WHO IS ANTHONY CHUKS OBUH?

Before doing a holistic analysis on the person simply called Tony Obuh by his friends and admirers, I would like to digress and exhumed historical facts, hitherto either ignorantly forgotten or lacking memory rejuvenation. This piece therefore is to refresh such memories and trend on the path of equity, fairness and justice which usually precedes peaceful co-existence of all humans irrespective of ethnic nationalities or geo-political environment.

Empirically, the situation in Delta today, could be traced to the historical antecedence from the defunct Midwest Region which had two known provinces — Benin and Warri, with eight divisions or better still eight Administrative Units, the Benin and Warri provinces has four units each, Asaba division was under the Benin province, while Ndokwa division (part of the Anioma conglomerate) was under the Warri province. During the agitation for the creation of states during the Babangida era, Bendel State comprising of the old two provinces Benin and Warri became a complex situation, while the former had no problem because of its homogeneous affinity became Edo State, the latter which comprises, the Urhobos, Aniomas, Itesikis, Ijaws, Isokos became a hard nut to crack, the Babangida administration knowing fully well that two states cannot be created from the old Warri province that is (Anioma and Delta States) which were the agitations then, based on the exigencies of the time, creating Delta State with Warri as its capital would have alienated the Aniomas, the creation of Delta State on 27^th August, 1991 with Asaba as its capital was using one stone to kill two birds. The general conception and ‘matching order’ was that all nationalities should find a way of living a peaceful co-existence where justice, fairness and equity reign.

Political Equation of the State

The composition of the state is tailored along three senatorial districts that make up the 25 local government councils. Delta North senatorial district comprises 9 local government councils; the Central comprises 8 councils, while the South has 8. The 2006 population census figures for Delta State has the following: North senatorial district (9 LGA) 1,229,074. Central senatorial district (8 LGA) 1,575,738 while the South senatorial district (8 LGA) had 1,293,282. The input of those figures shows that no one senatorial district can hold claim to the governorship seat without the assistance of the others.

After the creation of the state on the 27^th August, 1991, the struggle for ethnic dominance amongst the tribes of Delta State especially the Urhobos/Itsekiris on one hand and the Itsekiris/Ijaws on the other therefore became a major feature in the formative years of Delta State. All the military administrators posted to the state starting from, Air Commodore Luke Chijiuba Ochulor, Abdulkadir Shehu, Bassey Asuquo, Ibrahim Kefas, J.D. Dungs, Walter Feghabo all laboured hard to contain this inter-ethnic bickering amongst the restive tribes of the lower Niger. Enormous resources and energy that should have been deployed to develop the embryonic state then were dissipated in tackling the security challenges that arose as a result of these challenges. Meanwhile, their Northern counterparts the (Aniomas) had looked on their brothers from the South for fuller cooperation to move the state forward. In the words of Navy Commander Walter Feghabo handover speech to Chief James Ibori said, “Delta State could be described as a mini Nigeria the Urhobos should not see themselves as overlords over other ethnic groups, all are stakeholders with equal opportunity to govern the state, based on equity, fairness and justice. I wish you the best”

The first civilian governor of the state was Chief Felix Ovudoroye Ibru an Urhobo from Delta Central senatorial district. He governed the state from January 1992 to November 1993 (1 year, 10 months) on the return of democracy after a span of military manoeuvre for 6 years, the second civilian governor of the state chief James Onanefe Ibori also an Urhobo from Delta central senatorial district was elected on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP) who governed the state from 29^th May 1999 to 29^th May, 2007 (8 years) making a total of 9 years, 10 months rule from the Urhobos (Central) The incumbent Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan an Itsekiri from Delta south senatorial district would be completing his second tenure of 8 years on the 29^th May 2015, representing the Itsekiris/Ijaws/Isoko (south)

Logical Reasoning

The central senatorial district would have ruled the state collectively for 9 years and 10 months, while the south senatorial district would have ruled the state for 8 years by 29^th May 2015. Ibori from central was a PDP governor, Uduaghan from south is currently the PDP governor. The only senatorial district that has not governed the state is the north senatorial district. The PDP executives and elders for equity, fairness, unbiased and justice should produce their governorship flag bearer from the NORTHERN senatorial district, except if they can convince Deltans that they are no creditable candidates, they are not part of the senatorial district that makes up the state, or better still the Urhobo people believe they are the nucleus of the real Delta State and should be allowed to run the state perpetually or worse still, the state capital is just enough for the Aniomas. The time has come when sentiments of ethnicity, tribal entrenchment and selfish aggrandisement should pave way for good governance based on equity, fairness and justice.

