In continuation of his state-wide visits to traditional rulers in Delta State in preparation for the flag-off of his gubernatorial campaigns, the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate for Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has vowed to give priority attention to the development of Asaba, the capital and other cities in the state when he becomes the governor in 2023.
The Deputy President of the Senate who stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asagba in his place, also assured that he will ensure that all meaningful ongoing developmental programmes and projects embarked upon by the outgoing Dr Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration will not be abandoned when he is sworn as Governor in 2023.
Omo-Agege who disclosed that he embarked on the state-wide visit to traditional rulers in order to notify them of his intention to contest the 2023 governorship election of the State, however, attested to his preparedness for the job, adding that his experience in politics of Delta, as well as the peculiarity of its challenges, have adequately positioned him for the task ahead.
While seeking their royal blessings, the Deputy President of the Senate noted that the traditional and spiritual support of the Royal Fathers was vital to his successful campaign and eventual victory.
“The various offices I have held have fully equipped me for the task ahead. Because of the various offices, I have held at the state level, I am completely aware of all of the challenges that the state faces. And as the Deputy President of the Senate, I also have the exposure and contact at the national level and I intend to bring to bear in the governance of Delta State if by God’s grace I am elected.
“I want to give assurance and reassurance that all of the developmental programmes and projects of the current administration will not suffer on account of the change of leadership. This is an assurance I want you to take to the bank. Because of two main reasons: one, this is the seat of power.
“Asaba is the capital of Delta State. It is incumbent on every administration to showcase Asaba as its capital. For that reason, Asaba will receive developmental attention under my administration if for no other reason, than that it is the state capital of Delta State.
“And like I also said, also because I am a son of this palace. This is my house and I have every reason to do for Asaba as a state capital what an indigene of Asaba will do for Asaba if he were governor. My own ancestral connection to Delta North also imposes upon me an obligation to see Delta North the way I see Delta Central and Delta South”, he said
Responding, Obi (Prof.) Edozien noted that Senator Omo-Agege was fully qualified to run for the office even as he gave him royal blessings.
He lamented that successive governments in the state failed to fully recognise Asaba as the state capital.
He, therefore, called on the lawmaker to correct the anomaly when he becomes governor.
The monarch who used the occasion to advocate for more roles for traditional rulers noted that the Anioma Traditional Rulers had unanimously agreed on a power shift to Delta Central, adding that he applauded the lawmaker for impacting the lives of his constituents and beyond.
“In every respect including the senatorial district where you belong, you are fully qualified for this election. We wish you well.
“The issue of Asaba being the capital of Delta State, there had been many issues since the creation of the state. And in many ways, it would seem that the government of Delta State has refused to accept that Asaba is the capital of Delta State. For example, in terms of the development of many capitals around the country, they have created capital territories.
“In the nation’s capital, you have Abuja Capital Territory. Other states have done the same. You have one in Imo State, Owerri Capital Territory. But in Delta State, we created one called Delta State Capital Territory. Asaba is not recognised. I hope when you become governor of the state, you will correct this injustice”, the royal father said.
The royal visit which was held under the auspices of the Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum had the Asagba of Asaba, HRH Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien who is the Chairman of Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, and other royal fathers from Anioma Nation were in attendance.
In the entourage of the APC.givernorship candidate were his running and Deputy Chairman of the APC campaign organisation, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi; the state party chairman and Co-Chairman of the campaign organisation, Elder Omeni Sobotie; Director General and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsdey Orubebe; Deputy DG and Chief of Staff to the DSP, Dr Otive Igbuzor; Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Olorogun Ima Niboro; ex-Chairman, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr Ngozi Olejeme; former NDDC director, Tuoyo Omatsuli and other members of the campaign organisation.
