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DELTA 2023: Loud ovation greets Edevbie as PDP holds ‘Mega Rally’ in Asaba

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By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

Delta State immediate past Chief of Staff and frontline Delta 2023 gubernatorial aspirant, Olorogun David Edevbie, has been hailed like a king and rousingly applauded by the massive crowd of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful, including many of the party’s big wigs, at the January 22 mega rally, held in Asaba to welcome decampees from the All Progressive Congress ahead of the 2023 general elections in the State.

 

Edevbie, who had earlier arrived with a crop of top-notch party stalwarts, reminded the grand assembly of his long standing cordial relationship with Deltans.


The charismatic former Principal Secretary to the Late President Umaru Yar’ Adua and several times Commissioner of Finance in Delta State’s arrival at the rally venue received a resounding loud ovation of “the in-coming governor”, which made some popular party leaders to think aloud, saying: “David Edevbie has stolen the show here again; I think his time has come to lead Delta State.”

 

David Edevbie has been judged to be the most charismatic leader among all aspirants jostling for Dennis Osadebey House come 2023 by pundits in the State.

DELTA 2023: OLOROGUN DAVID EDEVBIE AS THE PROVERBIAL BIG MASQUERADE

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Written by: Akaba Clement Eriraivenre

As the build-up towards who succeeds incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State come 2023 intensifies, it is common knowledge that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), like many other political parties, are already enmeshed in the politics of shopping for a suitably ideal candidate that will serve as their standard flagbearer at the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state. This feat would be quite ruffling owing to the notion that whoever emerges will have a higher chance of winning the upcoming gubernatorial poll and it’s reflected in recent records which shows that the PDP has well over Twelve (12) gubernatorial aspirants from whom only one will stand as their standard flagbearer. Such Candidate must be well easily Saleable, politically viable, and most of all free from Scandals if the PDP must have a smooth and itch-free sail to victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

Olorogun David Edevbie is one aspirant who seems to stand tallest among the rest when rated in terms of experience, youthfulness, political viability, Marketability and freedom from Scandals. He is invariably equal to the task of ensuring easy ride to victory for the PDP. He can be fully trusted on this owing to his stunning personality, wealth of experience, and wide acceptability which has made him seem more like the proverbial big masquerade whose presence makes other aspirants, including those of other political parties, appear to be underdogs.

It is only a political simpleton that will doubt the fact that everything seems to be pointing in favour of Olorogun David Edevbie as far as the gubernatorial race is concerned. Let’s not forget the historical fact that the man was the second runner-up at the Delta State PDP governorship primary election of December 2014 that ushered Governor Ifeanyi Okowa into power in 2015. That incident alone goes a long way in publishing a clearer picture of the man’s political clout even when he declared to run in that governorship race within three (3) months to the PDP primary election.

Another factor that will surely work in his favour is the fact that he maintains a very robust rapport with the last three successive governors who without a second thought would garner massive support for him compared to other aspirants. This is one major factor that elicits envy as other aspirants consider this as an unfair advantage for the man.

In the area of requisite experience, it is a known fact that Olorogun David Edevbie has been in the Delta State government circle since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999 when he served as Commissioner for Finance during erstwhile Governor James Ibori’s two term era. He also served the incumbent administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in various capacities as Commissioner for Finance and more recently as Chief of Staff to the Governor. With these alone, it becomes quite glaring that no other aspirant has a better span of knowledge and experience pertaining to the administration of Delta State compared to him.

The PDP should ensure not to be oblivious of the imminent fact that while they are yet struggling over the choice of who to field as a flagbearer, the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) lurks around waiting to cash-in on the slightest opportunity just in case the PDP goofs in their Choice of Candidate. We really don’t need the premonition of a Clairvoyant to know that the political dynamics of the state has been greatly altered since 2019 as the opposition APC in the state now has the person of the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate who is currently warming up furiously for the gubernatorial race should in case the ruling PDP fields a political Lightweight.

