By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta North have said they are comfortable with David Edevbie succeeding Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as the Governor of Delta State.
The leaders made the declarations on different occasions during Edevbie’s consultation visits to party faithfuls in Local Government Areas in Delta North Senatorial District.
Their declarations debunk the lies and propaganda by persons they described as mischief makers deceiving the people that Edevbie is unacceptable to Governor Okowa and Delta North despite his wide recognition and acceptance as the best qualified to fly the PDP flag for the Delta 2023 Governorship election.
Speaking in Ika North East, Governor Okowa’s Local Government Area, the chairman of the PDP, Chief Chuks Agbomah in company with the leader of the Local Council Legislative Arm, Hon. Roland Okwuokenye and Chairman of Wards Chairmen, Mr Abel Njosi, said it is not true that Ika or the larger Anioma people have any issues with David Edevbie.
He declared that if they were to vote immediately, they will vote for him in recognition of his capacity, his continued meritorious service to the state over the years and his friendship with Anioma people and especially with their son, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
David Edevbie
“If it were possible for us to vote here and now, you would have won because of your track records and pedigree. Disregard any propaganda because nobody has told us not to vote for you,” Agbomah said.
Similarly, Aniocha South PDP Chairman, Hon (Prince) Mike Okwufukuleze, said the people are convinced that Edevbie is the best for Delta.
“Money or no money, the people are happy with Edevbie. He knows and has all it takes to govern Delta State. Olorogun David Edevbie is a system man that knows it all. His CV and experience are intimidating. Above all, he has demonstrated deep knowledge of the terrain of our communities which leaves no one in doubt about his sincerity and we know he has the capacity to deliver.”
He prayed God to direct the leaders of the PDP, especially Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief James Ibori to ensure the emergence of Edevbie, stating that it is in the best interest of the development and future of the state.
“God Almighty, let Governor Okowa favour Edevbie in this race to Government House Asaba in 2023,” Okwufukueze prayed.
Also speaking in Ossissa, Ndokwa East, the PDP Chairman, Chief Vincent Osilonya, said he and his people have no doubt about Edevbie’s capability to lead the state to greater progress.
“We have no doubt that Olorogun David Edevbie has the qualification and experience to deliver on the job and bring more development to our people.”
Another chieftan of the PDP in Ndokwa Federal Constituency, Chief Godwin Ossai, called on Delta communities to repose confidence in Edevbie to not only perform but to treat all districts and ethnic groups equally and fairly.
“Olorogun David Edevbie is a sincere, easily accessible and prolific administrator with a tremendous capacity to work. He is a man of integrity, down-to-earth and extremely detribalised and we know that he means to do the things he has promised to do to modernise and industrialise our state for the benefit of everybody.”
While appreciating the warm and carnival-like reception in Ika North East, Olorogun Edevbie promised to build on the legacies of Governor Okowa, assuring that nobody nor group would be left out in the scheme of things when he becomes Governor of Delta State.
Thanking Governor Okowa for appointing him twice into his Cabinet as Commissioner and Chief of Staff and for impacting him as senior colleague under the Ibori administration, he maintained that Okowa is his boss and leader to whom he remains indebted.
He dismissed talks about Okowa not supporting him as mere propaganda and mischievous handiwork of some aspirants who are scared of his wide acceptance.
“Governor Okowa remains my boss and leader. He impacted greatly on me as a senior colleague under Chief Ibori. I believe he appointed me as his Commissioner of Finance and Chief of Staff because he trusted my ability to deliver and unalloyed loyalty.
“With every sense of sincerity, there is no problem between the Governor and I. I know he respects merit and I also know he will support me to win. Anything you hear on the contrary is mere propaganda by mischief makers.”
Speaking on his development plans for Delta North, Edevbie said his vision is to industrialise the five critical points of the district through the activation of Asaba Industrial Estate and Kwale Gas Industrial Park, the establishment of industrial hubs in Ebedei and Logistics hub at Umunede/Emuhu, and the construction of a coastal road network from Asaba to Oko and Abar-Unor and through the comminites along Ase Creek to Patani to connect and spark a greater wave of business and commercial activities in the riverine areas.
