11
By Fidelis Egugbo
The age of smartphones and social media, no doubt, has created severe challenges for journalism as a profession.
People who possess no knowledge of journalism claim to be journalists simply because they have access to social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and others. As such, they use these platforms to spew ordinarily unprintable words at people, without knowing the implications such actions have on the psyche of the individuals they write about, as well as their families and friends.
One John-Paul fell victim to using these platforms to insult the personality of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D, without grasping the full consequences of his actions.
Fortunately, his people, the people of Emu-Ebendo in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State are well aware of the legal implications of insulting a public officer just for fun without considering the fallout.
Democracy provides freedom of speech, but that freedom ends where another person’s rights begin. It must be exercised with caution because of the laws of the land regarding libel, defamation, and, more recently, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and inciting the public to cause havoc.
Laws are made to ensure decorum and respect for other people’s feelings to avoid chaos. So, when John-Paul misused his freedom of speech, friends and associates of the Deputy Governor decided to institute legal action against him.
Naturally, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, owing to his exposure from working in several reputable organisations as a Bursar, Accountant, Lecturer, Board Chairman, among others before joining politics, has developed a thick skin against such social media insults, viewing them as part of the democratic process. Entering politics has ultimately paid off for his people, particularly the Ndokwa ethnic nationality, as he became the first Deputy Governor from that area.
As a true democrat, Sir Onyeme believes that the electorate comprises the good, the bad, and the ugly. Therefore, he remains undeterred in working for Deltans in particular and humanity in general, regardless of unwarranted criticism. However, some of his followers believe there is a limit to every action. Regrettably for John-Paul, those who felt provoked instituted legal action against him. Recognising that their son might end up in jail if the situation was not handled properly, enlightened members of his community, Emu-Ebendo, visited the Deputy Governor to beg for his intervention.
His position as a Deputy Governor and a Knight of St. Christopher of the Anglican Communion has made Sir Onyeme view actions like John-Paul’s as childish, especially after discovering that the young man contradicted himself in his social media publications. For instance, while John-Paul claimed in one post that they had no need for the government to construct a long stretch of road from his community, Emu-Ebendo, through Emu-Iyasele to Ashaka in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, he attacked the state government in another publication for abandoning the contract for that very road.
Through the intervention of the Deputy Governor, a man of means, humility, and a democrat who listens to the voice of reason, John-Paul regained his freedom.
Following this, the people of the Emu Kingdom, represented by their chiefs, youth leaders, and stakeholders, visited the Deputy Governor on Thursday to say “Thank you.”
The visit was twofold: first, to express gratitude for listening to their plea to intervene in John-Paul’s release; and second, for his instrumental role in ensuring that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration awarded the contract for the construction of the Emu-Ebendo/Emu-Iyasele/Ashaka road.
Speaking on behalf of the Emu-Ebendo community, Chief Josiah Agbanashi stated, “this is a thank you visit because the Deputy Governor is compassionate and listens to the voice of the people.
”As the Emu-Ebendo Community, we are here to thank you because when one of our sons, John-Paul, misbehaved, we appealed to you to intervene, and you listened to our plea.
”We are solidly behind you politically. Whomever you support is the person, people, or political party that Emu-Ebendo will throw its weight behind. We are grateful to you for facilitating the approval of the Emu-Ebendo/Emu-Iyasele/Ashaka road construction, and through you, we also want to thank the Delta State Government for what it is doing for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale.”
They revealed that they had cautioned John-Paul to help him understand that an individual cannot be bigger than his community, nor should he deprive his community of democratic dividends by portraying Emu-Ebendo as an enemy of the government.
Reiterating that John-Paul cannot be greater than his people, they appealed to the Deputy Governor to continue his good work for them, citing the age-long affinity between Emu-Ebendo and Onicha-Ukwuani.
Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, beaming with smiles, thanked the people of Emu-Ebendo for coming to the aid of their son, noting that their efforts demonstrated true love for him.
He observed that no community or individual can attract government patronage by remaining antagonistic towards the government; rather, development projects and patronage flow when the people act as friends of the administration.
He added that John-Paul and his peers should know that all his actions and statements are made in good faith for the development and progress of Ndokwa and Delta State as a whole.
”For those who think that being in opposition is the best way to get things done, that is not true. You get things done by being involved and cooperating with those in government.
”It is heartwarming to hear that the people of Emu-Ebendo are supporting Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration 100 per cent.
”I thank you for your support and for the manner in which you intervened in the matter concerning your son, John-Paul. It proves that an individual cannot be bigger than a community. Democracy thrives when citizens and political figures actively partner with the administration in power, rather than maintaining perpetual antagonism,” the Deputy Governor said.
He highlighted that the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration runs an inclusive government driven by the MORE Agenda, which welcomes contributions from all well-meaning Deltans.
Sir Onyeme urged leaders at all levels to foster unity, support ongoing government policies, and channel their energy into grassroots mobilisation and collaborative initiatives that directly impact the lives of the electorate.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Delta State Government to delivering socio-economic growth and infrastructure development, disclosing that the government has awarded the contract for the construction of the Emu-Ebendo/Emu-Iyasele/Ashaka road at a cost of over ₦8 billion. He assured them that with the contract now awarded, work on the road would commence shortly.
One notable quality of the Deputy Governor is his accessibility, whether at the office or at home. He maintains an open-door policy, believing his position is a calling to serve God by serving humanity.
Expectedly, he receives far more complaints than accolades. Yet, he is one of the luckiest Deputy Governors in Nigeria, working seamlessly alongside his Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, like brothers. While he enjoys unfettered access to the Governor, many may not realise that the Governor also walks into his Deputy’s office from time to time. Deltans are generally pleased that they made the right choice at the ballot box, a choice they are prepared to repeat time and again.
The Governor frequently acknowledges his Deputy as “my loyal and dependable Deputy Governor” at every event where he has occasion to mention Sir Monday Onyeme.
It is a common biblical saying that “a prophet has no honour in his own country”, which explains why Deputy Governor Onyeme’s only vocal critics come from his own local area.
Investigations reveal that this criticism stems from the fact that he is the first Deputy Governor to emerge from the area; one or two individuals remain aggrieved that they did not secure the position themselves. Consequently, they use their followers to launch attacks, even when such criticisms are completely unfounded and unwarranted.
Ultimately, if a man stops to throw stones at every dog that barks, he will never reach his destination. Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Ph.D, remains focused, experienced, and undeterred as he works towards the effective delivery of the MORE Agenda under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
The people of Emu-Ebendo deserve commendation for taking the time to say “Thank you”. Their visit demonstrates a genuine interest in what the Deputy Governor is accomplishing both as an individual and as a public servant.
Certainly, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme at the helm of leadership, Delta State is in safe hands.
The writer, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, is the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.