It would be wise and precautionary, at this point in time, that the PDP put their best foot forward as a doctrine of necessity by fielding Olorogun David Edevbie. A stitch in time they said saves nine.

Would the PDP in Delta State follow the easy path to victory OR the hardway to victory?

Only time shall tell.

DELTA 2023: APC set to sack PDP –  Omo-Agege …… as Part inaugurates State exco

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By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

Deputy President of the Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, have stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to  dethrone the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State next year.

Omo-Agege made the declaration on Wednesday, 16 February, 2022, in Asaba at the inauguration of APC executives, at the Party’s State Secretariat, Anwai road, Asaba.

He noted that the event was a milestone in the battle to “sack the PDP” from the Government House.

 

“Our goal now is to defeat Okowa and whoever he is planning to impose on the people of Delta,”

 

The DSP reminded party faithful the need to work hard ahead of the general elections.

 

The lawmaker representing Delta Centra at the 9th Senate advised the exco to extend a hand of fellowship to others, irrespective of their lineage.

 

Omo-Agege told the newly inaugurated APC State Executives not to forget the common goal, close ranks and work in unity.

 

“Let us forgive and forget our differences, because if we must win, we must be united in battle.”

Omo-Agege charged members to convince the people at the grassroots to vote for the APC in 2023.

 

“Our people have suffered enough. Let the people know we are coming to wipe away their sufferings,” the Obarisi of Urhobo added.

OMO-AGEGE HAILS ADEBOYE AT 80

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At 80, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye deserves applause for remaining a sterling example of good leadership and extensive commitment to the spiritual and material well-being of many others, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has said.

 

In a message to mark Pastor Adeboye’s birthday, Senator Omo-Agege noted that while the RCCG under Pastor Adeboye now has presence in close to 200 countries around the world, the church’s charity arm, His Love Foundation, has also continued to impact lives positively.

“I feel more inspired in pushing forward with my numerous people-focused development projects and involvement in charitable causes when I note the inspiring examples of others, including that of the RCCG foundation which has donated 37 dialysis machines across the federation and conducted cancer screening for over 100,000 Nigerian women.

“As our dear Pastor Adeboye celebrates his 80th birthday, I join members of the RCCG and other Nigerians in celebrating this great man and I wish him many more years of good health as he continues to serve God and care for others,” Senator Omo-Agege stated.

The Delta Central lawmaker also applauded the renowned cleric’s tireless dedication to his duty as the spiritual shepherd of the people.

UPDATE ON THE FIRE INCIDENT ABOARD THE TRINITY SPIRIT FPSO

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By NewsView

The Management of Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (SEPCOL) in
RECEIVERSHIP, have provided further developments in the last two weeks concerning the unfortunate explosion and fire that engulfed the FPSO Trinity Spirit at the Ukpokiti Terminal on Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022.

 

The update on further developments were contained in a press release signed and made available to newsmen by the Chief Executive Officer Shebah Exploration & Production Company Ltd (in RECEIVERSHIP), Mr. Ikemefuna Okafor.

 

The update stated that since the 3rd of February 2022 when the fire was contained, the company has been working relentlessly with relevant authorities, agencies, experts, and the communities, focused on Search & Rescue of the 10 crew members. And had also prioritised Police Investigations, and Environmental damage assessment.

On persons on board, the update disclosed that the company has kept up the Search and Rescue efforts, with the collaboration of the Police, NUPRC, NIMASA, NOSDRA, Marine Police, the communities, and local fishermen. That the community leaders and traditional rulers have also been of great support.

“We have been in regular contact with the three survivors and their family members and ensured that all three received appropriate medical care in hospital. They have all been
discharged from hospital and the company has continuously offered support with any post-
trauma care that may be required.

 

“So far, a total of five bodies have been found on and around the FPSO. The bodies have been handed over to the Police for due process to establish the identities of the deceased persons.

