ASABA/Nigeria: In a resounding declaration, the former Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and the Udu of Isoko Nation, Bashorun Askia Ogieh JP, has characterized the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, revalidating the mandate of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as Governor of Delta State, not merely as a triumph for the individual and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but predominantly for the entire populace of Delta State.
In an official congratulatory statement addressed to Governor Oborevwori, Bashorun Askia emphasized that the apex court’s decision brings relief and assurance to the people of Delta State, signaling the continuity of Oborevwori’s commendable efforts towards the state’s development, a trajectory witnessed since he assumed office.
Accompanying Governor Oborevwori to a thanksgiving ceremony at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, Bashorun Askia, alongside top government officials, PDP leaders, supporters, and various distinguished Deltans, expressed his conviction that Governor Oborevwori’s mandate was divinely inspired.
The statement issued by Bashorun Askia reads, “I congratulate His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, on this historic victory. Winning all the 38 cases instituted against him over the election shows that his mandate is ordained by God who also has enabled him to run through troops and scale high walls.
“We never fainted in our faith that, though the enemies may come like a flood, the Almighty God will raise a standard against them in defence of His own. This He has done, and we return all the glory to Him.”
Highlighting the unwavering conviction in Governor Oborevwori’s leadership from the onset of the electoral process, Bashorun Askia praised the people’s overwhelming support for Oborevwori and the PDP at the polls, a sentiment consistently upheld by the Tribunal and courts at all levels.
Bashorun Askia commended the judiciary for its role in upholding truth and justice, noting that Governor Oborevwori’s excellence in policy formulation and execution, despite distractions, signifies a commitment to development, focus, and capacity to deliver.
His statement continued, “His victory is, therefore, a victory for the people; otherwise, the pace of development, peace, security, and advancement we are witnessing under his administration would not only have been truncated but retarded.
“I also congratulate the entire membership and leadership of the PDP for holding together while the processes lasted, especially our father, the immediate past Governor, His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who led always from the front and with calm inspiration.”