If then the PDP for equity, fairness and justice as enshrined in its motto: ‘’JUSTICE, UNITY AND PROGRESS’’ has agreed to ‘zone’ their governorship flag bearer to the NORTH as contained in the party constitution which clearly encourage the rotation and zoning based on equity, fairness and justice as stated in chapter one, section 7 (3) (C) ‘’ Adhering to the policy of the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness’’ The constitution empowers the executive leaders and elders of the state to ‘’zone’’ elective offices for the simple reason of equity, fairness and justice. Delta G3 Group comprising Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri from the Delta south senatorial district has agreed to support fully any candidate from the North senatorial district based on rotational arrangements, we therefore, earnestly employ our Urhobo brothers and sisters to follow suit.

WHO THEN IS TONY OBUH?

Tony as his friends and admirers call him is from a humble and simple background, Born on January 27, 1957 into the Obuh family of Oki, in Ika South Local Government Area, a family that adores education, Tony attended St. John II Primary School, Agbor (1964-1969), from where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate and thereafter proceeded to St. Anthony’s College, Ubu-uku and Government College, Ughelli (1969-1975) from where he obtained his School Certificate in ‘Division One’. Armed with such a lucid intellectual result, young Tony was now assured of a climb on the ladder of life in a society in which Western education is the guarantee to privileged places.

In 1975, he gained admission into the prestigious University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from where he graduated with a combined honors degree in History/Political Science in 1979. Having equipped himself with sound education, Obuh joined the Teaching Service Commission of the defund Bendel state in the capacity of Master Grade 2, and taught History at the Mary Mount College, Agbor from1980-1982. Following his desire to serve his state in a greater capacity, Obuh joined the administrative class of the then Bendel state civil service in 1982 as Assistant Secretary II, where his competence and efficiency were quickly noticed, which saw him being utilized in capacities above his rank.

In furtherance to the need to prepare himself in meeting the challenges posed by the public service, he proceeded to the University of Ibadan, in 1986 for a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations (MIlR), which he successfully completed in September 1987. As a Principal Personnel Officer, Obuh was posted as Director of Personnel Management of Governor’s Office. He rose through the ranks steadily and served in Directorial positions cutting across various ministries and parastatals including: Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning; Acting Chairman, Bendel Insurance Company Limited; Acting Chairman, UIDC; Alternate Director, PAMOL Industry Limited Director, Public  Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service; General Manager Delta Transport Service Limited; Director, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Governor’s Office.

Having served in all the departments mentioned above, and distinguished himself as assiduous and indefatigable, Obuh wasted no time in gaining the confidence and trust of the state government to serve in higher capacity where his experience and knowledge could be of greater value to the state. Consequently, in June 2006, he was appointed to the enviable post of Permanent Secretary in the Delta state Public Service. A distinguished professional who can be described as a polyvalent genius, Obuh is a member of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and has also attended a number of seminars and workshops both in Nigeria and abroad. Due to his experience and hardwork, he was retained in the office of Secretary to the State Government where he had hitherto served as Director. This was an innovation in the administrative structure of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government as he was the pioneer permanent secretary. By June 2007, following his superlative performance in the Secretary to the State Government Office, Obuh was posted to the Directorate of Government House and Protocol from where he retired after 32 years of meritorious service to the state.