 

“A Forensic Pathologist and a Coroner have been appointed to assist with the autopsy and
identification processes.

 

“The company has also paid condolence visits to the next-of-kins and family members of all
persons still missing. We have kept the families abreast of the developments and apprised them of the relevant next steps in the investigation processes. Furthermore, the company has provided interim financial support to the immediate families and dependents of all 10 persons on board.

 

“Recently, we have found new information that persons who were not authorised nor scheduled to be on duty on the FPSO were in fact on the vessel at the time of the incident. This is a significant development. The company has visited the families in sympathy, and the Police has been notified for further investigation.

We are eager for the autopsy and identification processes to be concluded as soon as possible so that families can have the certainty and closure that they need”. The latest update added.

 

On environmental impact and cause, the update noted that the company will continue to focus efforts on minimising any damage that the incident might have on the environment and had been cooperating with the relevant authorities and regulatory agencies carrying out the investigations.

 

“Aerial surveillance by overflights around the FPSO area and the shoreline have been ongoing, led by NOSDRA and supported by Clean Nigeria Associates (CNA), NUPRC and neighbouring IOCs (Chevron and Shell).

 

“Until the final reports from these investigations are released by the relevant authorities and agencies, the company is not at liberty to make any declarations as to the level of environmental impact or any conclusions as to the cause of the explosion. We will continue to monitor developments in the investigations and update all stakeholders with new
information accordingly.

 

“In the interest of public safety and the investigation process, we appeal to members of the public to stay away from the vessel, and not attempt to scavenge for parts and equipment from the vessel”. The FPSO update on further developments stated

ICPC, SUBEB KICK START TRAINING ON INTEGRITY FOR EDUCATION MANAGERS IN DELTA

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By Sharon Ivovi

Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to continue to support any project and efforts that would enhance the efficient use of available resources for the maximum benefit of Deltans.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Primary Education, Hon. Chika Ossai, while declaring open a two day workshop for education secretaries, organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board in Asaba, the state capital.

Hon. Ossai, who described the theme of the workshop, “Act and Practice of System Integrity and Value Governance As Panacea for Curbing Corruption”, as apt and timely stated that the workshop was aimed at further developing the managerial skills of education secretaries and other top officers in the education value chain for improved service delivery.

“This workshop is apt as I personally believe that an improvement in the system integrity and value governance will have cascading effect for efficient use of human and material resources for the betterment of the educational sub-sector, of which we are all critical stakeholders,” Ossai said.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Sunny Ogwu, has described the the workshop as a reflection of the board’s commitment to continuously train and retrain its strategic personnel for optimal service delivery.

Hon. Ogwu, who said that the training was in tandem with the human capacity building agenda of the Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa Administration, noted that the one-day training was designed to sharpen the managerial skills of educational managers in the state with a view to promoting system integrity and value governance.

He added that it was expected that the long term effect of the training was to curb corruption and improve efficiency, just as the SUBEB boss charged participants to pay full attention to the various topics lined up for discourse.

Some of the topics lined up for discourse included “Corruption Types, Risks and Consequences”, “Integrity Imperative In Basic Education and Leadership and “The War Against Corruption In The Basic Education Sector”, among others.

Residents Groan Over Conoil Neglect Over Oil Spill That Hits Delta Community

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By NewsView

Palpable tension has gripped residents of Amuokpokpor-Elume community and it’s neighboring communities in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State and Okpe LGA of the state following an oil spill from leaking wellheads, operated by Nigeria’s giant domestic oil firm, conoil that has led to the outbreak of waterborne and skin diseases in the various communities.

The locals who expressed displeasures over the unfortunate disaster at a peaceful protest in the community said the river that has been poisoned by the spill remained the only source of drinking, cooking, bathing, and farming activities to the locals just as they demanded justice for their healths, survival and environment.

