NASSNEWS: Can you compare civil service to being in politics? What is your experience?

SENATOR IPALIBO: For me, my passion is service to the people. How can I improve the standard of living of my people, and the people I serve? How can I make life better for them? How can I get the youths to understand that they have a destiny to fulfill? How can I get them properly and adequately educated, for gainful employment according to their skills, aspirations, passions, and interests?

NASSNEWS: What is the difference between being a civil servant and being a politician?

SENATOR IPALIBO: It is all about service. I remember when I first joined politics, I was Secretary to the State Government, and this was by political appointment. I later went to full-time politics. “She is a Technocrat“, was one of the terminologies used to describe me which I felt was endearing. I didn’t think it was demeaning. I enjoyed it. So when the “technocrats” issues came up, especially in the Health sector, I was always at the forefront. I also enjoyed working as Chairman of the task force on Primary Health Care, Disease and Immunization. Even as Deputy Governor, I took this up in my state Rivers, with a lot of passion. I do not know why people feel that there is a different view of civil service and politics because if you look at it as service to the people you have been called to, whether in civil service or politics, it should be your passion to touch lives. In those days, I know, we used to speak of the civil service as the engine room of governments, I do not know whether it is still the same now. But if you follow the rules and regulations of service, with discipline, meritocracy, and excellence, I believe this was how I handled my affairs as Head of Service.

NASSNEWS: What were your achievements at your time as Secretary to the State Government?

SENATOR IPALIBO: When I served as Secretary to the State Government, it was under a military administration, which was a very disciplined administration. I was appointed Head of Service and Secretary of State Government. We were one of the people who superintended over other elections in a way, that brought about the 1999 democracy; starting from the local government chairman, and onwards. We ensured that the communities were carried along in peace and harmony. We ensured that traditional rulers knew what their roles were in the communities.

NASSNEWS: What are your views about youth and violence?

SENATOR IPALIBO: We debated on a lot of violence. I worked with the youths. I worked with them as the President of the Boys and Girls Brigade for several years. The boys and I noticed had a lot of self-confidence, and self-motivation. They wanted to achieve their goals and wanted to leave a mark in moving the nation forward.

NASSNEWS: Let’s quickly go into the bill you sponsored.

SENATOR IPALIBO: It was necessary for us to do some amendments to the National Food and Drug Control Act of 2004. This is because when you look at the statutory mandates of NAFDAC, it was necessary for us to be able to get them to fill in some of the gaps in the legislation. In view of the fact that there are teaming, more health eventualities that are coming up, that need to be addressed. Also looking at it that consumers are also looking for how to be more confident of what is being presented to them in terms of foods, drugs, chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, and all those regulated products. We are in support of what they have done thus far as it is now our collective desire to meet all the international best practices with NAFDAC. We looked at issues of regulation, and how strong their powers to provide regulations and penalties are. The penalties of 2004 are not applicable now. When you put penalties it is so that you make sure the people have a deterrent to do what is not acceptable. In areas where the penalty was just N500, we seek to increase these fines, and possibly give offenders the option of imprisonment. It is all about the health of the public and their safety; ensuring proper standards are met, in line with international best practices among many other amendments.

NASSNEWS: How would your people benefit directly?

SENATOR IPALIBO: Okay, well, that’s very important and everybody will, yes, this is important because they will have better protection for their health, better protection for their industries. Industries will be able to get international accreditation, to achieve better growth and economic opportunities.

NASSNEWS: What is your general advice for Nigerians at this point?

SENATOR IPALIBO: I want to encourage everyone to do a home farm. Interestingly, a home farm is not difficult to do. We can all use a farm in our homes. This is what I have in my backyard to curb the shortage and expense of food. So I encourage you to put up a farm, no matter how small.

Thank you!

SENATOR DR. IPALIBO HARRY BANIGO, SENATOR OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

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