By Magnus Emuji / Chukwudi Asoya
OKPANAM/Nigeria: The need for political office holders irrespective of party afflictions to strive towards effective articulation of the the needs of their people as well as add the expected value to the society through critical initiatives has been stressed.
The traditional ruler of Okpanam kingdom, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief (Dr) Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, stated this in his palace when he received the three councillorship candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the community, Comrade Jeffery Sunday Mordi, Hon. Barry Ezuche Okonkwo who is the Special Assistant to the Governor on Land Security and Waterways and lady Nkem Franca Nwankwo.
Chief Ogbolu, who described the candidates as outstanding individuals with uncommon track records, admonished them to always identify with ideas that could contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Okpanam community and pledged his support for their candidature.
In their separate remarks, Comrade Jeffery Sunday Mordi, Hon. Barry Ezuche Okonkwo and Lady Nkem Franca Nwankwo said that they were in the monarchs palace to seek for his royal blessings as part of activities to kick-start their electioneering campaigns
The candidates, who lauded the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Patrick Ukah, for his continued support and for the key role in the actualisation of three wards in Okpanam and one in Ugbolu.
Comrade Jeffery Mordi , Hon. Okonkwo and lady Nwankwo, who particularly assured of their commitments to Okpanam agenda, stated that they would initiate empowerment programme to engage some of the youths in the community meaningfully .
While saying that through unity of purpose, the community would continue to witness tremendous achievements, they pledged to operate an open door policy and would always seek the wise counsel of the Royal Majesty
Comrade Jeffrey Mordi, specifically noted that Okpanam has been transformed in accordance with the State capital territory through several roads construction by the Okowa administration, adding that over ninety percent of civil servants from various parts of the state reside in Okpanam.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Obodogba cell of the party, Ogbueshi Somayina Obienyi and one time councillor in the area, Hon. Tony Odih who were the mediators between the candidates and the traditional ruler said that they would not disappoint the community, adding that the councillorship candidates were made of tested and trusted personalities.
Highpoint of the ceremony, attended by the Chairman of the party in the ward, Mr. Fred Odanwu and prominent.membetsvof the Ugoani Council including the Okita of Okpanam, Chief Stephen Okonta among others was the chalking of the candidates by the traditional ruler signifying his royal blessings for them.