The Amuokpokpor Community Chairman Mr. Christopher Efe Obule who led the protesters at the community waterside said crude oil and natural gas have been pumping into the community river and nearby fishing settlements for weeks now, along the Amuokpokpor Elume Community coastline through other communities before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean and conoil has abandoned their corporate responsibilities in disaster management.

He described the river pollution as very unfortunate disaster that has hit the community since the oil was discovered along the community river over forty years ago.

The Community chairman who lamented the havoc caused to the community, called on the relevant authorities to come to their rescue and restore sound health to their people and healthy environment.

“Our people only source of water remained this river and all our aquatic animals have been killed by the pollution. What has happened here was clear wickedness by the operatives to have left us to suffer for what we know nothing about. They refused to purify the water for our consumption. We have to be contributing and buying sanchet water for drinking and cooking.

Mr. Obule who said some of their children who were ignorance of the disaster, drank the polluted water, and were quickly hospitalized while others developed skin diseases.

‘As we speak right now, some of our children that drank this water only survived it just because of God’s love towards us. After drinking it, they were rushed to the nearby community health centres where they were treated cholera and skin infections.

Also speaking, Councillor Representing Ward 18 in the Council, Hon. Sam Azu called on government at all levels, as well as other well meaning individuals and organisations to prevail on conoil to do the needful regarding the oil spills, lamenting that it had grounded economic activities in the area for weeks now.

Hon. Azu who is a native of the community said the sad incident remained the biggest oil spill disaster in the history of the community since the three wellheads were built there over 40 years.

The community eldest man Mr. Smart Oghomedje who spoke alongside others said the residents of the community who are peasant farmers can nolonger go to their fishing activities.

While displaying their fishing nets, cages, hooks among others soaked in crude oil, said if no urgent attention taken by the company to ameliorate their plights, that the possibility of the entire community been wipeout by the water borne and skin diseases is inenvitable.

They however demanded the physical presence of the Managing Director of the oil firm to see things for himself and ensure honesty and transparency on the way out of the woods.

The affected communities include Amuokpokpor-Elume, Ologho, Elume, Okwelabra, all Sapele LGA.

Others are Ekoko, Eroghor, Idjekporo, Mereje, Opuraja, all Okpe LGA.

Meanwhile, all efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the company through one of the company’s staff Mr Shola Ekundayo who spoke to our correspondent was unsuccessful as he directed our correspondent to go to their corporate office in Lagos to speak to the company.

PERSPECTIVE: 2023: The Power Rotation Debate And Delta Central Slot

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By Rev Fr Chris Ekabo, JP

I have painstakingly reviewed and considered the political debate arising from disagreements associated with transmission of political power within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, from 1999 till 2019.

Let me state from the outset that I am not a card carrying member of any registered political parties in Nigeria, but I am an eligible voter, one of the spiritual leaders involved in human rights and political matters in the Catholic Church. I usually encourage Christians to participate in active politics and to vote during elections and be voted for.

Democratic politics provides the opportunity for representative government, which is obviously one of the best form of human endeavours to provide good governance. And as a Catholic clergy I have been identifying and will continue to identify with governments at various levels to ensure sustainable democracy, facilitate socioeconomic and overall development of our states and country, Nigeria.

It follows that power rotation arrangement introduced by PDP at both state and national levels is indeed commendable and I strongly recommend that the founding fathers and leaders of the party should do everything and anything within their powers to sustain and improve the arrangement at all levels.

Power sharing or rotation guarantees equity, unity and peaceful coexistence among heterogeneous stakeholders across geographical and political interests in the state. It strengthens our shared political, cultural and socioeconomic interests. We must never loose the grip, which is why I decided to use this medium to add my voice to the sustainability of the arrangement.

In Delta State, it was alleged that power rotation arrangement in principle started in 2007, and that Chief James Ibori from Delta Central had to handover to Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan who served Delta South slot and later handed the mantle of leadership to Delta North, and incumbent governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has been and still in the saddle since 2015, for and on behalf of the good peoole of Delta North Senatorial District.

