ASABA is agog.  Africa ‘s first professor-king is 90! The lion king is happy. It is a hilarious roar.The revelry resonates beyond the River Niger. Asagba of Asaba is dancing. And why not?

In this age of much sin and stress ,how many mortals can make 90 years. Professor Chike Edozien is the proud monarch of Nigeria ‘s first colonial capital,thanks to the British Royal Niger company, which established authority in the country in the 1880s. An academic, world class Asagba is the longest surviving dean of medical school in Nigeria.The tallest giant in the Ivory Tower.

While the birthday party goes on,the man who takes the chunk  of the cake is Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. If grace made Okowa governor,against all odds,Asagba rolled the wheel of destiny to Government House Asaba. Long before we all started clapping for Okowa, even as fake fans and silly sycophants, Asagba like the French seer Nostradamus already saw tomorrow.Long before the December 8 ,2014 PDP governorship primary enthroned Okowa ,in the most shocking defeat of the status quo in Delta history, Asagba had scored a clear goal for Okowa.

But for his wise mobilisation of Delta North traditional rulers and the people,the journey could have broken Okowa ‘s back.The first class report card ANIOMA CONGRESS led by Asagba  remained his unique selling point in the heat of the gubernatorial campaigns. There were other gladiators in the arena, so strong and steady.But by strength shall no man prevail.Time and circumstance happen to all men.The divine shows mercy to whom he chooses….It is written.

When charity meets destiny ,the gods are not to blame.So the masquerades both strong and steady must follow the master ….That is the simple story of Okowa.

The moral is that power is not Urhobo.Not Itsekiri.Not Ijaw.Not Isoko. Not Anioma…and not even Ika. It is not UPU.Not president -general.Whether uncle Joe Omene or chief Tuesday Onoge. It is far from Uviamughe declaration.That is not the road to power.It is not even Asagba.Not Anioma congress.Only one man can speak with unquestionable finality.And we all know him.He is not even a man! No man can play Alpha and Omega.

Now that fate has thought us a humbling lesson that any Deltan, whether Ochuko, Edema,Preye,Ewoma or Olise, can be governor Okowa must watch it. He promised a pan Delta governance.That is a SMART agenda.He must do ANIOMA proud without hurting Aigbigborodo.He must develop Asaba without neglecting Aviara.He must change Ubulu-uku without short changing Uvwie. He must give Owa -Alero ” uncommon transformation “without diminishing Ogulagha.

Politics and democracy under Okowa administration should effect a positive change in the fortunes of Deltans. Delta prides itself as the big heart of Nigeria.A pompous self introduction of its ethnic diversity and vast potentials.But like a poisoned chalice ,this plurality is its albatross. Ethnicity its punisher. Ordinary folks in Delta are boisterous and easy going while its political elite, ever  self serving spurn ethnic schism and tension in the land as perennial predators. All feasting on the commonwealth with rapacious greed. Nothing dramatises this infamy as much as the acrimonious battle for political power at the expense of the people.

Okowa rode to power by popular mandate. Electorate from all quarters- Delta north, central and south senatorial districts voted for him.I did.He still has my vote of confidence.No governor since the creation of Delta state  had enjoyed the kind of  goodwill that trailed  Okowa ascendancy. He must use it wisely.

With his mellow tendency as a man of tact and moderation,well meaning Deltans are persuaded that better days are ahead under Okowa.No doubt he has the temperament to bring lasting peace and development to a complex multi ethnic state where primordial cleavages hold sway. By his popularity and socialisation,he appears more Deltan than his political rivals.He has an ubiquitous political structure and folk appeal that transcends boundaries. Okowa is a man of the people respected by everyone.Hence his unprecedented gubernatorial success.

Congratulations jinx breaker. Congratulations king maker.What a duet.

On this special occasion,the governor can give Asagba good money,big jeep or high consultancy as birthday gift.But here is the best homage to the king…Let him lead with matchless excellency.If he cannot be the best governor ever he must strive to leave Delta better than he met it .

Happily he has a powerful name “EKWUEME”

Okowa has spoken .He will do it.

I believe!

Mr. Norbert Chiazor, a social critic, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.