For close to one week, Hon. Magnus Onyibe had traversed the length and breath of Ika South Local Government Area, holding consultations and meetings with stakeholders in the LGA, to formerly intimate them of his aspiration to vie and represent Ika Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja.
Among those he visited were prominent community and political leaders in Ika South Local Government Area, which included Chief J. E Imudia JP, Ika South PDP chairman, Hon. Isaac Ulebor, Chief Isioma Okonta, Sir Jimmy Okolie, in Ekuku Agbor, Chief Nwachukwu Agboje, the Okworhi of Agbor kingdom in Ime-obi, the Ogisi of Agbor kingdom, Chief Augustine Ikpoza in Agbor-nta, the Agbosogun of Agbor, Chief Augustine Efewongbe in Alisimie, the Ekpenike of Agbor, Chief Sunday Agborma in Alisimie, Ika South Council Chairman, Hon. Hilary Ibude, Chief Philip Onyekpe at Oki and many others.
Making his intention and desire to represent the people of Ika nation at the National Assembly known to those he visited, Hon. Magnus Onyibe who is a former Commissioner of Information in Delta State between 2003 and 2007, said he wants to run for the position because of his strong conviction to contribute to the infrastructural development of Ika land which he started when he was a commissioner.
The former Commissioner who stressed that having been in government both at the state and national levels, he has established and nurtured contacts with important personalities in government and therefore in very in good stead to give effective and purposeful representation to Ika Federal Constituency.
“I am in touch with the legislative and executive arms of government in Abuja and Asaba. You have to know the right people and make the right contacts, to be able to make the needed impact for your people. I will be an asset and not a burden to my people. If I am given the mandate, I promise to put my experience and contacts into good use to attract development to Ikaland”.
Hon. Onyibe who used the opportunity to throw more light on his stewardship as Information Commissioner explained that in the few years he was part of the state exco, he was able to influence the execution of some projects that include the tarring of Ogbeisogban-Alisimie-Oza-nogogo-Omumu road, part of Odozi, Ebeye, Magnus Onyibe and Azehen streets, which he noted are today the few roads in Agbor that are motorable. He also disclosed that he was able, within the period, to assist some persons from Ika nation with job opportunities, in and outside government. According to him it was due to his efforts and that of Chief Arthur Okowa and the Late Dr. Orewa that the College of Education, Agbor was given a degree awarding status.
In his words “When I was appointed Commissioner, I was able to contribute to the growth and development of my constituency. If I am given the opportunity this time to go to Abuja, I will make more things happen that will be to the benefit of our people. I will do my best, meet and possibly surpass the expectation of our people”.
While expressing his joy and appreciation, at the warm reception accorded him by those he visited, the House of Representatives hopeful promised to carry everybody along, if given the privilege to stand in the gap for the people of Ika nation, adding that his representation will be people-oriented.
In their separate responses, Chief Imudia, Hon. Ulebor, Hon. Ibude, Chief Agbasogun and others said they were happy for the honour done them by the visit. While wishing him success in his aspiration, they promised to lend their support where necessary.
For Chief Imudia, he lamented the faction that has bedevilled Ika South politics regretting that in contemporary politics in the LGA, everybody wants to be a leader, something he said was not obtainable in the days of NCNC and Action Group, when consensus candidates are chosen based on antecedents and proven ability to perform. While thanking him for being instrumental for the tarring of Alisimie road which he observed was neglected by successive administrations right from the old Western Region through Bendel State, he prayed for the success of one man one vote, which will make the right and most qualified candidate to emerge.
Hon. Onyibe was also at Abavo, where he visited the traditional ruler of the area, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Mustapha Uche Irenuma, 11 to inform him of his aspiration. Speaking at the palace, he told the monarch, “I want to let you know of my intention to go to the Federal House of Representatives to represent Ika nation. I am seeking your support and that of the entire Abavo clan, so we could have the right representation, which has been denied our people. This visit is part of my consultation with our leaders, so that I can get your advice and blessing, to see how we can bring development to our land.”
Responding, Obi Irenuma 11 adviced Hon. Onyibe to remain honest as according to him “to whom much is given, much is expected. Establish and build the right relationship with the right people, who have the interest of the common man, at heart. I know you do not have any bad record. The new trend now is responsible politics, where snatching of ballot boxes will not be allowed. I will talk to my people about you. This palace is your home and always keep in touch. Whatever you feel I can do for you, please let me know. I pray God to bless you in your aspiration. I want you to be confident to say that the Obi of Abavo is in support of you”.
Hon. Onyibe visited Abavo Political Assembly at Abavo led by Mr. Ferdnard Buzugbe where he received assurance of the group to lend their support to the right candidate who will bring development and honour to Ikaland.
Some of those who spoke at the meeting include Chief Joseph Odigie, Mr. Ferdnard Buzugbe, Hon. Smart Jegbefune who all stressed the need for responsible and quality representation, and promised that the group will ensure that the best emerges.
The Federal House of Representatives in furtherance of his consultation also visited the Core Group led by Chief Isioma Okonta.
Welcoming him and his entourage, Chief Okonta, who is the political Aviser to the Delta State Governor stressed the need for good representation that will impact positively in the lives of the people. “We do not need imposition of candidates again. We need our community to move forward, and the only practicable way is for the people’s votes to count, through one man one vote. This group was put in place to champion political revival and positive change in Ika South.” he stated.
While wishing Hon. Onyibe success in his aspiration, he assured that efforts will be made for the best candidates to emerge and bring succour to the people.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, Hon. Onyibe said he remained the best man for the job. He used the opportunity to dispel rumour in some quarters that when he was in government he said he was not a politician “I never for once said that I was not a politician. The truth is that some people approached me to create my own faction but because I am a pacifist I declined, arguing that there was need for our people to work as one. I have always believed in the unity of our people and never for once thought of creating more division than we already had but instead seeking for ways to bring the different factions together. And that I will continue to do. I believe strongly that the only way we can make progress is in being together.” he explained.
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