By Emeka Nwokocha
WARRI/Nigeria: Barely few days before the dust gathering 2019 gubernatorial election holds in March 9, the formidable Apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial District (DCSSD) has endorsed incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s second term bid.
The endorsement was formally pronounced on Thursday 28 at a national press conference held by the group at Jubilee Retreat and Conference Centre, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Reeling out his detailed keynote address, President of Ohaneze Ndigbo DCSSD, Chief Hon. Ezeh Nnajiofor Michael (JP), described govover Okowa as an achiever, dependable and pragmatic leader, saying that it was a unanimous decision of Ohaneze Ndigbo to endorse the second term bid of the governor in order to continue with his sound administrative policies that guarantee dividend of democracy.
Continuing, the Ohaneze President noted that governor Okowa’s administration has been progressive, citing his unprecedented achievements to include road infrastructure, youth empowerment through Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), revolution in agriculture through Agriculture Entrepreneurship Programme (YAGEP), and Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP), including restoration of peace in the state.
His words: “It is the overwhelming resolve of Ohaneze Ndigbo Delta Central and South Senatorial District to officially endorse Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as its candidate for the forthcoming 2019 gubernatorial election so that he will continue his massive developmental strides.
“Your Excellency, you have done a lot for Ndigbo in Delta State. We have not had it so good since the existence of Ohaneze in the state. Your achievements, in all ramifications of governance are second to none in the area of infrastructure, as many roads have been completed, and others are near completion, especially in the very difficult terrain. You are indeed a road master.”
Adding, “This unanimous endorsement crystallises your sterling qualities and performance in the last three years. Life is all about reciprocity, therefore, we are giving you the opportunity to do more for us and the entire people of Delta state by voting massively for you in the coming gubernatorial election in March 9, 2019.”
Governor Okowa, who was ably represented by Chief (Dr.) Joseph Sisanmi Otumara, thanked Ndigbo for taking a bold step to support his second term bid.
Expressing his appreciation to Ndigbo, Chief Otumara said, “I thank you for holding this occasion to affirm the governor of delta state, His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as your sole candidate in the forthcoming 2019 gubernatorial election.”
Continuing, Chief Otumara, three-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, described the mammoth crowd of Ndigbo who graced the occasion as orderly, disciplined and loyal to the core, saying, “When I look at this mammoth crowd, well organised and disciplined, I see the kind of energy and enthusiasm that can move a mountain. I know that come 9th of March, mountains will be moved, walls will be cracked down and the walls of Jericho will finally fall.
“I am so pleased that Ndigbo are taking a firm stand to support governor Okowa and other candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming gubernatorial and stars assembly elections, even as the results of the first leg of the 2019 election had shown that Ohaneze Ndigbo are totally with us.”
Otumara hailed Ndigbo for mustering courage to come out in their number to make an assertive statement.
“I have been in the politics of this state for about 20 years plus, and I know when Ohaneze Ndigbo say yes, it is yes, and when they say, it is no.”
Otumara recalled that the support he got from Ndigbo in 1995 to coast to victory as Warri South Council Chairman was immeasurably overwhelming. He urged Ndigbo to vote en masse for governor Okowa and all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming gubernatorial and states assembly elections.
Bigwigs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including Executive Chairmen of Warri South, Uvwie and Sapele LGAs: Hon. Dr. Michael Tidi; Hon. Ramson Onoyake, Hon. Eugene Inoaghan; and other PDP stalwarts, Hon. Omimi Exquire, Comr. Hope George, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Okowa; and other dignitaries attended the occasion.
