It was a beehive of activities bordering on presentation, interactions, questions and answers at the newly built NUJ Press Centre, Asaba yesterday 7th February 2023 as journalists of NUJ Delta State Council engaged the PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on a programme tagged “The Platform”. The programme was designed to offer journalists the opportunity to interact with the gubernatorial aspirant as he outlines his M.O.R.E agenda for Delta and deltans.
The PDP gubernatorial candidate and present Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly thanked the NUJ for propagating the policies and programmes of the Okowa-led administration, as he termed the Press as partners in progress of the State. “Press Centre building is one of the dividends of the relationship between the State Government and the Press”; the 3-time Speaker affirmed, while assuring to equip the Press Centre with more air conditioners and other equipment.
Elucidating on his M.O.R.E. agenda, Oborevwori harped on meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms and enhanced peace and security which embodies his social contract with deltans in consolidation of the legacy of his boss, the Vice Presidential Candidate of PDP and Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
“I will continue to support NUJ and pledge to serve as governor for all deltans irrespective of the divide; I’ll be fair, just and accessible to all irrespective of tribe.” “I have the capacity and experience to make Delta great. By divine grace, I am the longest serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly”; the 3-time Speaker confidently expressed. Outlining his mission and vision, Oborevwori said; “I am in a mission to enthrone sustainable development and lasting peace in Delta State”. “I am a pro-NUJ; Sheriff that is standing here is your friend and one of you; I remain your reliable friend; you have two powerful tools to use in electing me as Governor – your pen and your PVC; use your pens to publicize me across Delta State and your PVCs to vote for me and other PDP candidates from Presidential to State House of Assembly.
The Speaker lamented how Deltans and Nigerians at large have not had it most terrible like this in the APC administration challenged with fuel scarcity, currency paucity and suffering. Further assuring the journalist, Oborevwori promised that he will work in collaboration with his colleagues to do more, listen to journalists more, and achieve more when voted as the Governor of Delta State.
In the question and answer session, the Speaker fielded questions ranging from uncertainty of his endorsement by PDP political leader and former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, his impact on Osubi which was perceived to be situate at his constituency, his grassroots penetration, expectations from Ndokwa people, issues of loans secured by the present administration of Delta State, amongst others. He assured NUJ that as a unifier with his street credibility and local content, he will penetrate the length and breadth of Delta with sustainable development.
The NUJ Chairman of Delta State Council, Cmr. Michael Ikeogwu, in a vote of thanks, appreciated the PDP gubernatorial candidate and Speaker, DTHA for engaging with the Press, with the credit of being the first government official to visit the Press Centre since 28th October, 2022 when it was commissioned, and prayed God to grant his quest to lead Delta. Ikeogwu expressed appreciation to the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the job well done in the Press Centre and pleaded with the Speaker and other government functionaries in his entourage to come to the aid of NUJ in providing some basic facilities in the Centre like more air conditioners, generator and construction of NUJ relaxation centre, among others. Reacting, the Speaker promised to provide 2 more air conditioners and five hundred thousand naira (#500,000) for generator the next day.
The event was roundly attended by some political bigwigs in Delta State amongst which were; the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor, Chief of Staff to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Hon. Dr. Ebenezer Ogborodudu, Hon Hope Oborevwori and immediate past S.A. to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, JP, among others. Gentlemen of the Press who are members of NUJ Delta State Council were visibly present at the event.
