…Urges Political Lobby Groups Not To Disenfranchise Aspirants Yet To Declare Interest.
Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has been commended for the high standard and timely completion of the new masterclass State Secretariat named after the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien.
The group, Coalition for Media Politics, CMP, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, made the commendation at its November 2021 monthly meeting held in Asaba on Tuesday, saying that when commissioned the magnificent edifice designed to accommodate all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, will save government’s huge sums of money on rents and leases.
Chairman of CMP, Chief Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, JP, said the visionary leadership of governor Okowa, had greatly impacted lives of citizens in the state, adding that the various result oriented skills acquisition and empowerment programmes has so far raised over 180,000 bread winners and entrepreneurs from acute poverty; youth, women and girls within six years across the three senatorial districts.
The Coalition also noted that the Capital City of Asaba had experienced substantial face lift as can be seen from solid infrastructure development that truly befits a state capital.
“CMP is proud of governor Okowa’s good governance strides, especially the near completion of the multi billion Naira, masterclass state Secretariat due for commissioning any moment from now.
“The state capital requires huge infrastructure development to give it the needed face lift and it is heartwarming that the governor did not disappoint Deltans in this regard. It is hoped that his successor will improve on the achievements of this administration.
“We urged the governor to do everything and anything within his powers and in consultation with leaders in the state, to field a credible governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, devoid of itching fingers, through a transparent and credible party primaries in 2022.”
Oghenesivbe, who is the Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on Communications, disclosed that CMP also deliberated on the forthcoming party primaries and resolved that the group will support and project any aspirant or candidate anointed by Okowa, in conjunction with other party leaders and political structures within the PDP family.
And on the ongoing screening and pruning down of governorship aspirants by some political lobby groups in the state, CMP urged them to consider the legal and constitutional implications of locking out credible and eligible aspirants that may declare interest to run after final pruning to one aspirant before party primaries.
“Political Lobby Groups must of a necessity go about their intentions without infringing on the fundamental rights of eligible and qualified aspirants, because issues of illegalities may be raised, which may in turn render the exercise counter productive, null and void.
“CMP commended Okowa for the establishment of multifaceted poverty eradication, wealth and job creation programmes, which at the last count empowered over 180,000 youth, women and Girls in the state. The skills acquisition programmes; YAGEP, STEP, RYSA, PROJECT GEST, and Women Empowerment programmes are operating in appreciable capacities, accomplishing the Stronger Delta and Prosperity for All Deltans agendas.
“CMP reechoed her total support for Okowa Political Philosophy, and will project and propagate the visions of any aspirant or candidate the governor considers to be a good head to succeed him.
“We do not need any individual with itching fingers or a very clever fellow in the act of stealing and moving public funds. Deltans do not need any individual with that kind of experience. Okowa must of a necessity give Deltans a God fearing, prudent and very friendly successor with unquestionable integrity, in 2023.
“The ongoing screening and pruning down of governorship aspirants should be done with caution, so as not to disenfranchise other qualified and eligible aspirants that may declare interest after the conclusion of the exercise by political lobby groups in the state.
“To lock out qualified and eligible aspirants after the pruning exercise may provoke series of legal battles and constitutional issues under the Fundamental Rights of Citizens. Such development may render the exercise null and void, and counter productive,” CMP said.
