The Ijaw traditional rulers in Delta state have stated that there is nothing like power rotation or zoning agreement regarding gubernatorial election in the state as whenever the time for an election arises, politicians from all divides, contest and participate in the exercise.
The Ijaw monarchs made their reservations known on Tuesday when they paid a visit to the palace of the Ohworode of Olomu kingdom, HRM, Dr. Ovie R. L. Ogbon 1, Ogoni -Oghoro 1, in Ughelli South Local Government Area as they solicited the support of the Urhobo monarchs to support a candidate of an Ijaw extraction during the 2023 gubernatorial election as the Ohworode of Olomu kingdom was also flanked by other traditional rulers from Urhobo.
Speaking on the occasion on behalf of the Ijaw monarchs, the chairman of Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, Delta State, HRM Elder (Capt) King Joseph Timiyan JP, stated that nobody should ring the bell of zoning or power rotation as some illustrious sons and politicians of Ijaw will be contesting for the position of governor of Delta State.
The Ijaw monarchs were of the view that there was never a time in the history of the state that only political candidates from a particular senatorial district in the state contested the gubernatorial election stressing that it is the constitutional right of every citizen to vie for any political position in the country.
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The Ijaw monarchs also stated that both the Ijaws and the Urhobos have always been at peace with themselves and there is a need for them to co-operate come 2023 and support an Ijaw candidate for governor.
Responding, the Ovie of Agbon kingdom, HRM Mike Omeru Ogurimerime, Ukori 1, who spoke on behalf of the Urhobo monarchs stated that the monarchs have heard the wishes of the Ijaw monarchs, however, the Urhobo monarchs will still put everything “into consideration” as there are also candidates of Urhobo extraction nursing gubernatorial ambitions.
In his remarks, the Ohworode of Olomu kingdom, HRM, Dr. Ovie R. L. Ogbon 1, called for intensive prayers as Deltans prepare for the polls in 2023.
By Loveth Ojogun & Enaibo Asiayei
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