His assiduousness over the years were noticed and rewarded by his various awards and investiture from reputable organisations from:

- Award for Humanitarian Service by Rotary Club Asaba Central District 9140

- Fellow, Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria (IPAN)

- Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM)

- Honorary Member, Institute of Strategic Management

- Member, Institute of Personnel Management (IPM)

- Vocational Service Award in Recognition of Laudable Contributions towards upliftment of mankind in the society by Rotary Club of Asaba, East District 9104

- Delta State Peoples Network “Award for Merit and Excellence”

- Leadership Ambassador Award by Nigeria Peace Magazine

- Distinguished Delta Youth Merit Award by National Youth Council of Nigeria, Delta State chapter

- Nigeria Media Nite-Out Recognition as Trustee

- Award of outstanding Permanent Secretary of the Year (Performance)

- Vocational Service Award in Recognition of your contributions to the administrative growth and development of the entire State by the Rotary Club of Agbor

- Award of Excellence by National Association of Delta Students (NADESSTU OAU, IFE, (Chapter)

- Award of Excellence by Delta Entertainment

- MERIT Award by Catholic Men Organisation-Asaba Region

- Millennium Excellence Award ‘’Integrity-in-Service” by Frontline News

- Leadership Ambassador Award ‘’Distinguished for Administrative Excellence” by Nigeria Peace Magazine

- Blazer Award of Excellence (for Contributions to Educational Course and Leadership Role in the Civil Service) by Divine Children School, Ibusa.

Space would not permits us to go further, but one thing is clear, those awards and investiture points in one direction-competence & dedication to service.

Political Involvement & Experience

It was Aristotle who posited ‘’that man by nature is a political animal and that the state a creation of man is endowed by his ideas which he express by his speeches’’

Tony a technocrat started his political training when he became the Director, Office of the SSG, then under Engr. J.B. Erhuero, JP, mni who served as the secretary to the government under Chief James Ibori; he was placed to head the Secretariat of that office since there was no Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SSG at the time. By this strategic positioning Tony was exposed to all the intrigues of government policies and most importantly, the Political Leadership and Structures that interplay on the political chessboard. Though a civil servant, in serving the needs of the Political Class and coping with the exigencies occasioned by the workings of the existing political arrangements, Tony Obuh had the unique privilege to contribute directly to the Political and Economic development of the State. Tony with time gained the trust and confidence of all those in the policy drafters in government because of his constructive analysis of issues that helped formula viable framework for policy implementation. It was no surprise therefore unknown to him when Engr. J.B. Erhuero was retiring recommended him to the incoming SSG in person of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who is known for his eagerness to kept his staff on edge for result oriented, quickly recognised Tony’s unique potentials and organisational expertise and in no time rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary Government House.

When Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan became the governor of the state on 29^th May 2007, Tony was drafted to head the Directorate of Government House and Protocol, a very sensitive and tasking position. The position drew him closer to government and all its paraphernalia including the party hierarchy who took note of the profundity of Obuh's empathy with the Agenda of the Administration and gradually admitted him to greater levels of trust and responsibility. He was drawn into the inner circle of the strategy policy team of the Administration, where sessions of policy formulation were brainstormed for the least-cost approaches which translate to prosecution of the Administration’s programs. In his contributions to these discussions, Obuh availed the groups of his deep understanding and workings of the State bureaucracy and the developmental challenges which, his long Civil Service career had made possible. It is not necessary to mention all the details of his  involvements, but as an instance, Tony Obuh remain to this day, an associate of the think-thank for the Policy on Climate Change, Green economy for the State and Delta beyond oil revolution. His 32 years of service revolves round every fabric aspect of the state, its economy, administration, policies, politics, tourism, culture and people.

Tony Obuh Philosophy

His philosophy is hugely drawn from his civil service experience, where the value of satisfaction is measured by the satisfaction given to others irrespective of tribe, religion, sex or class. The premium he holds dear to his heart is anchored on friendship. Humanity according to him is one big family only divided by tribe, religion, sex and beliefs, but this can be bridged when we reason together as one big family which translates to love, prosperity and unity. This philosophy no doubt has endowed him to a spectrum of friends across the state and beyond.

