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Governor Okowa addressing Delta Central youths.

Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has entered into an agreement with the Urhobo for Delta Central Senatorial District to produce the next Governor in 2023 after his eight years tenure.

At a meeting of all the traditional rulers of Urhobo land held yesterday (13/02/19) at the Palace of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro, Governor Okowa and former Governor James Ibori stated that the people of Delta North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Anioma should complete two terms of eight years after which, the Urhobos will produce the next Governor in 2023 in line with the rotation principle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Governor Okowa is seeking re-election as Governor on the platform of the PDP.

“Our next Governor will come from Urhobo land after my tenure in the spirit of equity,” Governor Okowa said, asserting, “by the grace of God, I will support the course of the Urhobo land producing the next Governor after me because, God has made it possible that our leader, Chief James Ibori had eight years in office and our brother, Dr Uduaghan also had eight years in office as our Governor and by divine providence, I am the Governor and because of the roles you are playing as respected traditional rulers, the trend should continue.”

The Governor listed his achievements within the last four years and thanked the traditional rulers for contributing to the success story of his administration through advise and making of their kingdoms peaceful which has translated to a peaceful state, assuring that more projects would be executed in the next four years.

“I am glad that I have the cooperation of Your Royal Majesties; through you, I have the cooperation of your subjects and I want to say thank you; you have always believed in the peace of this state, you have always believed in equity which means you want us to succeed as a people; the level of cooperation has been very high and that has built the confidence of our people; for the unity of our state, we need the cooperation of all our Royal Fathers,” the governor stated.

Chief Ibori had said, “I am accompanying my Governor to pay this courtesy call and thank you visit to the traditional rulers of Urhobo land for allowing us to campaign round Urhobo land; the Urhobos support for Governor Okowa’s re-election should not be taken for granted, let us keep this commitment strongly; we have to support him strongly because, we will need the Anioma support for Urhobos to produce the Governor in the next four years, 2023.
“Let us support him (Governor Okowa) so that he can mobilise the Anioma people to support us in the next four years, this is important so that we can have a pact that will be actualized in the next four years.”
He observing that Governor Okowa has done very well by spreading dividends of democracy across the state and having genuine respect for the traditional rulers.
The traditional rulers prayed for the Governor, asking God to grant his request for the second term in office. They also, prayed for peaceful elections.

In a related development, the youth of Delta Central Senatorial District have endorsed Governor Okowa for second term citing equity, mutual respect and the need to sustain the tempo of development in the state.
At a meeting attended by selected youths from every electoral unit in Delta Central otherwise, known as the Urhobos of Delta State, the youths under the aegis of Delta Central Equity Group led by a renowned youth leader, Comrade Moriss Idionwa reiterated their commitment to a peaceful election and to resist any form of electoral malpractice.
The meeting took place at Ughelli, Ughelli North local government area of the state on Tuesday (12/02/19) with Governor Okowa and former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori in attendance.
According to Comrade Idionwa, “irrespective of political differences, no office is worth the blood of the other man, we as Urhobo youths, have resolved irrespective of party affiliations that Governor Okowa must continue till 2023.”
“It is in the public domain that there are plans to cause mayhem in the state so that they can postpone the elections in the state, but, the Urhobos youths will not be involved in any violence, we have mobilised every youth and sensitized them in every unit to be watchful, avoid any violence, vote for Governor Okowa and ensure that the will of the people prevails,” he said, emphasising, “no youth in Delta Central will support violence, we have agreed that Governor Okowa is the answer, he has done well and equity demands that he completes his two terms.”
He continued, “we are to ensure that in every unit, there will be peaceful, free and fair elections; no matter the situation, Governor Okowa re-election will be the most peaceful election in the history of Delta State.”
Chief Ibori at the occasion, spoke extensively in Urhobo language, stating that in the true spirit of oneness, Governor Okowa deserves to complete two terms as has been experienced by previous Governors of the state who were elected based on the principles of rotation of political offices.
“I must commend Urhobo youths supporting unity and peace; we will not be provoked, we will use our PVC to speak for us and as you (members of the Equity Group) rightly said, you are supporting Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the second term and that is very good,” the former Governor said.
Governor Okowa at the meeting observed that his endorsement by the Urhobo youths was a clear indication that the youths were aware of the need to continuously cement the bond of unity in the state, asserting, “Delta Equity Group knows what is right, with equity, fairness and carrying everyone along in the scheme of things, the state will make progress.”
“We will not allow anyone to use us to course trouble before, during and after the elections and I appreciate you for resolving that I am your candidate for the Governorship position; though we will be peaceful, we will not allow anybody to come out and alter the results,” Governor Okowa said, adding, “we will not disappoint you, we will increase the tempo of development in the state and we all shall celebrate after the elections.”
“Anyone who arms the youths to kill each other is not a good person and such a person should be avoided,” Governor Okowa cautioned