THE declaration for the Delta State governorship election by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, did not leave anyone in doubt that the lawmaker is a force to contend with in the race.

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

The vehicular traffic on the road leading to Oshimili Arcade, the venue of the event, was a signal that Asaba was going to stand still for Okowa.

Indeed, that was the situation inside the venue, as the arena was crowded with supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the platform he is using to nurse his aspiration.

For a contest that has mainly been clouded by zoning, the presence of PDP chieftains was enough to address worries over the matter. Whatever is considered, Okowa it was assumed was magnetic enough to draw a significant proportion of party chieftains drawn from across the different political zones of the state.

•Senator Ifeanyi Okowa flanked by his wife and Professor Sam Oyobvbaire during his governorship declaration in Asaba, Delta State.

Prominent among those present were; Prof Sam Oyovbaire, former Information Minister, Chief Williams Ibori; Chief  Ovie Agas, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi; ex-chairman of Delta PDP,  Chief APJ Okpakpor; former Attorney General of defunct Bendel State, Chief Ochonogor Ossai, Mr. Michael Diden (aka Ejele), Mr. Michael Tidi,  Captain Pius Sinebi ,rtd; former PDP chairman in Delta, among others.

The event which commentators had looked forward to as a game changer in the ensuing contest formally commenced with the entrance of Okowa amid rapturous ovation at 10: 45 am. In his opening remarks, which preceded endorsements and messages of support from stakeholders, the Director General of the Okowa’s campaign organisation, Agas described Okowa’s entrance into the race as “a historical milestone in the affairs of Delta State.”

He hinged his stand on the argument that the various elected and appointive positions Okowa had progressively held since 1993, gave him “the competence and the relevant experience to take Delta State to the next level of growth and development,” adding that his profile in politics and public administration makes him the right man for the job.

Furthering his optimism about the capability of the legislator representing Delta North in the Senate, he said: “I have no iota of doubt that he will place Delta State in an enviable position. On this premise, I urge all of you to remain steadfast in your support. I therefore appeal to delegates to vote for him on account of his pedigree.”

Agas was not alone in the submissions about Okowa’s competence, as Oyovbaire also expressed confidence in the aspirant. Okowa, he said, is accepted across the different ethnic groups in the state, describing the acceptability as an asset. “If you look around you will see people from all the ethic nationalities in the state. I am very confident, that Okowa as governor will lead our people well. He is the only aspirant that I know is at home with all the tribes in this state,” Oyovbaire submitted.

The former information minister added: “The Okowa project has been put together by all Deltans. His knowledge and experience is an asset that will compliment Nigeria’s political class. If the gathering is to be broken down into age brackets, you will see that every age grade is represented.

“Indeed, he believes in the people and the people believe in him as well. Dr. Okowa is focused and honest with his core interest as the well-being of the people. He would do a lot that would benefit the people of the State.

Amid these goodwill messages, which spontaneously elicited thunderous applause and cheers from the attendees, Okowa was invited to the microphone at 12: 45 pm. Flanked by his wife and some party stalwarts, Okowa said his vision is to make Delta State a pacesetter. To achieve this, he pledged to build an enduring legacy of wealth and prosperity.

Wealth and prosperity

Specifically, Okowa disclosed that he was going to work on a  five-point agenda which included  strategic wealth creation, provision of jobs for all Deltans, meaningful peace building platform aimed at political/social stability, agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation, relevant health and education policies as well as transformed environment through urban renewal.

Senator Okowa used the occasion to dispel fears that Uduaghan’s alleged disposition to one of the aspirants had made his relationship with the governor frosty. Sounding confident, he said: “Uduaghan is my governor, my friend and leader. No matter what you hear, our friendship can’t be washed away. I will develop and improve on the good work he has started. We have always worked together as friends, I was the first Director General of his campaign and the relationship has been there.”

Still in his upbeat mood, Okowa added that: “At the end of my tenure as governor, Delta state will be one in which there are gainful employment opportunities, a flourishing agriculture and agricultural business sector, effective health and educational systems and renewed urban infrastructure and security that would enhance continued economic growth and the prosperity of all Deltans.

“No one can doubt my deep knowledge and commitment to my people of Delta State, to all the communities, the aspirations of the people and the tremendous challenges facing us.”

While urging support for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan, Okowa paid glowing tributes to the administrations of former Governors of the state, Chief James Ibori and Uduaghan, saying that he would consolidate on the achievements of the two previous administrations.