A critical analysis of Great Ogboru’s undying resolve to govern Delta state
By GbaramatuVoice Editorial Board
Recently, precisely on the 18th of December, 2022, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Great Ogboru, while unveiling his manifesto tagged “Jubilee Agenda” in Asaba, vowed to defeat the candidates of Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress to win the 2023 governorship election in the state.
Ogboru, who is contesting the governorship seat for the seventh time, criticized Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for allegedly misusing the huge allocation that the state received adding that the reality in the state was not commensurate with the fund received. “This is my time to be Governor of Delta State and set the state free from bondage.”
He said, “We know that something is wrong in Delta State, but with the jubilee agenda, it will be a thing of the past. Over the years, we campaigned for equal opportunity for all local governments in the state.’’
Looking at the number of attempts so far made to govern the state beginning from 1999, it will not be wrong if GbaramatuVoice describes Ogboru as a perennial contender.
The newspaper based the above argument on the fact that Ogboru has within the period (1999 till date) ‘gallivanted’ and hobnobbed with the follwing political parties; Alliance for Democracy (AD), Labour Party (LP), All Progressive Congress (APC) before finally berthing at All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Indeed, while many may have gotten tired of his regular appearance at every poll, GbaramatuVoice on its part salutes Ogboru’s courage and burning desire to govern the state.
ALSO READ: Warri/Effurun Water Scheme: The biggest wastage in the history of Delta state
From his consistency and insistence, it will not be characterized as hasty to conclude that Chief Ogboru may have something positive to offer the state if given opportunity. Who knows. he may assist Delta state come out of its current leadership challenge.
The above opinion expressed by the newspaper is anchored on the following particulars.
First is Chief Ogboru’s revelation that if elected, he will be committed to the principle behind the Sustainable Development Goals, which says that no one should be left behind in the scheme of development.
Second and very key was his declaration that APGA’s seven-point jubilee programme will focuses on reforms and development in education, housing, agriculture, environment, and youth development.
However, beyond this hopeful signs, GbaramatuVoice is filled with appreciable apprehension as to how Ogboru hopes to achieve some of these objectives when elected as they appear not only bogus but unrealistic.
A very good example of such fear is signposted in Ogboru’s recent statement during the unveiling of his campaign council that under his administration, N200m would be given to each of the 25 local government areas in the state every month, adding that, It is envisaged that over the four years of his administration, this will translate to direct infrastructural development of about N600m in about 125 communities.
The above comment credited to Chief Ogboru elicits the following question: How can Ogboru be talking about N200m disbursement to Local Government Areas when he is not yet in government to figure out amounts accrual to the state/LGAs as monthly Federal Allocation (FAAC)? Is that not an unguarded political comment which has become the hallmark of political office seekers in the country?
Why should Ogboru be the one to disburse funds to Local Government Areas when there is an existing law that makes it mandatory that local government allocations has nothing to do with the state Governor as it must go straight to its rightful owner (LGAs)? Or is Ogboru planning to take the state back to the Dark Age where the state Governor hijack funds meant for LGAs and dispenses same at will?
As the state braces up for the 2023 governorship election in the state, there are in GbarammatuVoice opinion three (3) major albatrosses standing between Chief Great Ogboru and the Government House, Asaba.
The first has to do with funding of his campaign. Ogboru has stated above has been in this business (politics) for 22 years. And this particular fact has dealt a great blow on his finance, so the newspaper’s concern is: Where is it going to get the funds to match both PDP and APC financial strength?
The second has to do with his business track-records. Going by available information at public domain, it is evident that majority of Ogboru’s businesses have gone underground. It therefore rings apprehension as to how he plans to manage the state’s delicate and larger economy, when he cannot manage his private and small business.
Thirdly and very fundamental is the scar that flows from his alleged inglorious role in the 1990 Gideon Okar led aborted coup-de-tat.
As the newspaper watches, the decision to as who becomes the next governor of Delta state depends largely on Deltans.
For publication of your news content, articles, live event coverage, photos, videos or any other news worthy materials on GbaramatuVoice and to place advert, please call or WhatsApp +2348143459986 or Email: gbaramatuvoice@gmail.com
Support Quality Journalism in the Niger Delta Region
Join us in our mission to bring development journalism, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness to the forefront. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. Donate today and be a part of the change!
