The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has clarified that he has no issues or disagreements with any member of his party.
He made this statement during the Delta North senatorial meeting of the APC held in Obiaruku on Saturday. Senator Okowa was responding to comments made by Engr. Emmanuel Eboh, who had earlier noted that the party would not reach its full potential unless the four key leaders in the district worked in unity.
Engr. Eboh, who described Senator Okowa as the “national leader” of the party in the district, explained that although he was attending the meeting on behalf of Senator Ned Nwoko, the views he expressed were entirely his own.
In his swift response, the former governor said it was unfair to suggest that Delta North had only four party leaders. He emphasized that the real leaders are those at the ward level, tirelessly working to grow the party’s membership and promote unity.
He pointed out that many people achieve political success through the efforts of these grassroots mobilizers, describing such individuals as fortunate. He stressed the need to recognize and reward those who put in the hard work at the base of the party.
“I’m not aware that I’m in conflict with anyone,” he said. “I have a good relationship with the deputy governor sitting beside me, and I also relate well with Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. We need to learn to respect one another. We may not all be close friends, but as members of the same party, our leaders must work together for better results. I may have influence in my ward, but that doesn’t extend to others. This isn’t the time for personal ambitions let’s put the party first. When election time comes, then we can talk about those things.”
While appreciating the unity among party leaders in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Senator Okowa urged them to keep working hard to grow the party’s membership and boost voter registration. He pointed out that people who have party membership cards are more likely to vote for the party’s candidates during elections.
Earlier, the Delta North Chairman of the party, Chief Adizue Eluaka, expressed satisfaction with the current figures for both membership and voter registration but encouraged leaders to keep mobilizing more people to register. He also announced that the party’s online membership registration was still ongoing and thanked leaders for their continued support.
Those present at the meeting included Elder Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State; Chief Omene Sebotie, State Party Chairman; Chief Chris Agbobu, former Minister; Mr. Chiedu Ebie, NDDC Chairman; Dr. Martin Okonta, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly; Dr. Festus Ochonogor, Managing Director of DESOPADEC; Chief Fidelis Tilije, Commissioner for Finance; Hon. Pascal Adigwe; Hon. Joan Mrakpor; Hon. Tony Elekeokuri, Director General of Delta Investments and Development Agency; Hon. Ifeanyi Eboigbe; Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, Ika South Local Government Chairman; Hon. Monday Hunkanma Odigwe, Ika North-East Local Government Chairman; Chief Obi Nzete, Ndokwa West Local Government Chairman; Sir Steve Ikpade; Engr. Daniel Ossai; Hon. Emeke Nwaobi, Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly; Hon. Marlyn Daramola-Okowa; Elder Moses Idu; Barr. Victor Okoh; Mr. Amaechi Igumbor; Chief Sony Obuseh; Mr. Sunday Bamah; and Mr. Emeke Aside.
The Delta North meeting, held yesterday, was the second of its kind since the mass defection of Delta State PDP members to the APC last April. Since the unexpected shift, party leaders have been working to integrate all groups smoothly and maintain harmony within the party.
Read also: EFCC Confirms Okowa Investigation Ongoing, Says Political Defection Won’t Provide Immunity
