[dropcap]G[/dropcap]ov. Okowa has warned his commissioners to always attend to enquiries on the state of their ministries when such are made by journalists.The warning came on the heels of a complaint by a journalist of the refusal of Commissioner for Transport, Mr Vincent Uduaghan, who declined comments on why the Macapolo buses bought by immediate past administration were non-functional.
Okowa noted that any commissioner or aide under him who declines comment from journalists on his administration was doing a disservice to his government and the state.“I don’t know why my commissioners should decline comments from journalists.“Any commissioner that stays away from the press is doing a disservice to this administration.
“When they are confronted, they should be able to check their books and respond accordingly.“It does not take much to relate to the press,” he admonished.Speaking further on the macapolo buses many of which have problems, Okowa said the buses would soon be placed on auction before the public, adding that some have been approved for sales
The Delta State Governor, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, on Monday, December 18 says he does not take sides with any groups or communities as far as the lingering crisis between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities is concerned.Governor Okowa who spoke at the 2017 Quarterly Media Interaction with members of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists stated that his administration wants to get to the root and get a solution that will bring peace to the communities.
Governor Okowa noted that his administration has been proactive in handling and he issues which started over a long period of time.The governor disclosed that a “White Paper” on how to settle the crisis is ready just as he promised that government will deliberate on it in the next State Executive Committee’s Meeting.“I pray the White Paper settles the disputes. After that, We will take decisions.”
Governor Okowa who lamented that the youths in the two communities have lost their sense of reasoning also pointed out that the traditional rulers and elders are still very reliable.He, however, said,”The elders have lost control of the youths. I remember the house of the monarch in Udu was vandalized for seeking peace.”“I have no reason in taking sides with anybody.”
Governor Okowa also stated that there will be no “Ministry of Happiness” because Deltans are happy people.He noted that he has given instructions for the payment of the December salaries of Workers in the State, saying, “The State is supposed to have paid salaries since Friday last week but they give a gap of three days so that they don’t run into problems of crediting people twice. By tomorrow latest, workers will receive their salaries.”
.At the media chat with Governor Okowa was the SSG, Ovie Agas, the commissioner for information, Patrick Kuka among other aides and cabinet members.