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As the march towards the 2011 general
elections continues to gather momentum, the struggle for elective offices has
intensified, with more persons indicating their interest to vie for one office
or the other. One of the courageous few who have so far shown unwavering
interest to run for the Delta State governorship seat is a well know retired
military officer, Prof Saliba Mukoro, who has been at the vanguard for
socio-political change and the improvement of the economic status of Nigerians.
The governorship aspirant was at the
residence of Elder John Ehikwe along Prof. Ebie Street, Agbor, Ika South Local
Government, on Tuesday July 13, 2010, where he promised to effect the necessary
changes that will improve the living standard of Deltans, if given the opportunity
to serve as the Chief Executive of the oil rich state.
Addressing the crowd, which joined Elder
Ehikwe to receive him, Prof Mukoro noted that the State has
been utterly mismanaged in the last 11 years, since the return to democracy,
adding that there was the urgent need to put the State back on the right stead, so that Deltans, irrespective of
ethnic background can enjoy the abundant resources and wealth of the State.
While appreciating all who were present
at the gathering and saying that he was happy over the glaring acceptance for
change, the Isoko born governorship aspirant maintained that “Delta State is
blessed with both human and natural resources but unfortunately, the resources
are not being properly managed. The wealth is being enjoyed by very few
individuals, which is not right. Every Deltan deserves to partake of the riches
of our dear State. This is why I have
chosen to bring myself out to champion that change. The suffering our people
are experiencing cannot be allowed to continue.”
Prof Mukoro also said that the good
government, that will use the State’s resources to develop all the local
government areas, which all Deltans are waiting for, has come adding that come
2011, there will be a change, that, even the common man will feel the impact.
On the question of how prepared he was,
the fair looking Prof. stated “if I were not prepared, I will not be here. This
is a mission propelled by God, so we all must join hands together and be
prepared to be consistent in the pursuit of our dream”.
On the issue of poor execution and
abandonment of projects in the State, he maintained that his administration, if
voted into office of the governor of the State, will ensure all contracts are
executed within the time frame and to specification. “If a
contract is awarded, there will be a time limit, and if not done at the
stipulated time, it will be given to someone else. Any contractor that refuses
to carry out his job well will be sent to jail.”
When asked if Anioma nation has the
chances of producing Governor in 2015,
if he, as a Delta Southerner becomes the governor in 2011, Prof Mukoro
reiterated those 4 years is enough for him to lead the State and make great
enduring impact. He promised that within, that 4 years, his administration will
enthrone accountability at all levels, adding that he will incorporate the best
minds to help him run the State affairs, where the interest of the masses will
be top priority. “My mission is to bring the best out of Delta State, make the
State the best it can be in terms of transparency, infrastructural development,
human capital development, accountability and in all the things needed to
develop a society.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Elder
John Ehikwe said he was happy to receive Prof. Mukoro in his house and in Ika
land. He stated that the visit of the governorship aspirant to the area has signaled the beginning of a long
political battle to extricate Deltans
from the clutches of oppression, intimidation and non-performance. “We must
surely triumph at the end of the day, provided we are all working with one
mind,” he stated.
Elder Ehikwe, who is a one time
Secretary to the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, in the defunct Bendel
State pleaded with all those present not to relent in “this fight for a better
Delta state.”
Supporters of Mukoro for 2011, in all
the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District were
represented at the meeting for which Elder John Ehikwe was very appreciative.
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