Gold fish has no hiding place, so re-echoed a non-political group of Niger Delta youths, the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation, NDPYLF, as they have endorsed the Executive Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Hon. Smart Yomi Asekutu, for the position of the House of Representatives for Warri Federal Constituency in 2023.
The group which paid a courtesy visit to the Council chairman in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area recently said their decision to endorse Asekutu and tasked themselves to purchase the Expression of Interest form for him to contest, was due to his superlative performance which has attracted national recognition and honour, even as they harped on the prevalence of peace and security in the area since the emergence of the chairman in the Council.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the national president, Comrade Marble Ogomugo, noted that the performances of the Council chairman within the short period he emerged has endeared him to the people at the grassroots, a situation which the group emphasized, has ushered in enduring peace and security, adding that projecting him to the green chamber of the National Assembly to represent the people of Warri federal constituency, will definitely promote security, peace and development in the area.
The group further described Asekutu as a detribalized Deltan whose character and charisma is accepted by all, adding that the group has considered the antecedents of the Egbema-born Council chairman and found him fit and proper to provide effective representation, leadership and empowerment for the people of Warri Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
“Our group is apolitical. We only judge and accept people to serve based on antecedents and Capt. Smart Yomi Asekutu has proven to be that man.
“Just recently, the chairman bagged and award as the most Performed LGA chairman in Delta State in far-away Abuja and this has informed the group’s judgement in purchasing the form for him. As a people, we believe that since Hon. Evangelist Michael Diden is going to represent us at the Senate, it is only proper for an Ijaw man who feels the pain of the Ijaws and Itsekiri to represent us at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly
“We did this largely due to the chairman’s sterling performance which has culminated into social security, infrastructural development and youth empowerment.
“We are harping on the need to allow for the continued peace enjoyed in the area, hence, it will only be reasonable that, a detribalized Ijaw man accepted by all, is given the mantle of representing the people of Warri Federal Constituency at the national Assembly.” Comrade Ogomugo said.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Secretary of the group, Otutu Elias (an Itsekiri by tribe) eulogized the track record of Hon. Asekutu, noting that the group unanimously adopted and endorsed the Council boss as their preferred aspirant for the federal constituency.
“We have considered the track record of Capt Smart Yomi Asekutu and it was unanimously agreed by NDPYLF in the 3 Warris to adopt him as their preferred and frontline aspirant for the Warri Federal Constituency”, he said.
In his reaction, the Council chairman, Hon. Capt. Smart Yomi Asekutu, expressed surprise just as he thanked the group profusely for the kind gesture, especially for finding him worthy to be their choice for the coveted position to represent the people at that level.
He said: “I am shocked as this came at a time when he never thought or conceived such ideas of purchasing form to contest an election. I will then have to speak with his leaders, particularly, the Executive Governor of the state, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and other leaders both from Itsekiri and Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Warri federal constituency.
“I am not here on my own volition, I work closely with leaders and in the interest of peaceful co-existence, I will go and discuss with my leaders, whatever their response is, I will get back to you. However, I am very grateful and can’t thank you people enough for this opportunity to assume higher responsibilities.
“However, this has always been my desire to represent my people at the national level. I am committed to the PDP and will play by the rules of the party.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Council Vice chairman, Hon. Solomon Mikie commended the effort of the group and the confidence they reposed on the chairman, whom he described as a man of character and charisma.
He noted that the performances of the Council chairman within one year was quite commendable, adding that he beat the expectations of everyone.
The high point of the occasion was the presentation of the expression of interest form for the position of House of Representatives, to the Council chairman in his office at Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Council Area.
The Vice Chairman, Hon Solomon Mikie, the Secretary to the Local Govt, Samuel Meyiwa Khalil Khalil Samuel amongst others were present at the occasion.
Speaking with our correspondent on phone over the development, the Council chairman, Hon. Smart Asekutu stressed that he has to consult widely to enable him respond to the gesture of the youth group.
“I least expected this gesture from the group. I must say I’m very surprised and shock. However, I have to consult widely to enable me respond appropriately to their kind gesture. I thank them immensely for finding me worthy and of course, they overwhelming confidence they repose on me. I thank them”, he said.
