By Bamidele Ogunwusi Correspondent, Lagos
Considering the popularity of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), which has been since the days of Chief Onanefe Ibori as Governor of the state, it could be safe to say that in Delta State, any governorship aspirant that emerges as a candidate from the primaries of the party could start to prepare for his or her swearing in ceremony as the next governor of the state.
This is because there is no serious opposition in the state. The Democratic People’s Party, (DPP) led by Great Ogboru that provided a semblance of opposition has since merged with the Labour Party. But rather than strengthen the party as a formidable opposition, the merger seems to have weakened the party’s support by the people, especially from the Delta Central Senatorial District.
This is because the people have become weary and frustrated of the failures at elections and court cases by Ogboru, the leader of the party. They now have a second thought about his ability to win any election at all.
Besides, Delta Central seems to have become pretty tired of opposition politics, which has been an ill wind in the past eight years because the state has remained a PDP state. This could be seen in the number of aspirants currently jostling for the governorship ticket of the party in the next general elections
At the moment, there are over 20 governorship aspirants in the state with Delta North, leading with 12, 10 gentlemen and two ladies, Chief. Ngozi Olejeme and Dr. Esther Uduehi. The Delta Central has eight aspirants, while the South, according to analysts, has three persons.
Among the PDP aspirants, Tony Obuh, a retired Permanent Secretary in the state Civil Service, has since the announcement of his intention to run, shocked most Deltans with the way he has been pulling crowd across the state.
Though, it is still a season of consultations and this is being done by reaching out to party executive members in the 25 local government areas of the state, reaching out to traditional rulers, opinion leaders and notable leaders in society. The idea, according to reliable sources, was to solicit for their support and urge them to help spread the news by informing others to do so.
The season of consultations is quite important in the race, especially as it is the first test to show how prepared the aspirant is, who his followers are, and the quality they have.
It is at this level of preparedness to govern and his general acceptability that Obuh stands out among the array of gladiators showing interest in becoming the next governor of the state,
Moving very fast, Obuh has completed his familiarisation visits to the 25 local government areas of the state as at Friday 26th, September. This had shown how serious he is and he has been getting stronger as he progressed.
In most cases, with a convoy, stretching three kilometers and over sixty cars, Obuh’s consultations revealed a clear general acceptance of his mission to become the next governor of Delta State. This is because in all the local government areas he has visited, most of the existing political leaders, such as elected members of the state House of Assembly, commissioners and political appointees, did not only attend but made sure that the consultations went smoothly.
Obuh’s humble background as a teacher’s son, with quality education as well as his immense experience that spans about 32 years in civil service has fine-tuned him for the political terrain that he has just ventured in.
In all his visits, he highlighted to the people his world philosophy and how it has earned him a large number of friends and associates over the years. His mission and vision of Delta State, were properly articulated and presented to the people. He then concluded by urging the people to support him and carry the message to others.
According to Obuh, “I always felt a strong and inseparable tie to my fellow humans irrespective of their place of origin, beliefs, sex or other characteristics. This is why I have a very wide circle of friends and acquaintances across the state and beyond”.
Within his career period, Obuh served in various management and leadership positions, serving two state governors as director in various departments and as a Permanent Secretary in Government House, until his voluntary retirement.
It is on this premise and impeccable background that he has offered himself to serve the state, promising to run an inclusive and responsive government, building upon the very strong foundation already laid by the State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
At Ozoro, the headquarters of Isoko North LGA, Obuh, facing a large crowd of supporters that gave him and his entourage a tumultuous welcome, said, “I am overwhelmed by your acceptance and show of love. This is my place; you are my people. I seek your support. I shall be honest and serve you truthfully”
Eminent citizens who were present at the Ozoro included the member representing Isoko North in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Tim Owhefere, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Sir. Patrick Ferife, Hon. Joel Thomas Onowakpor, Chairman of the State Board of Internal Revenue and Vice Chairman, Isoko Advancement Network, IAN, of which Hon. Mike Ogwah, who was also present, is the Chairman worldwide. The Secretary to the State Government and political leader in the area, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, was represented by Ogwah.
Others who were on ground to receive Obuh included the Chairman of PDP Isoko North, Hon. Daniel Tutumor, Transition Chairman, Samuel Idise, Chairman of the Elders Council, Chief. Philip Oju, Emmanuel Edevor and Philip Adheke, former chairmen of the Council and Isoko North coordinators of Project Obuh 2015, Pastor Rhoda Ikede, Arch. Ambrose Okuwhor, Beckley Asiafa and the Director General, Project Obuh 2015, Barr. Fred Majimite.
Obuh’s entry into the race to the Government House, Asaba, according to a leader of the party in the area, Tim Udoh, could be likened to the story of emergence of David, the son of Jesse as the king of Israel after the rejection of Saul. This, he said, was responsible the warm reception Obuh received in all the local government areas he visited.
“All this strengthens the general belief that God is the repository of power and He gives it to whom He wants. There does seem to be the hand of God in the aspiration of Tony Obuh”, .
Daily Independent gathered that other aspirants in the state are also making frantic efforts at ensuring that they unveil their manifestoes. However, how far they will go in actualising their ambitions will become absolutely clear by November 26th when the primay would have been won and lost.
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