Tejiri Ebikeme/Francis Sadhere
Former Education Minister, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi has said that he has all it takes to turn around the fortunes of Delta State, just as he vowed to give jobs to all Deltans if elected into office as Governor come 2015.
The Delta State born industrialist stated this today in an exclusive interview with National Reformer in his office at Golden Tulip Hotel, Effurun, Delta state.
Olorogun Gbagi stressed that as a Stakeholder in the state, and as somebody who has employed so hundreds of Deltans with his investment spread all over the state, there was no doubt that he has all it takes to make the State the envy of all.
The former minister called on Deltans to ‘shine their eyes’ and not allow people of questionable character to rule them, saying that 2015 was another opportunity for them to avoid their past mistakes and do the right thing.
He opined that Delta had reached a state of quagmire whereby people should open their eyes to avoid deceit, urging the Urhobos to be wise in their selection of leaders.
Olorogun Gbagi said; “It is high time Deltans refused to allow those who are seeking for quick wealth to rule them. I have all it takes to take this state to an enviable height. Who are the players showing their heads today? What is their stake in the state? Urhobos should be wise because there is a political game plan going on in the air.”
He queried the rationale behind the zoning system being orchestrated by some people in the state, emphasizing that the system only encourages mediocrity as “no sane man would leave the affairs of his investment in hand of a quack and so we must do away with power rotation and allow the best Deltan to rule the state.”
Olorogun Gbagi noted that there was nowhere in the world where the system of zoning was being practiced, adding that only the best hand should be allowed to run the affairs of any state.
He commended the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for acknowledging to the whole world that he (Gbagi) was the best citizen in Delta considering his level of investment in the state.
“People should not be criticizing Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. Uduaghan has done what he is capable of doing for the state. He cannot do everything. So let the people also allow me to do what I should do to move the state forward as I am prepared to transform Delta into a Europe. We must move the state to the next level. Delta should be allowed to take it pride of place in this country. I believe I can transform Delta State to one of the best cities in the world and we will be the envy of the world,” he said.
Speaking on his chances at the 2015 election, Olorogun Gbagi said that his chances were bright and urged Deltans to give him the chance to rule them in 2015 and should not allow themselves to be deceived.
He said he was the most serious politician in Delta State despite what many people were saying about him, adding that he is the most visible Deltan because his investments in the state speaks volume for him.
He said; “I am the most visible Deltan you can ever see. I am the first black man to rise as an astute member of Rotary Club in the world and known for donating in cash, 250,000 dollars to help alleviate poverty in Delta State with specific instructions to educate Deltans.”
Commenting on his problem with the Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Amos Utuama, Olorogun Gbagi told National Reformer that he had no problem with the Deputy Governor, adding that his only crime was that he was always saying the truth.
He said Utuama was his brother and nobody knew the deputy governor like he does since both of them had lived in the same house before.
He added that without being disrespectful, he stands by all he had said about Prof. Utuama, noting that he will continue to say and stand by the truth.
On his investment drive back home, Olorogun, Gbagi said that he was driven by the passion to help his people back home, adding that his aim was to employ more Deltans in his private capacity and to set the pace for others to follow.
On his former hotel, Woodridge Hotel, located opposite Golden Tulip Hotel, Olorogun Gbagi disclosed that he had donated the building to education and that works were ongoing to put a befitting institute in the place.
On the high tension wires hovering around the building, Olorogun Gbagi said that there was no cause for alarm as all necessary safety measures had been put in place to avert any unwanted occurrence even before the wires were put in place.
On the issue of unemployment in the state, Olorogun Gbagi advised government to allow the right drivers to take charge of affairs in all the different sectors of the economy.
I challenge kenneth gbagi to do a dna test with the son he had with late eme inyang.He can’t even make things right in his home and he wants to govern delta state shame to him.