It was indeed a carnival of sort last weekend at the different local government areas in the Delta North Senatorial District, visited by the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and his entourage, to kick start his senatorial race. The SSG and his entourage who were received by the LGA and wards executives of the Peoples Democratic Party, was at the different local government areas, to formally announce his intention to contest for the senatorial seat, in the 2011 general elections.
At the various LGAs visited, Dr. Okowa, who is popularly known and referred to as the Ekwueme of Ika nation harped on the need for the people of Anioma to give him their support so that he could go to the National Assembly to give them the right representation. While appealing for the support of the executives during the primaries, to fly the party’s flag in the 2011 elections, he said that serious consideration should be given to experience and general disposition, as they were factors in bringing results to the people.
In his usual characteristic eloquence, he effortlessly articulated his vision for the people of Delta North, if he is voted to represent them at Abuja. He stressed that his experience and exposure over the years, in the running of government has adequately prepared him for the task ahead. "Having served in various capacities, starting with Secretary, then Chairman, Ika Local Government Area, and the first elected Executive Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Council, later moving to the state level, where I functioned as Commissioner for Water Resources, Agriculture and later Commissioner for Health in the Ibori’s administration and currently serving as the Secretary to the State Government, I know I have the requisite experience to represent Delta North at Abuja" he stated.
Dr. Okowa disclosed that his decision to go for the Senate position was borne out of the desire to give practical voice to the people of Delta North and to act as the elixir that could galvanize the people into releasing their potentials in the sustainable development of the area. He promised that the people will derive full benefit from his representation, adding that he will periodically consult with the people and give account of his stewardship, at least once every three months, to his constituency. He noted that, that will help him know the feelings of the people and get their suggestions on different areas, saying that he will always make himself available to the people.
He stressed that the people of Delta North needs a unifying voice that would work with the leaders and all segments of the society and interest groups to strengthen the cause of Anioma people both at the federal and international levels. The aspirant who sees himself as a complete Anioma man stated that he will never betray the confidence the people have on him as shown in the out-pouring of goodwill by the people at the various LGAs visited. He also promised that he will work with the people at all levels of government to enthrone unity and thereby entrench singleness of purpose to make Anioma stronger.
The SSG promised never to allow personal interest to undermine the collective interest of the people in his effort to attract attention to Delta North from the federal government, asserting that often times, people who are occupying public positions allow their personal interest to becloud the general interest of the people and noted that, that has been part of the much talked about underperformance by public officers.
While praising the people of Anioma as peace loving, resourceful, accommodating and friendly, he stated that he would employ these sterling attributes to showcase the area to the outside world to attract investments and create empowerment opportunities for the people, particularly the youths, who he noted are the strength and pride of any society. He stated that his joining the Senate race was to bring a positive change to the Anioma area, adding that his going to Abuja will usher in a new dawn that will engender greater opportunities for the people.
The tour of the six local government areas, provided an ample opportunity for the SSG to reassure the people of his continued loyalty to their cause and to reiterate that as a grand master of government bureaucracy, he will not fail, even as many people from the area have agreed that the emergence of Dr Okowa in the senatorial race would be a blessing to the people of Anioma.
Equally, Okowa promised that he will not fail to work with the elected representatives of the people from the Wards, Local ,State, and federal levels to bring home the expectations of the people.
While assuring the people of firm relationship that would benefit the people, the aspirant stressed the importance of working together, co-ordinating the people so that leadership and fellowership would think alike.
He said he will be a vessel of honour for Anioma people, a bridge between the people and others so that collectively Anioma nation will derive maximum benefit from Abuja.
From Anioma South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Ukwuani, South, to Ika South and Ika North East Local Governments Areas, the story was that of general acceptance and endorsement of Dr. Okowa for the Senatorial seat.
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