June 13, (THEWILL)- The Councillor representing Ogbia Ward 2 in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Hon. Miracle Tyna Onem, is celebrated for building a bridge linking two communities in her ward with money meant for the purchase of an official car. She speaks with SHADE METIBOGUN about the bridge project, her foray into politics and other matters. Excerpts:
How did your journey into politics begin?
I worked as a personal secretary to the Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State. When I was there, a lot of people were impressed with my dedication to duty and hard work that they asked me to contest for the position of councilor in my ward. The party executives gave me a free ticket to contest the position. They also sponsored my campaign and everything about the election. His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri instructed that I should be given the form free-of-charge. That was how I got into politics in 2019.
How would you describe your journey so far as a politician?
I am happy. The journey is going smoothly and I am praying for more good things. I pray that things will continue to fall in place for me. I know we cannot determine what will happen in the nearest future. But I am optimistic that things will continue to fall in place for me.
Tell us about your background and education
I came from a poor family. I funded my education up to university level. I am the only child of my father. He is late now. But I have younger siblings from my mother. I was born on April 11, 1990. I studied Political Science at the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. I attended primary and secondary school in my village where I built the miracle bridge. My village is my ward headquarters. My ward consists of four villages, namely Otuokpoti, Otuogori, Onuebum and Otuegwe. I attended Community Primary School, Otuokpoti and Community Secondary School Otuokpoti. Both of them are in Bayelsa State.
What was your childhood ambition and when did it change?
As a child, I was very ambitious, but my poor background did not allow me to pursue my dreams. I gained admission into the university four times. The first time, I was offered admission to study Medicine. With the second offer, I was supposed to study Civil Engineering. I was also admitted to study Nursing and finally, History and Diplomacy. I couldn’t accept any of the offers because there was no money. Like I told you, I came from a very poor background. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to those schools. So I went for a Diploma in Computer Studies. I was working and studying at the same time. At the end of my studies, I contested in an election. As a child, I loved to play football. Even now, I still play football. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to develop the talent to the level that I desired. I was also quite brilliant in school. I was well known in my village as a brilliant child, but things just didn’t work out well because of money.
Why didn’t you join a local football club in Bayelsa?
On some occasions I travelled out of Bayelsa, even beyond the shores of Nigeria, to play football. When I was active as a footballer, I never imagined that I would be a politician some day. As they say, a man’s destiny may be delayed, but it cannot be denied. Now that I have found myself in politics, I love it and I am happy with it.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a female politician?
Life as a female politician is very challenging, especially for young people like me. Most people think we are prostitutes who are just there because of men. They also think female politicians don’t have time for their families. Some of them even think female politicians are not responsible women. I guess those are the challenges that female politicians encounter.
Did you at any time think of quitting?
Yes, there was a time I really wanted to quit. The challenges were just too much and the rumours spreading across my community also discouraged me. But my friends encouraged me to keep on moving. Many people in my community asked me why I chose such a big project, but I told them that since I had started it, I would not be able to stop it. Even the paramount ruler of the community told me to construct a foot bridge and forget about the project, but I decided to keep pushing. At a point, I wanted to abandon everything, including my political career, and run away. A lot of people in my community were saying that I would not be able to complete the project. They said the work was too much for me and that I was too small to embark on that type of project. That was before the governor intervened.
How would you describe the political structure in Nigeria?
What is happening in Nigeria is uncalled for. We are not happy with the way things are going in Nigeria, it is really sad. They say Nigerian youths are lazy, but we are not. There is neither employment nor opportunities for the youths. Let me not say that Nigeria is a failed state; let me just say the country is fragile.
Do you think more women should venture into politics?
I think we need more women in politics. Women will perform better than men. They are mothers and they know the challenges facing our people. I will gladly support any woman who wants to go into politics. If a woman indicates interest in running for the governorship position in my state now, I will definitely vote for her. My prayer is that a woman should be elected as Vice President of Nigeria one day. I know she will perform well.
Why did you use the fund meant for the purchase of an official car to build a bridge in your ward?
We were given N2million forward projects. At the same time, we were given money to buy an official car. When I started the project, I found out that the money I was given was not going to be enough. I had made up my mind to use my own money to complete the project, if the money allocated for it was not enough. I proceeded to do a market survey and I bought some of the materials. I found out that the money would only cover the expenses for the rod. The rod alone is about 1.8 million naira. Just the rod alone. A single rod costs N6, 200 in Bayelsa State. I bought more than 200 pieces. You can imagine that. I knew that the money would not be enough, so I had to make that sacrifice. Governor Diri saw the work on television and he called me on the phone. He wanted to know the reason for the project. He encouraged me to expand the bridge and provided some assistance. That was why I named it the Miracle Bridge’.
How much were you given to buy a car?
It was N2.5 million. I used everything on that bridge project. I don’t have a car. Although I move around without a car of my own, I am still happy.
Why did you reject the offer of a GoFundMe campaign?
I rejected the offer because if you want to help somebody, you would do it willingly from your mind. You don’t have to ask me to beg or appeal for it. I am not a beggar. As a politician, I can’t beg. You can’t tell me to go on air and beg for fund for development. I think it is unfair. That was why I rejected the GoFundMe campaign. Any NGO or donor that wants to assist should do so willingly. As I am speaking with you, a company in Lagos State just sent me some amount of money to buy 100 jamb forms for students in Bayelsa State. The process is ongoing. It was something done willingly. I cannot go on air and beg people to provide funds for development. I can’t do that.
If you had the opportunity to choose between a career in football and politics, which one of the two would you go for and why?
I would go for politics because I want to change the narrative. I will be able to reach out to the less privilege. I will have access to them and the opportunity to learn the challenges facing them and how I can solve all of them.
What other developmental project do you look forward to achieving before your tenure expires?
The road that leads to the bridge is not tarred and it is 10 kilometres long. I need money to construct that road. The health centre also needs to be renovated. There are other basic amenities that my ward needs. There are many things to be done. If there is money, you will see me performing miracles again.
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