By Paul Odili

AS transitions go, the unity of purpose and inclusiveness in the PDP politics of Delta state is remarkable even if it is not sometimes recognized such. After a fierce governorship primary in the party, the coming together of majority of the contestants and their followers to work and to promote a common front in the February general election is a masterstroke in political bridge-building.  Credit should naturally go to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and other political leaders for making this happen.

In so many ways, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the PDP candidate, represents the natural trajectory in the future of Delta state; a modern, progressive, inclusive Delta state, a success story in overcoming the artificial barriers and fault lines of the state.

With over 17 years’ experience in politics rising from Council Chairman, through holding several political offices such as commissioners for health, water resources, agriculture and natural resources and Secretary to the state government, including his second elective office as Delta North Senator, Okowa’s evolution has taken an instructive path that is structured for success.

What is apparent from this political narrative is that Okowa understands politics and he definitely understands Delta state. Much of his success has perhaps to do with Okowa’s approach and style of politics.His common touch, human empathy, attention to detail and deep understanding of the dynamics of politics and resolute commitment to his goal has served him well.

At the tactical level, Okowa is clearly a politician who knows how to exploit weaknesses and can construct a strong system. This is not as simple as it may seem; because in the power contest, to grasp very quickly where the weaknesses lay and at the same time husband your own resources in effective way to take advantage of a given opportunity are key elements that can decide the game. If anything is Okowa’s secret arsenal that may well be it.

Against great odds, Okowa has always found ways to triumph. His playbook is an interesting one and should become something of real interest to Deltans should he win the governorship in the February 28th, which in all likelihood is his to lose given the dynamics. Yet, if his evolution is anything to go, it is unlikely that he is sitting on his oars. He knows there remains many mine fields.

Lest this article gives the impression that Okowa’s interest is about power and how to organize to win it, his views on Delta, governance and the economics of the state is quite thought-provoking and reassuring in terms of a strong desire to consolidate on the existing successes of the Uduaghan administration. In many years, Okowa’s ideas can be said to be an off-shoot of the Uduaghan programme. It has to be, considering that for nearly four years of Uduaghan’s government,Okowa was Secretary to the state government.

His focus on inclusive growth, industrialization, job creation, agro-based industrial sector, urban renewal, human capital development, environment protection, enhance and development is just the right emphasis that will secure the future of Delta state. Just like ‘Delta beyond Oil’, the economic aims of Okowa is directed at diversification and promotion of non-oil based economy. Actually in the light of recent crash in crude oil prices, it makes very little sense if not the height of foolishness to seek to build the economy of Delta state on oil,even with the abundance of this resource here.

Dr. Okowa is not looking in that direction. This is good news.  For instance, on the issue of industrialization, he says: “The state under the outgoing administration has embarked upon certain large industrial activities such as the Warri industrial Business Park, Asaba ICT Park, Free Economic zones and 10 small scale industries under Public/ Private Partnership scheme. If completed by 2015, my administration shall accelerate the positive challenges that these mega industrial activities will offer. If not fully completed, I shall see to it that these valuable economic activities are duly completed, and engage the private sector effectively to drive commerce and grow industries.”

This statement speaks to consolidation of policies, which is a good thing from the point of view of the resources that are already invested in it and the opportunities that these initiatives will bring. Yet, no one expects that the dynamism of the Okowa plan is not going to be different, even if on some issues he shares similar views with Governor Uduaghan. That in itself is not a bad thing. In life the only thing constant is change.

*Mr. Odili, member of Delta state PDP media and publicity campaign committee, wrote from Asaba, Delta State