Tony Obuh Policies of Action if elected

I will hit the ground running on our policies and programmes. I have also watched policies being implemented between the public servants by the political class. My exposure is such that I know what it takes to implement a sound policy. I also know what leads to failure of policies. Therefore, I believe that I have the experience more than any of the aspirants. There are so many things that we can do to grow Delta State. The windows are just being opened from what we have today as ‘Delta Beyond Oil’; it is obvious to us that the lives of our people can be advanced. I want to grow a state that will depend on things outside oil’’ the downward oil prices by international forces of demand and supply, this has further embolden my belief that diversifying the economy of the state from oil to agriculture should be the main sustainability of the state in the near future. Capital projects would be built around the economic development strategy of Delta beyond Oil. Its key components include the building of strategic infrastructure to diversify the economy of the State from oil-dependence to a non-oil dependent economy.  This is my blueprint

Education

The Right to education of every child is inalienable and it is the responsibility of government to ensure that no child in Delta State is denied opportunity of receiving qualitative education. Therefore every child of school age in Delta State will continue to receive free, qualitative and compulsory basic and secondary education. We will continue to pay WAEC and NECO fees. To lay emphasis on Science and Technology to meet the challenges of modern society, our government will also undertake the payment of NABTEB fees for our students. We will provide the support required by our educational system to bring it up to date with modern trends and technology. In addition, the educational system under our government will focus on entrepreneurship and wealth creation through technical and vocational education in such strategic areas as creative writings, film production and editing, fashion designing, auto-mechanic, carpentry, joinery, craft making, welding, software development and other vocational courses. In addition to the existing technical schools these trades will be offered by Skill Acquisition Centres across the State.

Our tertiary institutions will continue to be upgraded and maintained to compete favourably with others in teaching and research. Through collaboration and exchange programs with tertiary institutions within and outside the country, we will make the graduates of our tertiary institutions entrepreneurial, result-oriented and fit to function in the global market.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Before the discovery of oil, agriculture was the mainstay of our economy. In recognition of the fact that oil is an exhaustible resource, our administration will encourage the growth of agriculture through sustaining and strengthening existing agricultural infrastructure. Communities will be encouraged to concentrate on areas of comparative advantage. Accordingly, the Farm Settlement Scheme will be resuscitated. Our policy thrust will focus on strategic agricultural production and support across the value chain through agri-business market identification and entry strategies, export promotion and market development, agricultural extension and training, including storage, processing, packaging and transportation of fresh and perishable produce to minimize post-harvest losses.

In carrying out the above initiative, we will seek the active participation of relevant players among the organized private sector. We will seek massive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the development of the State’s agricultural potentials. Agricultural Co-operatives will be encouraged across the State as a means of boosting agricultural and food production while fostering the mutual exchange of skills and knowledge among our farmers. Our aim is to enhance the agricultural value chain from cultivation to processing by developing world class processing canters in partnership with the private sector which will service both the local and export markets. This will also encourage an increased flow of private investments into the agricultural sector.

Agriculture would be vigorously pursued throughout the length and breadth of the state because this is the alternative to Delta beyond oil. All the 25 local government councils would have an agricultural blueprint to establish primary and secondary industries that can help us convert our raw materials into finished products. Large scale farming, subsidizes fertilisers would be provided to farmers in this direction.

TOURISM

Tourism is a major employer of labour and source of revenue generation. Accordingly, our administration will develop tourism friendly policies with our cultural values and ecosystem in mind. We will promote, encourage and support the hospitality industry. We will complete and put to use the Wild Life Park at Ogwashi-Uku and the Delta Leisure Resort and Theme Park at Oleri in Udu LGA. We believe that Delta State can be developed as the foremost tourist destination in Nigeria. This will also create jobs in both rural and urban areas. We intend to train our youths and women to provide hospitality services that visitors from all over the world will love to experience. The current interest of some international hotel chains in Delta State will be encouraged and we will ensure we have 5-Star hotels developed across the State. Delta state has one of the biggest tourism potentials waiting to be exploited, and that area would be exploited fully during my tenure. My focus would be to generate enough revenue internally beyond what we currently get from the federation account.

