Brigadier General Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha was the first administrator of Akwa Ibom State after its creation on September 23, 1987 Twenty one years after, Ogbeha, who is also a former Senator from Kogi State, relieves his days as the first military governor and recounts how it all began in Akwa Ibom. He spoke in Abuja. Excerpts.

Twenty one years ago, Akwa lbom State was created and you happen to be the first chief executive of the State. How was it when you got to Uyo, the State capital?

It was exciting and it was electrifying considering the mood of the people. They were very happy and the atmosphere was like that of a carnival and I think it showed the gratitude and total acceptance of the creation of Akwa lbom State.

When you were announced as the State's first chief executive, how did you feel?

It was a surprise and I didn't know how to start or who to meet. So it was just like I was dropped in the middle of a deep ocean. But I relied on God and He showed me the way.

When you got to Uyo, what were your initial problems?

The initial problem was accommodation to accommodate the returning civil servants from Cross River State. How to find accommodation for government offices, how to find a place for myself and my staff and so on. So it was a great challenge. But because the people were happy with the new State, they made a lot of sacrifices. People volunteered their houses to accommodate the young government.

You laid the foundation for the development of Akwa lbom. What was the picture of the State you had in mind for the next 21 years?

I wanted a state that will be a fulfilment of those mothers and fathers who fought for the creation of Akwa lbom State. So I will say the fulfilment of the founding fathers to have a state that will be the envy of all people, make a state that is different from where it came from, make a state where people will be contented and also a state where there will be peace, justice and fair play. I wanted a state where the syndrome of minority would be removed and every body would be fairly treated. That apart, we wanted a state that would be comparable with any state in the comity of states. That is to say that we wanted a state that would provide the needed basic amenities that would make life bearable to the minimum number of people.

Twenty one years after, would you say that this vision of yours has been fulfilled?

It is difficult to say that it has been fulfilled but the truth is that progress has been made by successive governments. This progress may have been slow and may be with difficulty but definitely, Akwa lbom has not remained what it was when I was there, neither has it deteriorated from what I left. So my happiness is that a lot of progress has been made in the last 21 years. We have not reached the dream land yet but I am sure if this progress is intensified, we will get there.

Could you be specific in the areas you have noticed the progress?

When I was in Akwa lbom, one could count the number of hotels, which were sub-standards, but you cannot say that today. Also there are more roads that have been opened up and there is a good evidence of government presence in the State. We now have a good secretariat, good Governors Office and so on. People are investing in the State rather than Calabar as it were in those days. So in the field of infrastructure, progress has been made. Uyo is today changing from a rural setting to that of an urban setting and this is becoming more attractive for investors.

You were there for about 10 months, what were the key projects you handled within that period?

There was the road network, provision of water through ADB programme and so on. When I got to Uyo, there was no Government House and I was operating from the Local Government Office and a one-bedroom chalet. But before I left, we initiated the building of a governor's office which is being reconstructed today though expanded and we laid the basic foundation for a master plan for Uyo which was handled by Obong Victor Attah. Incidentally the same Attah later became the governor of the State and I do believe that he tried his best to implement the provisions of the master plan which he made up.

Twenty one years after, looking back at your tenure, are there things you did which you now feel you shouldn't have done them?

I personally believe I was on course because I had the policy of not embarking on anything temporary. I earmarked on projects that I thought should be permanent and also befitting of a state capital and that was how the master plan came into being. I have no regret because Even if I had stayed there for 20 years, I would have religiously followed the master plan and I think that would give Uyo a good image. I want to say that my successors in office tried to follow the master plan which is why the State is what it is today. Let me say here that if that master plan which we helped put in place is implemented, Uyo would be ranked among the modem cities in the country.

During your stay in the State, did you experience any pressure from the people?

No. As I said, they were very accepting and very happy. They had expected the State for a long time and when it came, it was that of joy and everybody was willing to cooperate. They donated their houses for accommodation and the people were very accommodating.

Would you say you were satisfied with your achievement in the 10 months you served as military governor in Akwa lbom?

I wouldn't say I was satisfied because I wished I could have done more. When the State was created, we inherited an overwhelming outpour of work force and because of the mood of the people, I was not comfortable in reducing that work force. So we had a very huge salary bill and very little for capital development. That was one of the things that slowed us down but we were able to manage our finances to the extent that we did not owe throughout the period.

When you visited Uyo last time you came, did you have that feeling of satisfaction that yes, the State I left some years ago was doing fine?

Yes, I always have that satisfaction because every where I go now and meet an Akwa Ibom indigene there is always that acknowledgement and joy for him or her to say oh, you were once my governor. Anytime this acknowledgement is made, I always feel satisfied that the people are appreciating the little effort I put when I had the opportunity.

You arrived at the Calabar airport on a Sunday morning. What was your feeling when you saw the extra large crowd that was waiting to receive you?

I was stunned to say the least, because I was not a politician at that time and had not seen that type of crowd before apart frorn during celebrations such as independence anniversary. What I saw in Calabar proved to me that the joy of the people knew no bounds.

Look back again, the following Monday when you got to Uyo stadium, how did you feel?

The people who were at Calabar airport were the people who escorted rne to Uyo and the following day they repeated the support and solidarity again at the Uyo stadium. I was happy at the crowd and the mood of the people because it was a proof of the fact that government had responded to one of the wishes of the people.

Akwa Ibom is going to celebrate its 21st anniversary. What advice do you have for the people of the State?

My advice for the people is for them to keep the dream alive and they should continue to contribute positively to the growth and development of the State. Above all, they should work on the unity of everybody and all the groups in the State to ensure a more peaceful co-existence. I know the people are hard-working, I hope they would translate this to the development of the State.