Okowa is too civilize to hate Itsekiris because of Uduaghan -Omaghomi

*Says fuss over NIMASA gunboats are unnecessary


By: | on | 8411 views
Topic: Interview


Okowa is too civilize to hate Itsekiris because of Uduaghan -Omaghomi
Prince David Aboyowa Omaghomi


Prince David Aboyowa Omaghomi is an Environmentalist, Project Director, Niger Delta Environmental Restoration Project, NDEREP and a Chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

In this interview he granted shortly after the just concluded PDP primaries, the widely travelled University of Benin Alumnus, Social Crusader and Advocate of Peace Building between Ijaws as well as Itsekiris of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, spoke on Sundry National issues, including the recent PDP primaries and the need for PDP governorship candidate in Delta State,  Senator Ifeanyi  Okowa to mend fences, carry out people oriented programmes if elected as governor of Delta State as well as to be fair to the Itsekiris despite Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s perceived inglorious 8-year tenure.

Excerpt:

Let’s meet you……

I’m Prince David Aboyowa Omaghomi, an Environmentalist and Chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party from the oil rich, but environmentally degraded Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. Many thanks however to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for situating NIMASA Dockyard and Shipyard, Nigerian Maritime University, NMU as well as the Delta Gas City in my Local Government.

It will go a long way in addressing the age-long environmental and infrastructural neglect of Warri South-West Local Government Area and the coastal communities as well.

What is your philosophy of Life?

That’s interesting! My philosophy of life rest on the principle of justice, fairness and freedom of responsible expression of one’s opinion on issues. It is against this backdrop that I have committed my time, money and knowledge in supporting various groups and individuals in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas in their quest at enhancing social, educational, manpower and infrastructural development without necessarily promoting myself.

As a Chieftain of PDP, how would you describe the just concluded primaries of the party, particularly against the loss of some contestants perceived to be loyal to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan?

Thanks for this question. I must start by saying that members of the opposition parties who constantly accuse the PDP of not practicing internal democracy should now be bold enough to commend our party for the maturity it showed in the last primaries throughout Delta State and Warri Federal Constituency in particular. You will agree with me that despite all the intrigues and intense lobbying, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju creditably won the Warri Federal Constituency primary held at the Warri City Stadium in the most peaceful and transparent manner. That of the governorship primaries held at the Event Centre, Asaba which saw the emergence of Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa against all odds as PDP governorship candidate after last minutes maneuvering by some powers that be, is a clear testimony of our party’s credibility and the resolve of majority of Deltans no matter the ethnic linens.

Sincerely speaking, do you think Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is a credible and popular choice?

I don’t need to dwell much on that because the decision of majority of the delegates to vote Senator Okowa despite ethnic and Godfather pressures as well as all forms of inducement says it all. Senator Okowa has shown over the years with his relationship with political and traditional rulers across the length and breadth of Delta State that he is a stabilizing factor, bridge builder and one with political savvy to take the State from the woods.

Are you saying if elected he will initiate development programmes in Delta State?

His experience, exposure, sound educational background and campaign promises will definitely come to bear. He holds the ace to meet the yearnings of Deltans in terms of the poor infrastructural decay the State has been experiencing in the last few years.

Sentimentally speaking, don’t you think Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s perceived lack of support to Okowa’s governorship ambition and seeming poor performance in the last seven and half years will make an Ifeanyi Okowa governorship work against the Itsekiri Nation?

There is no doubt that tribalism is a challenge in Delta State, but some of us have been in the forefront of good governance not minding where the President, Governor or Chairman of a Local Government comes from. Permit me to state here that just like the way Nigerians should see President Goodluck Jonathan as President of all Nigerians, Deltans should also judge Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan as an individual from Itsekiri Nation and not Itsekiri governor. The governor’s performance, whether below average, poor or good enough, no matter how anybody sees it should not rub-off on the peace loving and progressive Itsekiri people of Delta State. I believe Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who enjoyed the unalloyed support of Itsekiris like Hon. Michael Diden, Hon. David Tonwe, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, my humble self and a host of other Itsekiris right from the first day he made his gubernatorial ambition public is too civilize to hate Itsekiri people because of Uduaghan. After all, Uduaghan was among the first prominent Deltans to congratulate him on his victory at the primaries and I believe Senator Ifeanyi Okowa understands Delta State very well to be tribalistic.

The media have been awash that High Chief Government Ekpemupolo A.K.A Tompolo acquired warships for private/ethnic purposes, what’s your take on that?

I really don’t think this issue should be stretched any further. The fuss over the NIMASA gunboats is unnecessary. The Nigerian Navy and NIMASA have made enough clarifications on the controversy. The argument of the Navy over her oversight of the gunboats acquired for NIMASA operation and the further explanation that the gunboats are not armed should put a stop to the anxiety and controversy it has generated. The company that procured the gunboats, no matter the owner should not be the issue, but the purpose for which NIMASA made the procurement.

Your final word please…….

Now that the PDP has spoken, I want to call on all Deltans to drop ethnic sentiment, no matter the Senatorial district to support the gubernatorial candidacy of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa come 2015 election. His election will reduce ethnic sentiment, fast-track real development across Delta State and boost entrepreneurship that will reduce over-dependence on crude oil.


Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104


Sponsored Ad




Our strategic editorial policy of promoting journalism, anchored on the tripod of originality, speed and efficiency, would be further enhanced with your financial support. Your kind contribution, to our desire to become a big global brand, should be credited to our account:

Fresh Angle Nig. Ltd
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0130931842.
BANK GTB.



Sponsored

Sponsored Ads