Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has urged the Urhobo of Delta Central senatorial district to shelve the idea of seeking to govern the state now and allow Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, by extension Delta North senatorial district, to complete a second term bid and wait for 2023, when it would be their turn.
According to the state leader of the People Democratic Party (PDP), who spoke at Okowa’s campaign rally at Owa-Oyibu in Ika North East Council, said: “Watching from afar, after the flag-off of the governorship campaign at Oghara, I am here to thank the people of Ika nation, because Anioma supported my victorious bids to govern the state for two terms.
“I felt that having launched the campaign in my Oghara community and rounding it off here, I decided that I should be here. Even if the plate is yours, you will still have to wash it before usage. You have always supported PDP, this time, I urge you to do it tenfold, to make a statement, because our governor has done well and I am personally proud of him.”
Ibori recalled an instance to buttress his points thus: “When Okowa was commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, one of our leaders confided in me then that Okowa has sunk boreholes in almost every community across the state. He knows the terrain and knows how to spread dividends across the state.”
He further expressed appreciation to party members who contested but failed to make it, urging them to persevere and eschew any form of ill-feelings and work for the party’s victory by learning from Okowa, who made it after three attempts.
“I want to reiterate that I am an Urhobo man and I speak on behalf of the good people of Delta Central, that we will speak on March 2. We have done it before and we will do it again. The Urhobo of Delta Central will work for your second term, because one good turn deserves another. This is the turn of Anioma.
“All qualified Urhobo should step aside, let us give equity and unity the chance. Our people should begin to warm up for 2023,” he posited.
Okowa, on his part, expressed joy over the massive turnout of supporters and party faithful at the rally, saying: “I’m impressed and proud of you all. It is clear, from this massive turnout, anyone is talking about another party is a joker.
“Ensure that after here, get across to those who are yet to comply, bring them back to the fold. And please, remember that after voting for PDP on Election Day, stay behind to protect your votes and follow them to the collation centre.”
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