By Cmr. Wilbet Ijeoma
The PDP Ward 11 campaign train in Umunede, Ika North-East L.G.A., Delta State, was received today 17th February, 2023 by the Obi of Umunede Kingdom, Obi-Agwu (Dr.) Ezenwali Ezeagwu, JP, in what seemed to be a final push to consolidate the victory of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming general elections.
While speaking with journalists, the Obi-Agwu of Umunede Kingdom, speaking in the voice of his lovely wife, Queen Tonia Ezeagwu, the Isom of Umunede, affirmed that the welbeing, progress and development of Umunede people is the primary concern of His Royal Majesty and assured that PDP has the royal blessings of the Palace to excel in the forthcoming elections.
The PDP Ward 11 Chairman Chief Eluehike Chuks, in an opening remarks, thanked all PDP supporters across the ward and environs for the massive turnout at the event. The Ward Chairman recounted some developmental strides of PDP over the years in Umunede which include construction of roads, building of markets and hospitals, and underscored the need to consolidate on these legacy projects by ensuring all PDP candidates from State House of Assembly to Presidential elections are voted in the forthcoming general elections. He pleaded with all party supporters to set aside next Saturday for the elections at the expense of their farms and businesses which is a sacrifice not too much to make for the success of the party at the polls, urging them to vote PDP 5/5.
Party leader and chieftain, Hon. Benson Iyama, in his remarks, charged party supporters to imbibe the winning mentality which PDP is known for in Delta State. Deriding the performance of APC-led federal government, Hon. Iyama decried the hardship brought upon Nigerians by APC while asserting that the people of Umunede do not want APC anymore, assuring the people that Gov. Okowa’s Vice Presidential bid holds a promise for Umunede at the federal level.
In the same development, the PDP Ward 11 Women Leader, Mrs. Loveth Joe, heaped praises on the Okowa-led PDP administration, encouraging party supporters particularly women to be patient with the government as dividends are not evenly distributed to party supporters at the same time. She urged all party supporters to vote PDP 5/5 in the forthcoming elections for there is no other party other than PDP. In the same vein, the Honourable Councilor representing DSIEC Ward 16 Umunede, Hon. Engr. Azubuike Dominic, urged supporters to vote PDP 5/5 as usual in a bid to consolidating the dividends derived already from the present PDP administration.
A prominent party leader and PDP chieftain in Ika North-East L.G.A. Chief Frank Chucas, the Obayagbon of Umunede commended the show of support and love for the party, and charged PDP supporters to vote Marilyn Okowa-Daramola for House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Nwokolo for House of Representatives, Prince Ned Nwoko for Senate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for Governor and Atiku/Okowa for President. While speaking with journalists, Chief Chucas expressed confidence that Atiku will win this time around as there has been no time in the history of Nigerian politics that the south produced president when it fielded more than one candidate, citing instances of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo from the south at two different times when Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Alhaji Shehu Shagari from the north eventually emerged as Prime Minister and President of Nigeria respectively. He further downplayed the chances of the APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. “Tinubu claims to be a kingmaker; kingmakers cannot make themselves kings”; the PDP Chieftain asserted.
Allaying the perceived fear of APC opposition in Umunede, Chief Chucas told journalists that though there is bound to be opposition in politics, Umunede people remains resolved to retain PDP in power and vote in PDP at the federal level to consolidate their support. He further discountenanced the chances of Labour Party maintaining that Peter Obi and his Labour Party will labour in vain, while urging party supporters to work together and think twice before casting their votes, and that their votes should be for PDP. “PDP all the way – to contribute and build a future for our children”; Chief Chucas submitted.
Former Chairman of PDP, Ika North-East L.G.A., Chief Godwin Ogadi heaped praises on the developmental strides of the Okowa-led PDP in Umunede so far. He recounted how he rallied round Umunede people in the cities, encouraging and bringing them back home to participate in local politics for elective positions. He affirmed that more opportunities abound for Umunede people in this coming elections while urging party supporters to vote PDP 5/5. The former PDP Chairman derided the chances of one of his kinsmen who is in the opposition party APC, asserting that his bid will not prosper because it is against the wish to Umunede people.
Honourable member representing Ika North-East at Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Tony Elekeokwuri expressed appreciation to party supporters, especially the women and elders for their massive turnout during the event at the expense of their farms and businesses. He told party supporters that the present PDP candidate of Ika North-East for Delta State House of Assembly, Barr. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola has his endorsement and support, affirming that the party is strongly united in one front to win the forthcoming general elections. The lawmaker recounted landmark projects of PDP in Umunede such as roads, markets and hospitals, while expressing confidence that PDP would consolidate on its developmental strides in Delta State as victory is certain come Saturday. Hon. Elekeokwuri told journalist, while responding to an interview, that PDP is not perturbed by the opposition in Umunede, and affirmed that all party supporters has resolved to come out in their numbers to vote PDP 5/5 in the forthcoming general elections.
Reacting further to the perceived opposition of APC in Umunede, a prominent advocate of PDP and SSA to the Governor of Delta State on Media, Hon. Iwemdi Nwaham, while speaking with journalists at Umunede, affirmed that PDP has the chances of winning election in Umunede notwithstanding who wins elsewhere. He however, expressed confidence on a comprehensive victory for PDP in Delta State, while urging party supporters to vote PDP 5/5 – all the way. “Next Saturday’s election is a do or die election”; Nwaham submitted while charging the youths to go out there and ensure PDP comes out victorious at the polls.
In the closing remarks, the Obi-Agwu of Umunede Kingdom, Obi-Agwu (Dr.) Ezenwali Ezeagwu JP, thanked PDP supporters who are also his subjects and expressed optimism on the consolidation of the gains of democracy which Umunede kingdom has witnessed in recent times, while offering his prayers and royal blessings for the victory of PDP in the forthcoming general elections.
Notable at the event are PDP Ward 11 Chairman, PDP Chieftains, Hon. Member of Delta State House of Assembly, Council of Chiefs, Councilors, Unit Chairmen, SAs and SSAs to the Governor on Media, Youth Empowerment and Political Matters, Youth Leader, Women Leader and Support Groups, Equity Group for Sheriff, Religious Leaders and Gentlemen of the Press.
