…It’s a blessing to see Nigerians gather in unison for a common purpose – Izoukumor

By Shina Badmus

Non-indigenes residing in Warri, Delta state, have pledged their commitment to support the re-election bid of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, in the 2019 governorship election, citing the existence of peace and an enabling environment for business as reasons.

The pledge was made earlier this week at a non-indigenes rally convened in Warri by the Commissioner, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Favour Izoukumor’s political group, ‘Team Favour Izuokumor for Okowa/Otuaro 2019’ with the aim of ensuring the return of governor Okowa and his deputy, Otuaro back to Government House.

The leaders of the various ethnic groups Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Edos living in the city of Warri and environs poured out their support for the governor and his deputy, pointing out that their stay in Delta state has been very pleasant as the governor has created an enabling environment for business, security and progress.

According to the Yoruba group leader, Shola Omoseyin: “It is amazing bringing all the non-indigenes living in Warri; such a thing has never happened before. We the Yorubas in Warri believe in Okowa/Otuaro’s government, and to that end we will all unite and ensure that the mandate of this present government continues by ensuring that the governor and his deputy return for second term because our stay in Delta state has been very profitable for us.”

In the same vein, the leader of Igbo ethnic group, Mr. Anthony Nnajiuba, said, “the Igbos in Delta state have been progressing; not only the Igbos but other tribes. Since the inception of Governor Okowa Delta state has experienced no crises but has been a peaceful state. So our converging here is to show our support for the return of the governor and his deputy.”

On their part, the Hausa ethnic group, led by Alhaji Mohammed Bella (Saraki Hausawa), said, “we have been on this political movement for a very long time working with the PDP and yet we will remain as PDP. We came up with this movement inspired by our principal Favour Izuokumor, to show our appreciation as we have been secured because things that happen in other states do not happen to us here in Warri. We are showing our appreciation that we will vote for him to return come 2019.”

Addressing the large gathering the convener, Chief Izoukumor, said Governor Okowa and his deputy, Otuaro, has performed beyond reasonable doubt and credibly well that all the 25 local governments in Delta state have felt the tangible effect of his performance, hence they should support his reelection bid.

“It is against this background that I want to commend the leaders of the various ethnic groups, who have taken the bull by the horn. It is good to see that you have shunned political and other sentiments to queue behind a man who represent a genuine cause. This is how politics should be; we must learn to support leaders who are excelling in the task bestowed by their offices on them.

The commissioner further said that the Delta state governor, His Excellency, Governor Okowa has earned the praises of the various leaders who spoke at the rally because his footprints of development are visible in every parts of the state.

“Your initiative is even more remarkable because I see and trust what your leader said that this is not borne out of personal gratification but the need to move the state forward and consolidate on what our amiable ‘SMART” governor, His Excellency, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and his humble and hardworking deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro have achieved in the past three and half years.”