By Francis Sadhere
Following his declaration by Appeal Court in Benin as the winner of the last Delta central senatorial election, Obaisi (Barrister) Ovie Omo-Agege, yesterday expressed gratitude to all those who stood by him when his legal battle lasted
In a press release personally signed by him, he hailed the judgement of the Appeal court that sacked chief Ighoyota Amori from the senate and declared him the winner.
“Deltans from all across the central senatorial district came out and voted overwhelmingly for me and the Labour Party in the last general election to be their senator. That mandate was stolen from us. I promised then to do everything I can to recover your mandate. In the past nine months we have battled in the courts to do just that. And today that mandate that was freely given to me by the people of Delta Central has finally been recovered,” he wrote.
According to him, “There were those who said why waste your money, time and energy at the tribunal. Some said “you have been rigged out, accept it and move on”. Others said “the mountain is too high, you can’t make it”. But I refused to give up nor quit because we know from the Bible that faith can move mountains. Today, my very good people of Delta Central, we have proved that.”
This evening, the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin recognised that the votes of the people matter and must count. In doing so, it affirmed the right of the people to choose their leaders as enshrined in our constitution. This decision will no doubt give hope to our people who often have been denied the fruits of their labour.
For those who were knocked down, harassed, beaten, tear-gassed and intimidated during the election by those who wanted to impose themselves on us, but never gave up, this victory is yours. You never gave up on me. Thank God our collective efforts have now been rewarded. I cannot express my gratitude enough to God for this victory. I owe all that I am today to thee and to God be the glory. NA GOD WIN!” he said.
He also wrote thus, “While we are celebrating tonight, I would like to acknowledge the sacrifices made by our supporters during the campaign and election. In particular, I salute the courage and determination of Tuwere Edjeba, Ambrose Ogo, Elvis Orhorhoro, Destiny Oghenevo, Joshua Igbe and ten other youths who were beaten and chased from their homes in Okpara for over a week. The doors of their homes were knocked down and yet, like many others they did not give up hope.”
“My special thanks go to Olorogun Great Ogboru, the leader of our party who has spent his whole life dedicated to realizing the promise of a free society. He’s been my inspiration throughout this journey. I am so grateful to have his support. My special thanks to my outstanding legal team ably led by Barr. Robert E. Emukpoeruo, my de facto SAN for their outstanding performance.
I want to especially thank the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and the Urhobo people for standing by us every step of the way. I also want to thank the Anglican Bishop of Ughelli, Dr. Odetemu, the Anglican Bishop of Sapele, Dr. Erifeta, my Parish Priest, Rev. Father Dr. Ogheneovo for their spiritual guidance and prayers.”
“Let me also thank all members of the Labour Party, my campaign team and the people of Delta Central for their unflinching support. We could not have achieved this victory but for your belief in me. I am thrilled by your support and hard work, without which this victory we celebrate today would not have been possible. You made the difference and it is gratifying to know that our hard work has been rewarded with justice.
You have given me a great gift for Christmas and a wonderful opportunity to serve you in Abuja in the new year and beyond. And as I go to the Senate, I will take with me your concerns, hopes and aspirations. I promise that your voice will be heard in the hallowed chambers of the Nigerian Senate. I will take to the Senate the great need to place the Urhobo nation on the pedestal it deserves that will become visible at the national stage. Urhobo will be in the mainstream of Nigerian politics and I will partner with President Muhamadu Buhari to make Nigeria a nation that is finally harnessing its limitless potentials,”he wrote further.
He added that “We were up against formidable forces, but with faith and hard work we have conquered. And my message to all progressives in Delta state is that change is possible if we set our minds to it, unite and work hard. Let this victory be an inspiration to all those who seek change in our dear state to step up and join forces, and get involved in this struggle to free Delta State. The challenge ahead is enormous but together we will overcome every obstacle that comes our way.”
“We still have a lot to do in this onerous task. This victory is just the beginning because we cannot realise our potentials if only Delta Central is liberated. The people of Delta Central have taken the lead in this struggle at a huge cost. We are not deterred. But we can’t do it alone. It is my hope that all of our brothers and sisters in the North and South will join hands with the people of Delta Central whose voices have been heard today. When the opposition is united irrespective of where we come from or the language we speak, we will prevail. And together we will remake Delta state and make the kind of progress the state deserves. It’s time for Change.”
