Rev. (Prof.) Alex Akpodiete Atawa
In the buildup to the February 28 governorship election in Delta State, a former aspirant for House of Representatives and a member of Media/Publicity Committee of the State PDP Campaign Organization, Rev. (Prof.) Alex Akpodiete Atawa, has stated that Urhobos should vote for the PDP Governorship candidate, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
Rev. Atawa revealed that he was present at the Uviamughe declaration last year and while it was laudable, current events have overtaken it and Urhobos must watch where the pendulum is swinging. Our leaders must not lead us to battles that we could lose.
He also cautioned that Urhobo cannot afford to be in opposition again. According to him, “Urhobos cannot afford to be in the minority again. This is now another opportunity for the Urhobos to make a statement and carve out our niche or stake in the coming years of this administration as we prepare to take over from Delta North. We should ensure we actively participate in the upcoming election and vote en masse for the ruling PDP. Delta State is a PDP State and Nigeria is a PDP country at the national level.”
Asked about whether he is not afraid of backlash or sanction by Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), he replied, “as the son of the late Otota of Ughelli (Chief Barr. Ekuogbe Akpodiete), I was thought to respect my elders, but also to speak the truth even at personal peril. Besides I am not saying anything that is not in the mind of many Urhobos, especially those who are working already in the Okowa camp and the closet (secret) Okowa supporters. You will notice that UPU has not endorsed any candidate and we have just about five (5) weeks to the governorship election. We must tread cautiously but bravely”
The foremost public affairs analyst and ordained reverend, was present at both the PDP Campaign kick-off in Oghara, and all the campaign rallies to date. He added, “as you can see from the over fourteen (14) venues where the campaign train has stopped, Okowa has an appeal across all three Senatorial zones. His campaign is filled with Urhobos and all Deltans love him. His prosperity gospel for all Deltans has gained wide acceptance.”
He allayed the fears of his kinsmen by saying that Dr. Okowa is a friend of the Urhobos and will not marginalize Urhobos when he is sworn in on May 28, 2015.