Health Care

We will further strengthen our health institutions to meet the challenges of modern healthcare delivery. Our policy will be anchored on primary and rural healthcare, complemented by secondary and tertiary facilities. Emphasis will be on access to first intervention basic healthcare including public hygiene. Pregnant women and their babies, children who are five and below, and the elderly will continue to have free qualitative medical care.

We will ensure functional and sustainable healthcare delivery in communities through well-equipped primary healthcare centres. Under our Administration, Emergency Units would be made to attend to all emergency cases without pre-conditions. We will sustain and improve on the existing facilities in all hospitals including functional ambulance services across the State. The welfare of health workers will be adequately addressed at all times.

Transportation

The present system of transportation in the State, which remains ahead of other public transport systems in the country, can only be improved upon. Our administration will effect improvements in the following areas:-

Road Transportation

The primary objective of our road network policy will be to link up the 25 Local Government Areas in the State through the construction and rehabilitation of major access roads. Furthermore, deliberate action will be taken to provide road networks to open up our rural and riverine communities to boost economic activities. Our Administration will enhance the capacity of the Direct Labour Agency, for the basic maintenance and rebuilding of roads.

We will strive to ensure that roads in the State have adequate drainage system to aggressively check the menace of erosion and flooding, which have isolated some communities and adversely affected agricultural activities. In addition, we will effect improvements in the following areas:

1. Road signs, development of road maps, standardized street naming and numbering aimed at reducing traffic congestion in our cities.

2. Covering of drainages within our cities to provide pedestrian walkways.

3. Completion of ongoing road projects, especially the Asaba/ Ughelli Road dualization, Ode-Itsekiri and Koko Road dualization among others; existing roads will be rehabilitated and resuscitated, while new roads will be constructed to open up the rural areas for economic and social activities.

Water Transportation

Our waterways would be opened up to connect our creeks in the riverine areas to uplands by construction of bridges and straightening our river transportation system by emphasising safety measures before embarking on journeys. Government would provide transportation boats plying all towns and villages in our riverine areas at affordable prices.

Air Transportation

We will complete other ancillary projects at the Asaba and Osubi Airports to make them functional International Passenger and Cargo Airports. In particular, we will intensify collaborative efforts with the federal government to realize the speedy completion of the cargo terminal of Asaba International Airport. We appreciate the importance of Osubi Airport and will work towards the completion of its runway project to accommodate bigger aircraft.

 Electrification-Energy

One of the key economic objectives of our Administration will be to have a State with secure energy supply sufficient to meet our projected economic growth aspirations. Since the national electricity supply system cannot be solely relied upon as a catalyst for industrial growth, we will pursue alternative options aimed at achieving energy supply security. Accordingly, we will liaise with the Federal Government to ensure that the State is adequately covered in the National Grid map. In addition, we will ensure the completion of the Independent Power Plant Project.

Environment

Sanitation and beautification of our environment will be given serious attention. Currently, gas deposits are being flared by multinational oil companies operating at various locations within the state. The environmental impact has been severe. Accordingly, our administration in partnership with environment agencies will be committed to the gradual reduction and elimination of gas flaring in our State.

We will strategically partner with renowned waste management experts for effective and sustainable conversion of our waste to wealth through Public Private Partnership (PPP).There will be an organized system of waste collection, processing and recycling.

We will put in place landscaping programmes that will conform to professional standards in modern aesthetics and still remain environmentally friendly. We will encourage the use of renewable energy for domestic and economic activities. Our administration will put every effort in place to tackle the menace of flood and erosion in the State.

Employment Generation & Wealth Creation

Our industrialization policy will be based on putting the various industrial layouts in the State to full use. The Warri Industrial Business Park, the Free Trade Zone and all the Gas based projects will be completed. Our administration will also create the enabling environment for investors within and outside the country to invest in the State in order to create more job opportunities for our teeming youth population. We will also ensure that the Koko Free Trade Zone is reconceptualised and developed.

