2023: Okpara joins Delta Guber Race, unveils agenda

A former two-time Commissioner in Delta State, under the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan Administration, Olorogun Kenneth O. Okpara, has joined the gubernatorial race as possible successor to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa come 2023, disclosing his: “Transformative Agriculture to engineer resource based industrialization, economic prosperity, infrastructural development, human development safety and security and collaborative as well as accountable leadership”, if given the mandate to govern the oil-rich state.

The former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning at separate times, who reportedly unveiled his agenda to newsmen recently, noted that his mission statement is strictly anchored on Delta State Development Agenda 2023 (DDA 2023) adding that, he would provide a better life for the people.

He said: “Now, I seek to bring a better life to every community, family, individual and every Deltan. They (Deltans) should vote for me as their Governor in 2023.

"In 2011, I was invited by the former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan from the World Bank to join the State's dynamic team. I applied my knowledge and experience as the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning, Chairman of the State Economic Management Team and later appointed as the Commissioner for Finance.

"However, knowing the critical role context plays in delivering development outcomes, I fitted into the state context, based on my global experience. Above all, I learned through the experience as a Commissioner of two ministries (Finance and Economic Planning)” he explained.

In a syndicated report, Hon. Omeco Daniels, a former Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Udu Local Government Area, while Chief James Ibori was governor of Delta State, allegedly affirmed that, “Okpara is a well refined and exposed gentleman”, adding: “Okpara should hit the ground running by consulting widely without discrimination”.

Hon. Daniels, posited that Okpara should understand that his consultations must cut across all the senatorial districts and party lines, advising him to carry the elders, women and the youths along at the same time.

"Despite his stint as a Commissioner, I saw Okpara as a new breed with fresh ideas. Since Okpara has indicated his interest in the 2023 Delta governorship election, he should run the race to a logical conclusion. Today, it is the general understanding of Deltans that the Central Senatorial District is to produce the next governor. As a well-qualified freeborn of Delta Central, Okpara's chances are bright. Okpara has a lot of work to do, because he has been out of the state and Nigeria for a long time", Daniels advised. 

In his comments, the past Deputy President of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Ireland, Mr. Lucky Eghagbevwa, insisted that Okpara was fully prepared for the task ahead, adding: "I must thank Okpara for presenting himself to help build an inclusive Delta of our dream, that every Deltan will be proud of".

He stated: "Let us look at Okpara's resume for a minute. He is an International Financial Expert and a Chartered Accountant, who has worked as a Senior Financial Management Specialist at the World Bank".

Eghagbevwa, opined: “Okpara has the financial experience at the highest level and he knows the complexity of managing our common wealth. All these attributes and his direct touch with the grassroots, make him the people's choice.

"Okpara should remain focused on his guber ambition, because the task ahead is great and achievable. The youths love Okpara and they have been reaching out to him on how to help with his campaign. The entire Delta youths and our women are solidly behind Okpara", Eghagbevwa emphasized.

Eghagbevwa, who is the Director-General of Delta Youth Movement, DYM, stated that Okpara demonstrated his love and trust for the youths across the state, during his time as a Commissioner, adding:  “Okpara equally helped to establish vocational training centers for the teeming Delta youths to enable them become active members of the society”.

He added: "Okpara is an active listener and a motivator, who is capable of making any individual a giant. He believes strongly in the abilities of the young people. Okpara sees them (young people) as a useful resources for development and not thuggery. He is a pan Deltan and sees Delta as his constituency".

On his part, a media practitioner, Comrade Sunny Basikoro, advised that Okpara should deploy his wealth of experience as a technocrat in pursuing his governorship ambition, saying: "As a man of the people, Okpara should continue to reach out to all the stakeholders".

A business tycoon based in Ughelli, Mr. David Emuesiri, reportedly stated that Okpara, “is the best man for the job”, adding: “He has all it takes to transform Delta beyond the imagination of all and sundry.

"We know the antecedents of Okpara and I believe that he is the best choice to govern Delta in 2023. He has the wealth of experience, resources, foresight, knowledge and sagacity to offer first class to Deltans.

“Okpara has garnered monumental experience from the World Bank and he would bring it to bear on the state, if he becomes Delta governor in 2023. I wish and hope that the PDP will ensure that Okpara emerges as the party's flag-bearer".

Corroborating Emuesiri's view, an hotelier in Warri, Chief Joseph Unuajohwofia, posited: “Okpara is tested and trusted. He will take Delta to greater heights if he becomes the governor.

“He is the best politician to succeed the incumbent Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Deltans must shine their eyes and do what they can to ensuring that Okpara becomes the governor of Delta in 2023".

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