Jude Bruno Amamosa.
It was indeed the gathering of who is who from urhobo nation on Monday 28th of Sept, 2015 at banquet hall, Government House, Asaba. The visit which had urhobo political key players, youths and business men in attendance, was led by Nigerian former information minister and one time governorship aspirant, popularly addressed as father of modern Delta politics who is also the chairman of the state's own university governing council, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire
Highlighting the reason for the colourful visit, the senator representing Delta central senatorial district, Sen. Ighoyota Amori in his concise speech, said the Urhobos came to meet with the governor to appreciate him for all he has done for them, adding that they are very grateful to him for proving to the world as usual, that he is not a sectional leader, thus, replicating Ibori's antecedents by appointment.
The oratorical senator in the in - depth of his speech, further stated that in recognition of governor Okowa's developmental strides and love for the urhobos, members of other political parties in urhobo land were present at the appreciation visit because they are beneficiaries of the governor's goodwill.
In his words, Amori who could not hide the nation's feeling about Okowa's unreserved love for humanity, said the governor has played enormous role in their lives and that they will continue to be grateful to him because all by his power, they were able to attain the height they are today in politics. According to him, it is now on record for the first time that it is in the present administration that DESOPADEC now has MD and an urhobo man.
In his response to the address, the governor who started with appreciation to God for the journey so far, said looking through the politicians paraded by the ethnic group, he was convinced that PDP could not have lost out in urhobo land as according to him, contrary to the widespread speculations prior the election, said he was well convinced that his success at the poll especially in urhobo nation was not bargainable. The governor admonished the leaders of the visiting ethnic group to close ranks at all time in order to achieve any goal, pointing that Deltans must not continue to do things in the past. For the governor, it was pertinent and fair that opposition leaders put an end to distracting his administration which is set to bring prosperity to Deltans and also expressed joy that the politicians he saw among the urhobos were people with renewed minds who also share prosperity vision with his government.
Governor Okowa while emphasizing on the need for unity, told the urhobos that their elected representatives are cooperating maximumly with him and it was evidenced that the group was prepared to lend helping hand to lead Delta State successfully when at the verge of choosing who the leader of the state house of assembly was in a brother manner, Hon. Mariere openly dropped his ambition to challenge in a contest, Hon. Monday Igbuya who was a unanimous candidate of urhobo ethnic nation.
The governor in his words ".......for those who know me, it is very difficult to commit me into anything", urged the people not to make promises that they cannot fulfill. For him, it was clear that the elected representatives from the Urhobo axis have been given free hand to operate and appeal to them not to abuse the privilege but to as matter of fact, spend much time with their constituents back home in order to know their needs.
The medical Doctor turned politician while speaking further, said it was necessary his government consulted the people so that projects that will be executed will be paramount to them.
On political appointment, Dr. Okowa said by God's grace, his government was able to appoint commissioners in the midst of economic challenges and that it was in the interest of the state that he made the appointments as according to him, being the state governor does not afford him the opportunity to reach out to all Deltans at same time and know what their challenges are so he had to make key appointments for speedy governance.
Stating further on his government's preparedness to deliver on his campaign promises, governor Okowa implore the newly constituted members of board of internal revenue frimmurhobo land to look out for other means of generating revenue for the state. According to the executive governor, in the business of tax collection, no brother and no friend.
I am part and parcel of urhobo, and will do my best to protect the interest of the group. We are one in Delta State and we will continue to be one, says the governor.
Okowa reiterated his administration's resolve to assisting Delta youths to acquire skills especially those with genuine heart to return into agriculture.
In commending the effort of the state to deliver the best dividends of democracy to the people, the leader of the group, Prof. Sam Oyevbere thanked Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for finding the urhobos worthy for appointments into his government.
Prof. Sam who spoke expressly on his vision 35years ago as a lecturer in Ahmadu Bello Univeristy, said he dreamed of state that would be governed by a non sectional governor, and thanked God for a vision come true. He said is Okowa is governor of all Deltans and urged the few opposition leaders to key into his SMART agenda for a better future.
No doubt, the urhobos occupy juicy positions in the present administration.
The highlight of the event was presentation of gift to the governor by the leadership of urhobo nation.
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