However, the power rotation deal has been challenged consistently in time past and now; due largely to the alleged imposition circumstances that led to the emergence of Gov Uduaghan for Delta South and the serious opposition against Gov Okowa of Delta North by some political actors routing for Olorogun David Edevbie in 2015.

These highly complicated political contestation and/or disagreements led to the Ijaw Nation to now question the validity of the rotation arrangement, because in time past, the governorship contest was declared open for all aspirants from the three senatorial districts. For me, the arrangement in time past was neither here nor there. It was not transparent, doable and very complicated.

As complicated as the arrangement may have been, some political leaders claimed that even though all aspirants from the three senatorial districts were declared eligible to slug it out, major musketeers in PDP had put in place certain undisclosed strategies to ensure that the best and most popular aspirant from the beneficiary senatorial district got the party flag for the governorship election.

The above assertion by some political gladiators is not acceptable and no value of political or commonsense attached to it; because the yardstick is not known to aspirants and therefore can be very deceitful and misleading politically.

In the light of the above, I believe strongly that the power rotation arrangement should be sustained but PDP and other stakeholders must of a necessity find ways and means of setting rules and guidelines, such that only the beneficiary senatorial district should field aspirants; while leaders of the three senatorial districts are to consult the incumbent governor on which aspirant delegates should vote for based on competence, experience, character, integrity and other factors.

It is absolutely wrong for the contest to be open to governorship aspirants from the three senatorial districts within PDP. This kind of arrangement cannot and will never meet conditions for power rotation in the state. The time to face reality is now!

I therefore suggest that the governor of Delta State and Delta leader of PDP, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, state/senatorial party exco and leaders should meet to fine tune power rotation arrangement by setting standard rules, acceptable guidelines, as well as sanctions, so as to put to rest the bitter experiences of the past and move forward.

Among the three senatorial districts, it is clear that each district must wait for sixteen years to benefit from power rotation. And in the instant case, Delta Central is the only district that had waited for that period, from 2007 to 2023, in this dispensation.

Therefore, it is only fair based on equity and good conscience that governor Okowa’s successor in 2023 must of a necessity come from Delta Central. And it will be the turn of Delta South in 2031. This is the way to go and we must collectively place the peace and unity of this state, far and above ethnic or few individuals interests.

Let me also add that 2023 Delta Central candidate must not be imposed on us by any individual. It should be the collective agreement between the incumbent governor as the leader of the party, in consultation with past governors and stakeholders in the three senatorial districts.

I plead with the governor, past governors and leaders of PDP in Delta State, to consider my candid opinion and/or advise. They should do the needful to sustain and to give human face to power rotation in the state based on senatorial arrangement.

Finally, I urge Deltans to continue to give necessary support to our promise keeper, the platinum governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa KSC, so as to finish strong, and he will finish strong in 2023, by the special grace of God.

Long live Delta State, Long Live Nigeria.
***

The Writer: Rev Fr Dr Chris Ekabo is a Catholic Priest, Chairman of Warri Diocesan Politics Commission and Episcopal Vicar for Public Relations, Politics and Government Affairs

DELTA PDP MEGA RALLY: who stole the show?

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By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

Thousands of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thronged the Cenotaph at High Court Road, Asaba, Delta State, South South Nigeria, on Saturday, 22 January 22, 2022, for the party’s mega rally towards the build up of 2023 general elections.

Roads leading to the Cenotaph were blocked, as party faithful parked indiscriminately, leading to a traffic gridlock.

There was tight security at the venue of the rally, dubbed Delta State PDP Mega Rally. At one end, the police anti-bomb vehicles were parked, while patrol teams were stationed in all entrances of Asaba to boost security.

Several large and small banners of PDP aspirants for the various elective positions were placed at strategic locations in and outside the Cenotaph. Party supporters carried posters of aspirants pasted in small slates and paraded the length and breadth of the Cenotaph, singing and dancing.

