Prominent Delta state governorship aspirant, Sir Anthony Chuks Obuh has formally declared his interest to contest in the 2015 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obuh, who made his intention known while addressing Deltans who turned out enmasse to endorse him at the Cenotaph, in Asaba, said “Great people of Delta state, having looked at all the opportunities that we have ahead of us, taking into consideration the outcome of my consultation and watching the crowd that’s here gathered just to listen to me, just me. I want to humbly declare to you that I want to contest for the office of Governor of Delta state.”
Adding, he said: “I stand here before you in all sincerity to assure you that I’m contesting for this election not just because I’m from Delta North but because I want to be a child of the whole of Delta state.
“We are all here gathered as one people with common destiny. I want to stand for that election as a true son of Delta state. I seek your support. I seek your support, prayers and mandate. That is why I’m here to let you know that I am setting out to transform Delta state.”
His public declaration elicited a thunderous ovation from the mammoth crowd of Deltans, including traditional rulers, High Chiefs, members of the politial class, members of the federal and state legislatures, members of the state executive council, religious leaders, retired officers of the Delta state civil service, members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), women, youths and students.
While reiterating his resolve to render progressive service to Deltans as governor of the state, Obuh noted that Delta state has continued to witness progress, development and growth in various sectors with opportunities to grow the industries, youths, agriculture, micro-credit facilities and skill acquisition which is anchored on the philosophy of Delta Beyond Oil.
“I want to assure you that the march we are starting today, is a consolidation of the opportunities that we have and I will expand on the opportunities that we have to grow Delta state to a situation where all of us will be proud and feel dignified anytime we see ourselves as people of this great state.
“I believe that we have one single commission to show our love for Delta state. One Delta, one destiny and one people. That is what we will continue to preach and that will remain the philosophy of the people of Delta state once we have the opportunity to serve in a higher capacity.”
He promised to sustain and expand on the growth already put in place by the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan administration, through an integrated development plan that would make Delta state remain on top in the Nigerian nation.
“What we want is continuation in the rendition of progressive service to the people of Delta state. A service that will ensure that people, especially the youths and women are properly employed and engaged and provide us opportunities for employment, opportunities for the possession of our food items, opportunities to benefit from the value chain that is now the in thing in our country.
“I am ready and set to serve you because I believe in Delta state and that every part of the state have a stake on what happens to the people. I have visited all the communities in Delta North, Delta Central and Delta South. I have a stake in the life of the communities. I know the communities and I believe that the communities know me. We have one thing in common and that is growth that will never be impeded. And that is what I promise to offer you.”
Obuh further explained that he is eminently qualified to contest the Delta state governorship election and emphasised that he has paid his dues to govern Deltans as a result of his proven integrity and service to humanity.
“Some people will ask, Who is Obuh? Obuh is a seven years old man that has served Delta state for 32 years in the civil service. 32 years that afforded me the opportunity to understand what government is all about and create policies that are meant to serve the interest of the people of the state. 32 years that has exposed me to know how policies fail and how they succeed and to knowing all the segments of this great state, the opportunities that exist and how we can tap into them. These years have greatly prepared me for longer service.
“They have also asked, “Who is Obuh? Is he a politician?” Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been a Permanent Secretary for eight years. If only on that score, for eight years, government has recognised me as a politician.
Before today, I had the opportunity of founding and funding a political support group that has been in existence since 2006. The PUI International participated in supporting PDP since 2007 up till today, in all elections that have been conducted and I know that the leaders of our political party recognise that. Even those who want to deny the fact in public, they realise and accept it in private.
“I am a politician and on top of that, a registered member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) being a card carrying member for the last four years. Who can be a better politician?, he asked.
Denying his alleged sponsorship by undisclosed persons, Obuh further told Deltans that, ” I left the civil service not because I’m tired, not because I was forced to retire, not because I didn’t know what I wanted to do, not because anybody compelled me to retire. I left the service voluntarily because I wanted to serve my people in a higher capacity.”
Emphasising his loyalty and allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the frontline governorship aspirant said, “There is no gainsaying the fact that we can only accomplish what we want, working on the platform of a great, united and solid political party and that is our PDP.
“I want to assure everybody that the march we are embarking on is a march that will grow PDP in strength and in size.
“We will continue to ensure that PDP will win all elections from the ward level up to the state and national level. We shall never reduce the size and potency of our great political party. We will pursue policies that would ensure that PDP serves the people and serve them well at all times.”
Speaking after the declaration, Hon. Ike Nwabuoku lauded the presence of nearly the entire Deltans at the declaration, saying that “Deltans have exhibited a great sense of patriotism in recognising that Obuh is determined to govern, represent and serve them.”
Also, the Publicity Secretary of Obuh Revelation Network, Mr. Anthony Mogbeyiteren Mene thanked all the support groups working for Sir Anthony Obuh, noting that their action is in the collective interest of all Deltans at home and in the Diaspora.
The mega rally and declaration witnessed acrobatic display from Esan land organised by Sir Ben Agazuma, Igbo cultural dance, Hausa and Yoruba communities dances, seasoned musicians like Emma Ogosi and Daddy Shokey among others.