Information Technology

Information is fundamental to the process of public enlightenment to enable the citizenry be abreast with government decisions and actions. It is necessary to publicise the activities, policies and programmes of government. Information is also critical to the process of sensitization and mass mobilisation of the people for the achievement of government objectives. In this light, our government will continue to adequately equip government owned media across the State.

We shall continue to pursue the completion of the on-going digitalization of the operation of the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) to meet the requirements of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC);

We shall continue to pursue the establishment of relay stations for interconnectivity of Asaba and Warri stations to enable the stations inter-switch from either of the two stations for the State-wide network coverage;

We shall establish a Goss community printing press for the Delta Printing and Publishing Company Limited (The Pointer) and construction of a proper Press Hall and Administrative Block.

Judiciary

Our Administration will continue to respect the independence of the Judiciary. We will also encourage the system of electronic recording of court proceedings to expedite the dispensation of justice. Our government will enhance the welfare of judicial officers and encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to promote out of court settlements. Efforts will be made to bring the dispensation of justice closer to the people.

Security

The Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the State, while the Commissioner of Police is the Chief Law enforcement officer. Accordingly, we will continue to partner with and support the State Police Command to make the State secure. We will, with the aid of modern communication gadgets and trained personnel, assist in intelligence gathering and sensitization to fight crime. We will also as a matter of State policy, embark on neighbourhood security policing in both inland and waterways communities of the State. Our goal is to create a safe and secure environment where people can live and thrive without fear. Officers and men of the state police command would be given good incentive by way of welfare to officers to enable them make the state crime free to its barest minimum.

Prisons

The state prisons would be rejuvenated to reflect a truly corrective environment. Prisons staff would be motivated by welfare packages that would translate in caring for prisoners. Vocational trade would be intensified so that prisoners on leaving would be self-employed, government would assist such prisoners with grants to start their trade. Government would at all-time try and decongest prisons. Prisons would be a corrective environment and prisoners’ rights would be sacrosanct according to the law.

Science & Technology

Our administration will invest in the development of Science and Technology. Deserving undergraduates and post graduate students will be sponsored to pursue courses in key disciplines in both local and foreign institutions on government scholarships. This in turn will facilitate our industrial development. We will complete the Information and Communication Technology Park (ICT Park) in Asaba and the Broadband Fibre Optic project to enhance Science and Technology, create a state wide network linking all the communities and enhance further computerization of our public schools. Our goal is to ensure that our people are adequately equipped with the required skills and infrastructure to excel in this information age.

Water Resources

At present, we have several major water schemes and motorized boreholes across the State. However, we recognize the persisting challenge of potable water supply and our Administration will strive to address that by embarking on water projects in major cities and towns in the State. We will also aggressively pursue the completion of on-going water projects like the Warri/Effurun Regional Water Works Project and embark on the rehabilitation of existing water schemes. We will pursue the provision of micro water projects in our rural communities.

Waste to Energy

Working with private sector operators, we will strive to generate power from the over 300 metric tons of waste generated daily in our urban areas. Our pursuit of the cheapest and cleanest source of energy will keep receiving attention till we achieve uninterrupted power supply at the lowest cost.

Women & Social Development

Our Administration will create the enabling environment for the social development of women by giving them unhindered opportunities to participate in politics and leadership positions. We will support the girl-child education thereby discouraging them from early marriage and other social vices. Acquisition of skills that will empower our women to acquire competences for self-development and economic independence will be encouraged.

Youth & Sports

Our administration will sustain investments in youth development by ensuring functional Youth Development Centres across the State. This will enable them empower themselves through the acquisition of skills and techniques for growth and development in this age of globalization. It will also help in engaging our youths meaningfully to dissuade them from involvement in social and criminal vices.

We will endeavour to build on the glory of Delta State in national, continental and world sports competitions. We will continue to encourage our sports men and women who excel in sporting activities to challenge them and inspire upcoming talents. The philosophy of catch them young will be encouraged through the promotion of school sports. In this regard, the school remodelling programme of our administration will incorporate provision of standard sporting facilities for both outdoor and indoor sporting activities. We would maintain our first position in national and international competition.