Posters of Olorogun David Edevbie… aka the TECHNOCRAT/The PERFECTIONIST, the angelic looking University of Ibadan trained Ebu in Oshimili North beautiful goddess… Chief Shimite Bello… aka SABIFICATE, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Dr. Peter Mrakpor, SAN, Chief James Agoye …Road Master, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu …the Human Right crusader commending Gov Okowa, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Kingsley Otuaro … Peace Ambassador, and Kenneth Gbagi, among others were common features at the venue. Their supporters wore T-shirts with the aspirants pictures printed on them.


The environment was rowdy as the crowd was uncontrollable. Hundreds of boys, known with the slogan ‘Ose/Chairman Sir’ capitalised on the rally to get money from politicians as they eulogised them and asked them for money.

R ‘n’ B artiste, Harrison Tare Oriki, popularly known as Harrysong and others took time to entertain the crowd and eulogised Gov. Okowa and the aspirants.

At the event were Gov. Okowa, former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; Olorogun David Edevbie, House of Representatives minority leader Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu, Delta State Chief of Staff, Barr. Festus Ovie Agas and Senator Stella Omu.

Also present were the state Deputy Governor, Dcn Kingsley Otuaro, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Chief Shimite Bello, among others.

The conspicuous absence of a handful of influential members of the party has kept tongues wagging about possible stomach ache in the party, concerning the 2023 elections in the state.

Notable political figure whose absence many did not fail to notice was the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Uduaghan has very strong family, social and political connections with the state. Moreover, his personality could not be confined being an eminent member of the Party.

2023: APC Aspirant Declares Ambition For Senate In Delta …..candidacy gets boost

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By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

A Senatorial aspirant for Delta South Senatorial Distrct, Dr. Sylvester Onoyona has formally declared his intention to run for the seat with a promise to ensure victory for the party in the State and to attract more development to the area.

APC

He made the declaration recently to the elders forum and the leadership of APC in Isoko federal constituency, at the residence of Chief Esigie Lucky, Leader of APC Isoko federal constituency Olomoro, Isoko South LGA.

The candidacy of Dr. Sylvester Onoyona got a major boost as members of APC elders forum Isoko nation, APC exco at the LGAs, wards and units, former member of house of assembly Isoko South 1 constituency, Hon. Chief Benjamin Okiemute Essien, renowned Human Rights activist and legal luminary, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo among others acknowledged his nomination to run for the seat.

He also received the endorsement of Isoko south APC leader and former member of the Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Bar Lucky Okperi at Oleh over the weekend.

Dr. Sylvester Onoyona, an Isoko born philanthropist, have been consulting and visiting the Party leaders separately in the senatorial district for supports and endorsement.

Onoyona, a leader of the APC in the State promised to give priority attention to the general welfare of the people of the senatorial district if elected.

In his declaration speech, the senatorial hopeful said he was there as an aspirant for the people to convert him to a candidate.
While assuring that he will do everything possible to bring all members of the party together and work for the success of the party in the 2023 general polls, Onoyona said he will settle crisis within the Party and close ranks with aggrieved party members.

He therefore, solicited the support of the people especially members of the APC in the senatorial district in making his ambition a reality.

The renowned philanthropist described the party stalwarts in Isoko as credible leaders of the party who have laboured to keep hope alive in Isoko nation.

He said he is worried when he sees youths without employment as what he sees are not human beings but industries.

The APC senatorial aspirant has so far been touring local government areas in Delta South to declare his interest to vie for the much-coveted senate seat.

Meanwhile, a coalition of political parties in Delta state recently endorsed Dr. Onoyona as their preferred candidate for the 2023 Delta South senatorial election.

Speaking on behalf of his group, Comrade Perembi noted that “Dr. Sylvester Onoyona is an agent of change and hope for the youths of Delta South Senatorial Distrct and Delta State as a whole”.

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