Delta 2023: ‘We didn’t call Asaba meeting to re-endorse Oborevwori’

The Chairman and Convener, Delta South Leaders and Stakeholders’ Forum, Chief Mike Loyibo, yesterday, denied reports that the forum’s meeting in Asaba on Friday was called to endorse the governorship ambition of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori. 

Loyibo, in a statement, said Oborevwori was endorsed at the Peemos meeting held in Warri some weeks ago; as a result, there was no need for another endorsement.

He explained that the Asaba meeting hosted by the Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, was to brief members on the progress made so far. 

He stated: “At the Peemos’ meeting in Warri, which had in attendance, all aspirants and stakeholders, we singled out Oborevwori and endorsed him as our preferred aspirant. 

“Following the endorsement, we set up several committees and local council coordinators to complement the party’s structure to ensure that we give him maximum support. We have gone round to all the local councils in Delta South with him and the acceptance was massive.

“In the spirit of Easter, we visited the governor to update him and seek his support as well. The governor welcomed us, but said as the party leader, he was out to ensure a free, fair and transparent primary for all aspirants.” 

He, therefore, expressed shock to read in the papers that they were summoned by the governor to end the endorsement meeting for the speaker.

Meanwhile, the Assembly’s Majority Leader, Ferguson Onwo, dismissed the rumour that Oborevwori has stepped down, insisting that the speaker’s ambition was a pan-Delta project. 

“Oborevwori’s ambition has gone beyond himself. It is now a movement with destinies tied to the project’s success. The visit to the governor included members of the state assembly, house of representatives, council chairmen, party leaders and stakeholders from the district. 

“So, those talking about the speaker stepping down are only saying that from the figment of their imaginations. We will continue to support him to emerge the party’s candidate and win the general election,” Onwo stated.