Micro-Credit

We will continue to expand the coverage of the Micro-Credit Programmes as a means of growing the informal sector. It remains a key instrument for advancing the integration of our rural communities into the State’s economic mainstream. Furthermore, our government will intensify efforts at supporting our eligible small scale industrialists to access funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bank of Industry and other such institutions. We will continue on the commitment to the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as a tool for poverty reduction.

Employment Generation & Wealth Creation

Our industrialization policy will be based on putting the various industrial layouts in the State to full use. The Warri Industrial Business Park, the Free Trade Zone and all the Gas based projects will be completed. Our administration will also create the enabling environment for investors within and outside the country to invest in the State in order to create more job opportunities for our teeming youth population. We will also ensure that the Koko Free Trade Zone is reconceptualised and developed.

Housing

We will put in place a quality housing programme with emphasis on Rural/Urban Housing Development with functional infrastructure - water, electricity, roads, ICT, etc. Our government will consider ownership of homes as basic necessity and will do the utmost to achieve this by the introduction of schemes, including mortgage financing, to enable individuals own houses. We will partner with the private sector for a comprehensive housing initiative; particularly in the key urban centres of the State. The target is to put a stop to the growth of slums in the State by the provision of decent and affordable housing in key urban canters.

Women & Social Development

Our Administration will create the enabling environment for the social development of women by giving them unhindered opportunities to participate in politics and leadership positions. We will support the girl-child education thereby discouraging them from early marriage and other social vices. Acquisition of skills that will empower our women to acquire competences for self-development and economic independence will be encouraged.

Pensioners

Prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, including the payment of monthly pensions will be sustained, thereby ensuring that no pensioner suffers unduly under any circumstance. In particular, all issues concerning the Contributory Pension Scheme at both the State and Local Government levels will be addressed in collaboration with the Workers’ Unions. We will ensure that our people who have worked hard are not made to suffer in their retirement.

Welfare

To alleviate the sufferings of students, brilliant but indigent Delta State Students will be awarded bursary and scholarships on a continuous assessment basis. Government will continue to reward hard working civil and public servants through promotion and other incentives. All allowances, pensions and gratuities will be paid as at when due. Teachers’ welfare will be adequately taken care off. State-wide competitions in the areas of sports, science, essays, mathematics, security (most crime free community, most peaceful community), sanitation, arts and culture etc., will be organized periodically.

DESOPADEC

The Delta State Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission would be strengthened to manage the 13 per cent derivation fund and be proactive in attending to needs of Oil producing communities. All communities would benefit from its projects without bias.

External Collaboration

Our Administration will collaborate with the Federal Government, its agencies and parastatals. There will also be co-operation and linkages with International development agencies and organizations. We will ensure that Delta State is properly positioned to benefit from the various collaboration opportunities both nationally and internationally.

These are our blueprint, I promise to run an all-inclusive administration that will bring about the sustenance, extension, development and diversification of the many policies and programmes for economic transformation, which have been firmly planted in many sectors. My deep inside knowledge of these policies is an advantage that I want all Deltans to note. On our own, we can do nothing, but through God that strengthens us we can do all things. The greatness of a people is not dependent on the amount of natural resources available but directly dependent on the efficient and effective harnessing and management of the available human and material resources coupled with the vision and character of the leadership. This, we pledge to accomplish as our covenant with Deltans.

Special Commendations to the following people

Chief Fred Majemite, DG, Tony Obuh Project 2015. A detribalised and dedicated Urhobo leader par excellence.

Chief E.K Clark, our political father.

