Macaulay, Omu, Onowakpo, others swing Isoko for Jonathan, Okowa

‘Why Delta should back PDP ticket’ 

IT was a day that will be remembered for many decades and generations.

A day that the campaign team of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was reassured from the mammoth crowds that the ruling will win the 2015 general elections in Isokoland despite initial misgivings and anger that the oil-producing ethnic nationality was not given the deputy governorship slot.

 The tribe’s umbrella body, Isoko Development Union (IDU), had warned that it would not support any party that did not give it the slot. Consequently, it became apparent that it would be an uphill task to assuage the Isoko people’s hurt feelings especially since the Ogboru-led Labour Party had picked his running mate from the tribe who is a former IDU president-general.

 However, those who knew that the situation could still be turned around did not lose hope because of the presence of grassroots politicians in the PDP who had done much over the years to empower the people through projects, policies and programmes that created jobs and many other opportunities.

 Such politicians include State SSG Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, Senator Stella Omu, State PDP Secretary Chief Solomon Ogba and State Revenue Board Chief Joel Thomas-Onowakpo, who are playing various roles (such as heavy mobilization at the grassroots) in the campaigns. 

 Before Okowa’s team arrived in the Isoko towns of Ozoro and Oleh as part of efforts by the party to ensure that he wins the governorship race, these respected politicians with mass followership had worked day and night to ensure that a massive crowd of PDP loyalists and leaders in Isokoland were on ground to welcome him and his entourage. Many groups (such as Itihikpebe) that had also worked tirelessly were also represented.

  The Oleh stadium was a beehive of activities as different groups of supporters carrying the placards of their respective candidates thronged the VIP area singing and dancing.

  The noise of party activities was so intensive that when Okowa and his running mate, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, arrived at the stadium in the company of their wives, they were barely noticed until the master of ceremonies, Ogba, announced the arrival of the “governor in waiting”.

  Isoko PDP leaders who spoke including Stella Omu and a host of others assured Okowa that people of the oil-producing ethnic nationality would vote for him.

    Omu particularly urged Okowa to have the unflinching belief that Isoko would give him and President Goodluck Jonathan 100 per cent vote next month. She, therefore, urged all Isoko PDP loyalists to work hard to ensure that the party wins the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and state assembly elections.

 Okowa promised to end the political marginalisation of Isoko people by carrying them along in his government. 

  He promised strategic wealth creation through projects and jobs for all Deltans.

 On his part, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has called on the people of Mbiri, Ika North East Council to vote massively for President Jonathan, Dr.Okowa and other PDP candidates.

  Speaking at the commissioning of the rehabilitated 7.8 kilometres Umunede-Mbiri Road, he enjoined them to collect their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) on which basis they can vote at the polls.

  He said: “I hope you have all collected your PVCs. Please ensure you do that and make sure you vote massively for Mr. President, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa your son and all the other PDP candidates in Delta North.”

  Uduaghan said that the road would improve inter-city transportation, enhance urban growth, communication and reinvigorate commerce and social life in the area.

  The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Funkekeme Solomon, said that the Umunede-Mbiri project was awarded in October 2014 at a cost of N497.12 million and meant to serve as a link road for Umunede and Mbiri farm as well as Delta and Edo states boundary.

  During a courtesy visit to the Mbiri monarch, Obi Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Alekwe II, the governor commended the unity among traditional rulers in Delta State and urged their subjects to emulate them so that development can come to their areas.

  He said: ‘The presence of other traditional rulers shows the unity among traditional rulers; that is a lesson to all of us who are your subjects because if our royal fathers are united then of course the subjects become united and we have no cause to be divided.”

  He explained that the road to the Mbiri farm settlement was being delayed due to the need to redesign, promising that it and the one leading to the palace would be completed before the end of his administration.

  Also, a group, “Forum of Patriotic Deltans,” has urged support for the emergence of Barrister Otuaro as running mate to Senator Okowa. 

  The group, in a statement by its coordinator, Elvis Osadolor Iyamu, a lawyer, said: “As the dust finally settles on the PDP gubernatorial primaries in Delta State, it has become very imperative for us to make this passionate appeal to all those who were involved in the primaries one way or the other and also extend the olive branch to all concerned especially the aggrieved ethnic groups. “Let all Deltans look beyond the primaries in the spirit of sportsmanship and support the PDP governorship ticket personified by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his running mate in Barrister Kingsley Otuaro.  

   “This exercise and press release has become necessary because we want to use this medium to implore all Deltans to rise above ethnic and primordial sentiments and vote for the Okowa/Otuaro ticket. 

  “Should we throw away the baby with the bath water? Otuaro’s emergence as running mate to Okowa is a welcome development because the former is a man who is passionate about Delta State. Otuaro contributed in no small measure to restoring peace and harmony to today’s Warri and environs as well as the Niger Delta.”

  The group added: “Otuaro will give total support to help his boss (Okowa) to take Delta State to unprecedented heights if they are voted into office. Otuaro is a man of God and the people. He is a quintessential gentleman and a man of impeccable character. He is young, vibrant, energetic and loves Delta State passionately.”