chief Medical Director by the President. Thereafter activities will take an upward swing