Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) congratulating, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, as the Newly Sworn-in Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, in Government Asaba. PIX; JIBUNOR SAMUEL.
ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has called on Journalists to partner with his administration by ensuring factual reportage of his programmes, as he had said that the second tenure of his administration will be very busy.
Governor Okowa made the call today, June 6, 2019, during an “appreciation meeting” with Journalists and swearing of the Senior Political Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon.
According to the governor, “I must thank Deltans in general and thank you (Journalists) for reporting our activities; at every point in time, before, during and after the campaigns, you were with us, even some of you who were afraid of water, were with us in the creeks.”
“I appreciate the roles Journalists are playing in my government; we are partners in progress and that partnership should continue; ensure accurate reporting, if there is any issue that requires clarification, you can reach me, the Chief Press Secretary or any of the political appointees because, we have an open-door policy where all Journalists, every Deltan has the right to be contributors to good governance; as much as possible, I will be frank with our people,” Governor Okowa said.
From right; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Chairman, Delta State Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Comrade Mike Ikeogwu and South-South Vice Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Comrade Eddy Ogwude, during the 2019 Media Appreciation Meeting, in Government House Asaba. PIX; JIBUNOR SAMUEL.
He continued, “From our visits, it was obvious that our people in the creeks need a lot of government attention which will make them happy and we are determined as a government to provide infrastructure in the area for our people who are in those areas to be comfortable.”
Governor Okowa stated that while his administration did so much in the area of road construction, building of schools, skill acquisition and empowerment for Deltans in line with the prosperity agenda of his administration, in the next four years, more projects would be executed for a stronger Delta State to be achieved.
He disclosed that the SMART agenda is the conveyor belt for a stronger Delta, assuring that such projects like the Central Secretariat, Ughelli/Asaba dual carriage way, storm drainage projects and numerous others would be completed as his desire is for those life-changing programmes to be completed while new ones that will also be initiated will be completed before the end of his tenure in 2023.
Governor Okowa who was impressed by the large turnout of Journalists for the meeting also, stated that the Oil and Gas Park, Agro-Industrial Park, among others would also, come on stream within his second tenure while spirited efforts are being made for the Asaba International Airport to attain its full potentials.
He also used, the opportunity to call for appropriate measures to be taken to check population surge in the country, observing that it portends danger for the nation for the population to be growing at a very high rate while the economy is very slow in its growth.
Journalists who spoke at the occasion including National Vice President, South – South of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Edward Ogude, Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu and others commended Governor Okowa’s administration for its media-friendly posture, assuring that they will continue to ensure credible reportage of his administration’s activities.
At a different event, during the inauguration of Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon as his Senior Political Adviser, the governor gave preview of what his second term will be, as his administration is determined to build a stronger state.
“This second tenure promises to be quite busy; every appointment that we make is a call to serve for us to deliver on our mandate for a stronger Delta State,” Governor Okowa said at the inauguration ceremony which took place at the Government House, Asaba and witnessed by wife of the Governor, Dame Edith, former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, among others.
Governor Okowa described Rt. Hon. Solomon as “a man of great candour, courage and character who has been well prepared for the office of the Senior Political Adviser and I urge him to put his political views on hold in order to be able to analyse every situation dispassionately and proffer workable solutions; fairness, equity and justice must guide all your utterances, decisions and actions.”
He continued, “as a political leader of repute, I expect you (Rt. Hon. Solomon) to know that politicians can be quite vexatious; but, you should be able to rise above petty sentiments, even in the face of obvious provocation; you must be above board and, at all times, demonstrate maturity, patience and calmness in dealing with the political class; it is a tough call but, I have full confidence in your ability to navigate the tempestuous political terrain, and help us achieve our vision of a Stronger Delta”
The governor congratulated Rt. Hon. Solomon on his appointment and expressed confidence that he will succeed in his new assignment.
Rt. Hon. Solomon who was the Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Organisation in 2019, in his response, thanked Governor Okowa for finding him fit to be the Senior Political Adviser, assuring that he will carry out his functions diligently to the glory of God, and satisfaction of Deltans.
