Deltans clamour for Ifeanyi Okowa
It is no longer news that in Delta state, several aspirants were upbeat about their chances to succeed Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, the Executive governor of the oil rich state whose tenure is at its last lap. Amongst the array of eminently qualified aspirants is the front runner, whom Deltans across the senatorial districts believe can consolidate on the achievements of the outgoing governor.
National WAVES gathered from Deltans from all works of life (artisans, civil servants, farmers, traders, businessmen, students, market women etc.) that Senator Ifeanyi Okowal is the choice of majority of Deltans irrespective of tribe and party affiliation and this was evident in the landslide victory he recorded at the last Delta State governorship primary elections. Below is the response of Deltans who spoke with National WAVES on the clamour for Ifeanyi Okowa as the only credible choice to succeed Governor Uduaghan.
Mr. Sylvester Agholor, a transporter from Boji Boji Agbor said Ifeanyi Okowa will make a better governor because of his long years of experience as a politician who has held sensitive political positions . According to him, Okowa is
the only aspirant among the lot who can relate well with both the rich and the poor and he is loved by his people because of his unassuming disposition.
Ovie Eyetan, a businessman from Abraka, stated that, “ as an Urhobo man, I will not only cast my vote for Ifeanyi Okowa , I will mobilise my people to vote for him because from what I have heard of him, he is the most qualified to take over the helm of affairs from Uduaghan. He will be able to sustain and consolidate on the achievements of Uduaghan especially the project of Delta Beyond Oil of the outgoing governor”. Mene Samuel, an indigene of Koko and youth leader, maintained that it is either Ifeanyi Okowa or no other person. “From what I have heard of the man, my brother, I will plead with the other aspirants to support Ifeanyi Okowa because he is the man whom the cap fits and after that, they should see what we the admirers and those who love the development of our dear state can do to ensure the total victory of the gentleman”.
Madam Melekwe Oruebor, a farmer and an indigene of Ika, she said though she doesn’t know Ifeanyi Okowa and she has never met him but for the mere fact that he is from Delta North endeared him to her, she however noted that she never liked politics but because of Okowa, she will vote on the governorship election day for Okowa.
Mrs. Tete Roselyn resides in Asaba and she is a trader. She said she is a PDP member and that majority of the party members voted for Okowa and because she is loyal party member she will not only vote for Okowa, but will mobilise other women to do same in order to build on the achievements of the outgoing governor who has laid a precedent for whoever is to succeed him to follow.
Agbamu Zion, a student hails from Abraka. He said the mere mention of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa means success. While appealing to Deltans, especially the PDP delegates, to do the needful by ensuring that Okowa wins the party primaries, stressed that as for him and his household, Okowa is our choice. He maintained that though there are other qualified politicians for the position but since Okowa had served as a commissioner and understands the bureaucracy, he will be able to develop the state. “what Delta needs at the moment is the qualities that Okowa has. He has served in virtually all the sensitive ministries in Delta and the combination of his experience as a bureaucrat with politics makes him stand tall among the other aspirants. Therefore I will advice Deltans to vote for Okowa who is not only credible but have a transparent pedigree”.
Ekibor Lucky a graduate and an indigene of Agbor, said though it is the turn of his senatorial district but the fact remains that of all the aspirant jostling for the Delta government house, Okowa stands tall because of his antecedents and gentle mien. He is accessible and relates freely with both the rich and the poor.
Chuks Ekoma, an estate agent based in Asaba, in his assessment of the governorship hopeful, stated, “I like the man and so long as almost all the people I know said he is the best material for the exalted office, so be it”.
Osiogbu Oka, a community leader, who resides in Onitsha Ugbo, said as for him and his people, it is Ifeanyi Okowa whom he described as an astute gentleman and a grass root person who believes in the development of his state. He stressed that he had opportunity to relate with him while he a commissioner during which he was able to notice the zeal and leadership qualities..
Chief Imoniuwerha David, who is also a community leader in Abraka, maintained that irrespective of the fact that he is a PDP leader, Okowa is his choice for governor. While enjoining all Deltans not to look elsewhere, the outspoken community leader who is a farmer and businessman, said Okowa has no blemish in his record and it is such people that Deltans need to consolidate on the good works of the outgoing governor.
James Augustine, a welder believes that the popularity of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has endeared him to all and that he is only waiting for the man to commence full campaign.
Eyetan Pius, is a farmer from Abraka, who said that he has never met Okowa but only heard about his exploits while he was in the civil service, assuring that whichever party that picks him as their flag bearer, he is sure the man will win.
John Azuka, a spare parts seller, “I don’t really know him but if he comes out with good programmes, I will vote for him”.
Eze Ifeanyichukwu, a student said he is a PDP member and that alone will make him vote for whoever the party fields but with the general clamour for Ifeanyi Okowa, he will be more than willing to vote for him. He said further that he is looking forward to meeting the PDP governorship candidate so as to assess him based on what Deltans are saying about him.
Madam Nwokoro Eunice, just said because Okowa is from Delta North, she will vote for him. When she was told that there are other Delta North aspirants in the race, Madam Nwokoro insisted that he is the only non controversial amongst them.
Chukwuyem Omorowa, on his part, said Delta state needs somebody with sound leadership qualities to build on the achievements recorded by the outgoing administration and since the popular wish of the electorates is Ifeanyi Okowa, then we will have no option than to vote massively for him. And above that, it is a known fact that Delta is a PDP state. Therefore, whoever the party picks will takeover from our outgoing governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Chiemaka Sunday, is a mechanic who has spent almost all his life in Asaba, he believes that with the coming on stage of Ifeanyi Okowa, Deltans are in for the best of times. He observed that the aspirant he wish to vote for is Senator Okowa but the fact that Okowa has been a former secretary and presently a serving senator.
Ojukwu Juliet, “I like the man, and our people said he is the man whom we need so I will vote for him and his party”.
Akaba Theresa, a trader believes the best among the aspirants should be allowed to succeed Uduaghan. And as long as the delegates vote for Ifeanyi Okowa, then we have to fall in line.
Umukoro Christiana, “Okowa is our man and our choice”.
Jonathan Elvis Onos, is an estate agent, who assured National WAVES of the level of acceptance Ifeanyi Okowa has with the grassroot, he said he has never contemplated voting for any other person all his life and with the victory of Okowa, all that has changed. “I have never in my life thought of voting for any person but when a client of mine introduced the name Okowa highlighting all the qualities of the man, I felt I should give it a try. So I have made up my mind to vote for the man and I just hope he will not make me regret why I changed my decision”.
Eledu Matilda, “we are all going to vote for Ifeanyi Okowa as directed by our people. He is a good man and good people are difficult to get”
Thomas Alice, “he is the choice of every Deltan whether Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ika, etc.”
Agwaze Friday, “we have done or carried out private investigation about virtually all the aspirants jostling to succeed Gov. Uduaghan and our findings as the chairman of my youth association is that Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is the only one singled out of the governorship aspirants as the man without dubious record. He has continuously served the state without a dent. Therefore, we have resolved to work for him as from now and when he becomes the PDP flag bearer”.
Ogheneochuko Amos, “I just registered as a voter in the recent registration exercise because I want to vote for Ifeanyi Okowa”. I am an Urhobo man but equity demands that because we have different zones in the state and the party he belongs zeroed it to his zone, hence I will vote for him. I am 20 years old and I understand the man, Okowa has programme for youths in the state. I don’t want to be left out, so I will add to the very many voices that are clamouring for Okowa to be governor.
