.Says Nigeria needs diaspora voting in 2015 elections

By Udeme Clement

Olorogun Grace Aghovghovbia is the managing director, Unique Personal company in the United Kingdom, a strong woman leader and advocate of women empowerment in Nigeria. At present, she is championing the crusade for diaspora voting in 2015 general elections. She speaks on the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put measures in place for Nigerians abroad to exercise their civic right and why the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) would win the governorship election in Delta State.

As a woman leader, how do you view the current political atmosphere in Delta State?

To begin with, I strongly believe that the PDP would win the governorship election in Delta. This is quite obvious because Delta has been a PDP controlled State with all the necessary presence in wards and local government councils. Also, the present candidate, Dr.   Ifeanyi Okowa has so much experience and he is a detribalised Deltan, who would carry all the people in Delta along in his government to promote peace and tangible development in the state. The people want such a candidate who can ensure unity, transparency and good governance for all Deltans irrespective of ethnic divides. Beyond that, we believe he would enhance youth and women empowerment, as well as infrastructure development to move the state forward for greater prosperity.

The governorship election is very close and you are based in the United Kingdom. How does this affect your contributions to his campaign?

Aghovghovbia

As the president, Niger Delta Advocacy, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in the United Kingdom, we decided to set up an affiliate body known as the United Kingdom for Okowa (UKO2015), which membership is open to all political minded people of Delta and all Deltans in diaspora. The group has been very active because we are embarking on strategic and massive campaigns for Dr. Okowa as well as other aspiring PDP candidates in the coming elections.

What is your take on the postponement of the elections by INEC and the current trend in the campaigns for presidential election in the country?

We believe that the electoral umpire rescheduled the elections to make room for adequate preparation for credible, fair and transparent elections to ensure a smooth transition. The president and entire PDP members are working tirelessly to ensure a stable continuity and good governance. INEC should ensure that our efforts are not thwarted by providing a level playing field in terms of effective distribution of PVC to all parts of Nigeria. Nigerians in diaspora should also be given the opportunity to vote in 2015 elections.

Right now, there is another Olorogun Aghoghovbia campaigning for the opposition party in Delta, what is your relationship with her?

I am pledging my unflinching allegiance to my party, the PDP and to Dr Okowa and other PDP candidates in Delta running for different political offices. The lady in question is my in-law and people are entitled to their political beliefs and freedom of association. I must state categorically that the confusion created in her recent interview was due to the fact that her first name was not mentioned.  I am a chief like she is. We are both based in the UK and we are bearing the same surname, so that is exactly where the confusion came from.

What is your advice for the people of Niger Delta?

My advice is for the people of Niger Delta to remain focused by ensuring a peaceful environment.  As the President of Niger Delta Advocacy in the UK, I would continue to work for the growth and development of Delta and Nigeria at large. The NGO was formed to facilitate the development of the Niger Delta region. I work with other members of the group, and our team is spearheaded by Barrister Ejiro Nomuoja, with the ultimate goal of achieving better living conditions of the people in that region.