FUBARA’S GOVERNANCE WITH A HUMANE HEART

   Through his simplicity, humility and people-friendly policies and programs, Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated that he harbors a humane heart, writes O. Jason Osai

A few weeks ago, I walked into the office of Elder I.O. Samuel, Director-General of Rivers State Pensions Board (RSPB), and everyone was in a jubilant mood; they were grinning from ear to ear, virtually summersaulting,  and exchanging robust handshakes and bear hugs. Naturally, the palpable ambience lightened the heavy heart my fellow retirees and I harbored as we entered the premises.  Reflexively, our lips turned upwards in a broad smile. Reason for the excitement? A memo that was sent to His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, the previous day returned with the desired approval that afternoon.

            The Governor approved an operational and systems adjustment to enable the Board ensure that retirees commence receiving their pension the month immediately following their month of retirement. Understandably, that development, which is a reflection of applying a humane heart to governance, should elicit jubilation by retirees, members of their families and the future retirees that dot every inch of the landscape of Rivers State public service from Ndoni at the northern fringes of the state to Andoni, at the Atlantic Seaboard; and from Abua at the borders with our sister state, Bayelsa to Etche at the eastern frontier.

            Two elements in the above anecdote lend themselves to critical analysis viz:- One, expeditious treatment of the memo and two, sensitivity to the nagging issue of retirees suffering for years (and some dying) before commencement of payment of their pension. These two elements, which form the focus of this piece, reflect positively on the persona of Governor Fubara.

            Globally, it is said that the bureaucratic machinery grinds slowly; more so in the Third World where heads of institutions disregard the operational benefits of delegation of duties. Resultantly, decision making drags extensively and this is one of the reasons foreign investors detest setting up shop in countries with such systemic malaise. The truth remains that it is the individuals in the system that frustrate the bureaucratic delivery system by orchestrating the drag in the process.

            Optimal functionality of the system is a reflection of cognate experience  and human compassion for the plight of the citizens and in this particular case, retirees. Again, the bureaucratic machinery responds to the dictates of the head. Here, the attributes of a seasoned accountant that grew through the ranks to the  apex position of Accountant General of Rivers State, manifested in the work ethic of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor. This is the root of the expeditious treatment of memos that characterize the Fubara Administration.

            Generally, motivation theories are concerned with the welfare of staff and their contributions to the process of production in the organization.  Conversely, Cadaver-as-Mirror (CAM) Theory of motivation focuses on the sensitivity, objectivity and optimal functionality of personnel policies regarding retirees. CAM Theory is premised on the consciousness of staff that their eventual destination is what and where the retirees currently are. Therefore, the treatment meted out to retirees affects their psychological posture, attitudinal disposition and behavior in the process of discharging their organizational duties.

            By increasing the monthly remittance of fund to the Pensions Board from N1bn to N2bn with the objective of clearing the backlog as well as ensuring  prompt payment of gratuities and pensions to retirees, Governor Fubara has demonstrated sensitivity to the wellbeing of retirees whose hearts have been gladdened. It is also a motivator for those in service. Again, the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage reflects commitment to the welfare of those in service realizing that man is the most important implement of the production process.

            At the national scene, the nagging issue of retirees spending years before receiving their benefits has been on the front burner of national discourse. Gory stories of retirees starving because of nonpayment of their benefits and some dying before such payments are effected are commonplace in Nigeria. A recent pic-post in the social

media juxtaposed retirees in America and those in Nigeria; the contrast is a pathetic sight.

            Prince Oriwaye J. Adefolalu, former Chairman of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), University of Lagos (2003-2009), wrote thus: “I wept profusely in my office when I saw some of our colleagues who retired from the service of the University two years ago, looking wretched and claiming that they have not received their gratuities from their PFA and the information they received from their PFA was that Government had not released money to them”.

            Humility is a virtue and a reflection of inner strength, not weakness. Cordiality, simplicity and sensitivity to the needs of the society are attributes of an evolved soul; one that realizes that, in this sojourn here on earth, “what you give is what you take”; it is more blessed to give than to receive. The transcendent mind realizes that all we have come to earth to do is to learn the art and act of giving or love radiance which is all and indeed the only thing the Divine does for the entire creation; once the lesson of giving in a continuum is learnt, we qualify for higher services in other “mansions in [our] Father’s house”. 

          In nature, when you think good for others, good things happen to you. When governance is conducted with a humane heart, public policies generate happiness across the land. The leader is liberated from the spiritual baggage of materialism. He is anew, and at peace with himself, his  environment and humanity; therefore; he vibrates at a higher consciousness. A major tragedy of the Nigerian society is that most political leaders are bereft of this spiritual knowledge. They are consumed in the rat race of materialism not conscious of the Biblical assertion and existential reality that “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither” (Job, 1:21).

            Through his simplicity, humility and people-friendly policies and programs, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has clearly demonstrated that he harbors a humane heart.

Prof Osai writes from Rivers State University of Science and Tech, Port Harcourt