-By Albert OGRAKA:
Blak NEWS Online recently reports that the ongoing overwhelming campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have driven the opposition parties into their shell of shame. It is true that some political parties exist only by INEC registration but are not truly on ground. They only adopt a candidate who wins even when they probably do not field candidates in their parties.
But when a major opposition party overwhelmingly support a candidate of another party, for whatever reasons, political watchers and bookmakers have issues to contend with, especially at the heat of campaigns when caution is usually thrown to the wind in both statements and utterances.
Although the fear of a common and constant opposition may give a winning team some sleepless nights, in a bid to curb surprises, you may have to carefully dine with a common enemy in pretense that all is well but it happens when you are not too certain of winning or losing at the polls.
It is known fact that for several reasons, many Deltans support the second journey of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to the Government House, Asaba but on Tuesday, January 08, 2019 members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Isoko Federal Constituency resolved to re-elect Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the March 2, 2019 general elections.
Member of the Elders Council of the APC, Chief Joe Arausi from Isoko South and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abikelegba Odhegolo who is a member of the state executive committee and South South caucus of the APC. led others to declare their support for the second term ambition of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
At a well attended meeting of the APC and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held at the residence of Chief Arausi at Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, the two leaders on behalf of all the members of the APC observed that the principle of rotation of political offices favours Governor Okowa’s return to Government House. They stressed that his humility, delivery of democratic dividends have earned him the votes of the people across political lines.
Chief Arausi in his speech, said, “on behalf of Isoko people, we have a pact with the Ika people, the people of Delta North to complete their tenure, because we believe in equity, we believe this is the turn of the Anioma people and in the spirit of equity, you (Governor Okowa) should continue till 2023.”
“No governor has equalled your (Governor Okowa) records in the area of project delivery in Delta State, the people who are here and members of the APC and PDP, I am the leader of the APC in Isoko South and the leader of the APC in Isoko North, Hon. Odhegolo is here with us,” Chief Odhegolo said at the occasion which had Governor Okowa in attendance.
He disclosed, “the governor is here to consult us; it is the first time that we are seeing a sitting governor consulting members of the opposition political party, it is a mark of humility, the spirit of oneness and we are happy with the projects you have executed in Isoko nation.”
In his speech, Hon. Odhegolo stated, “our Governor, you are the Road Master because your signs are everywhere; let us leave party issues aside, let us speak with facts, you have performed wonderfully well.”
“The change we talk about in APC is in you, Governor Okowa; your performance has made a lot us in APC uncomfortable, I am speaking my mind and that of members of the opposition political parties, we have decided that because of your performance, we will work for your victory,” Hon. Odhegolo said.
Governor Okowa at the occasion, thanked members of the opposition political parties for working with his administration to record successes, observing, “the governorship position is not for learners, I held several positions before contesting for the governorship position because, I believe that I am qualified, those who want to contest with me and have not held any other position should contest for other positions.”
“This gathering depicts the political prowess of Chief Arausi, it takes leadership to gather members of the APC and PDP; I believe the best way to govern is to continue to ask for the partnership of the people because, with the support of all, governance is made easier, there will be peace, and development will take place,” Governor Okowa said.
“I thank all Deltans for their support; it is a thing of joy that majority of our people believe in equity, equity engenders peace, cooperation and respect for one another; we will continue to work in the overall interest of Deltans because, that is what we are elected to do,” Governor Okowa stated, adding, “what we desire is for all Deltans to join us, so that we will continue to speak with one voice because, Delta Is a great state.”
Last Word: While the parley lasts between the two main contending political parties, the APC’s pledge to support Okowa’s come back does not apply to other PDP candidates in Delta state. YOU HAVE TO BE OKOWA TO MERIT THIS GESTURE.
