OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO 21/03/19
A Warri based Urhobo born businessman and community leader, Mr. Lucky Ejenavwo has raised serious concern over what he described as dwindling political fortunes of the Urhobo ethnic nation just as he warned that Urhobos may lose relevance in the political calculation in Delta State with emphasis on determining who becomes Governor of the state.
Mr. Ejenavwo disclosed this in a statement made available to the Urhobo Voice in Warri saying that with what transpired in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Delta State, one would be far from the truth to say that the current crops of Urhobo politicians now are allegedly not concerned about the integrity and interest of Urhobo nation rather they are only concerned about their selfish interest.
He further disclosed that from the results of the last elections, it was becoming clearer that Urhobo votes may not be needed to win the gubernatorial seat in Delta State, adding that the result from Warri South-West Local Government Area, outnumbered the result from four Urhobo Local Governments, a situation he says should be critically looked into just as he charged concerned Urhobos to critically examine before they embark on self imposed political exile.
According to Mr. Ejenavwo, “let me take you down memory lane. Before the creation of Delta State, Urhobo nation votes has always been the highest in the then Delta Province when we were under the then Western Region, Midwest Region. Our past Urhobo politicians-the likes of Marierie, Mukoro Mowoe and others set the foundation for future Urhobo generations to build upon. But what Urhobo politicians are doing now is to destroy the foundation while politicians from northern and western regions are building on the foundations of past politicians. What a shame to our present politicians.”
The community leader said that as it is now putting into perspective the just concluded general elections, it clear that Urhobos are no longer in majority in Delta State, adding, “from the 2019 elections, Urhobo nation that has been the majority in the state could not reflect that majority status. If you see the result from Warri South-West for instance, it covers about four local governments areas in Urhobo nation. Warri South-West votes is about 113,000, while Udu, Okpe, Ethiope East and Ughelli North Local Government Areas votes are not up to the aforesaid votes of Warri South-West. And our politicians are there saying nothing is wrong.”
He called on politicians of Urhobo extraction to be wise, rise up to the challenge, adding, ” furthermore, Urhobo politicians should be wise and see the handwriting very clear that they are telling you people that the next governor is coming from Delta Central, my brothers, if this gubernatorial result is anything to go by, no gubernatorial aspirant need our votes to get the seat.”
Mr. Ejenavwo further added, “reasons are not far fetched. 2019 gubernatorial election results as recorded in Delta State shows the Total votes to be 1,146,689, Urhobo Nation votes to be 318,913, while the difference is 827,776. From the results above, do anyone really need our votes to win the gubernatorial seat in Delta State?”
While reminding the Urhobos that the gubernatorial seat in Delta State is open for contest by all Deltans irrespective of tribe, political or religious backgroud, Mr. Ejenavwo harped on the need for the Urhobos to come to the round-table to take stock of their performances in recent political outings wirh a view to repositioning itself for future bargain. ”
He called on Urhobo politicians rise up to the challenge with a view to bequeathing a better future to Urhobo nation, he spoke further, “let me tell you that since you, Urhobo politicians can allow votes to be used against us without contesting it presently, such will be used against you and we will not forgive you people. I want to conclude that Urhobo politicians who want to drag Urhobo nation to the mud because of selfish interest to better have a rethink for the purpose of the greatness of Urhobo nation and the future of our Urhobo children.”
