MISTER Itiako Ikpokpo is one of the young politicians in Delta State gunning for the Delta State House of Assembly seat in his Isoko South Constituency 1.In this brief chat with Vanguard in Asaba, he ventilates on his mission and political undercurrents in the oil rich state. Excerpts:

Annulment of Uduaghan election

The court has spoken. As Deltan and PDP members, we will do it again. Not just because we have the capacity in terms of numbers, we also believe that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has done well.

Dissolution of Delta State Executive by Ag Gov

It is the acting Governor’s prerogative and he has exercised it. And I feel comfortable with it.

Division in Delta PDP

There are no factions, just noisemakers who have ulterior motives, or are not party members. PDP remains one united family, led by Chief Peter Nwaoboshi.

Chief James Otobo group

I believe if there are elder statesmen in Delta State, it is people like the former deputy premier of the defunct Midwest region, Chief James Otobo, veteran politician, Senator (Obi) Nosike Ikpo and others, who have seen it all and played it all, and fortunately still have the credibility  attached to their names that ought to be carefully listened to.

I understand you are running for Delta State House of Assembly in  Isoko South Constituency I ?

Yes, I am. And we are gradually getting the confidence of the electorate back.

What will you do differently from those before you?

Consult wider and be a more constructive voice for our people in order to bring development closer to them

I hear you have been asked to step down?

It is true and I have also asked those who said such thing to tell my opponents to step down for me. At this level, nobody should be afraid of primaries.

Relationship with ex-governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan

He is my leader and we do have a very cordial relationship.

Do you have a godfather?

Yes, I do, the Almighty God. And I expect everyone to take Him as one too.

Relationship with political leaders from your area

Very cordial, my constituency is a small_knitted family headed by Chief Ross Uredi. We have the likes of Architect Joe Iroro and Mr. Austine Igbine who are highly regarded.
And we also respected elders like Dr. Ugboma, E.D Ekee, Chief Ogbrogo, Chief Eriri, Odio Evivie, Chief Ewebe, Sir James Obiowu, Elder James Agwor, High Chief Sereant Uredi, Mallam obi and many others.

Niger-Delta development

The situation is better now but there is need for more constructive engagement of the youths and rapid infrastructural development. There has been too much talk. It is time for the bulldozers and caterpillars to move to site so that our own land can be a better place to live in.

Constitutional amendment

The National Assembly is not consulting properly, my senator has not even come to consult us on what we want him to say.
It’s all a lousy process, how many people have the resources to go to Abuja and submit position papers? Let us legislate properly, we should stop learning.