Chief Ighoyota Amori (The Odidimadi and political leader of Delta Central)

Chief Paulinus Akpeki

Chief Monday Igbuya

Mr. Johnson Erijo

Mr. Nicholas Mutu

Mrs. Evelyn Oboro

Chief Godwin Ejinyere

Chief Julius Imudia

Mr. Ejiafe Odebala

Mrs Faith Majemite

Mr. Ossai Ossai

Dr. Joseph Otumara

Ambassador Godson Echeghile

Maj Gen Nick Agbogun, rtd

Chief Ayirimi Emami (The Akulagba of Warri Kingdom)

 Hon. Tony Nwaka

 Chief (Barrister) Jaro Egbo

Chief Alanza Ugbomah

Chief Emma Ejiofor

Chief Chris Onogba

Chief Sheriff Oborivbore

Hon. (Barr) Akpodiete Edoja Rufus

The list is endless

An Appeal

There is no better time as this, for the Anioma people to put their house in order. The legion of aspirants from the Delta North senatorial district shows a healthy competition from credible sons and daughters, some are genuinely and passionately interested in moving the state forward, some are pretenders while others jokers. The Aniomas congress should as a matter of urgency call all the aspirants together and reach a consensuses candidate whom they would present from the North Senatorial district as their sole candidate. If the Aniomas miss this golden opportunity and play into the hands of other senatorial district to produce the flag bearer of PDP let it be known that the Aniomas would not rule the state for next 50 years.

All aspirants especially from the Delta North senatorial district should embark on campaign based on issues rather than calumny, cheap popularity, slander, character assassination, blackmail, innuendos, misrepresentation or lies, whoever that emerges in the primaries should be supported by all and those who are aggrieved should seek the proper and dignifying way by going to court.

As the December 8^th primaries draw closer, the winner of the primaries should be supported by all because in politics there is no true winner or loser, like what Tony Obuh has consistently said his government if eventually elected would be an all-inclusive one where all hands would be on deck to move the state forward.

Conclusion

In concluding this piece, it would amount to an act of gross geo-political imbalance and insensitivity for Delta South or Central Districts to seek or even think of producing the next governor after Ibru, Ibori and Uduaghan, if they do, where then lies equity, fairness and justice? Which the Urhobos were agitating

 for when they were being marginalised under the defunct Bendel State. Delta State rests precariously on a tripod political arrangement, we are all equal stakeholders in Delta State, and therefore what is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.

However, the Anioma people have to first put their house in order. Today, the biggest issue amongst them is reaching a consensus candidate and taking their message to their brothers in the central and south districts. We’ve had enough of this shadow chasing and it’s time for the Anioma politicians and opinion leaders to begin to take themselves more seriously and go down to the actual intricacies of politicking.

Ethnic nationalities/political organizations of the Delta North stock should sincerely and strategically engage people of other sections of the state including prominent ethnic nationality organizations in Delta South and Central Senatorial Districts for mutual understanding and cooperation in the Anioma quest for the 2015 governorship.

The task before the Anioma people –the leaders and the led now is to source and encourage level-headed and time-tested candidates with good and workable ideas. Someone who knows what it takes to be the governor of Delta state and who when elected must ensure uniform development across the length and breadth of the state translating into peace and stability throughout state based on fairness, equity, justice and respect for the entire peoples of the state.

The incumbent governor has this to say ‘’in 2015, it is not by power, money or beauty that one can become Governor in Delta State. If God does not approve of your candidacy, there is nothing you can do about it.”

It is equally true that all governors must have at the back of their minds who succeeds them, someone they can trust, believe, and most importantly someone who can carry on with their programmes to a logically conclusion. Delta state governor is no exception, he is the leader of the party in the state, he has an influence no doubt who succeeds him, but in doing so he should be guided by someone with competence, experience, dexterity, cool headedness and above all fear of God that would usher in peace and tranquillity to all nooks and crannies of the state.

This piece therefore is about the qualities and experience the state stands to gain from the personality of Tony Obuh if given the opportunity to govern the state come 29^th May 2015.

We wish him God’s guidance and protection as we draw inch by inch to the primaries.

To our Delegates

As you cast your vote be guided by three fundamental objectives:

1.    Is my vote justified by EQUITY?

2.    Is my vote justified by FAIRNESS?

3.    Is my vote justified by JUSTICE?

If your answers are in the affirmative, then cast your vote according to your conscience based on sound judgement, but we have analysed all the candidates and come to conclusion that the most suitable candidate that would take Delta state to the next level is no other candidate than TONY CHUKS OBUH.

Written by:

Otomewo E. Peter

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