Urhobo youths, under the aegis of the Urhobo Youth Leaders Association (UYLA), have cautioned mischief makers, particularly from Delta Central Senatorial district, not to create enmity between Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his benefactor, former Governor James Ibori.
The youths said the claim in some quarters that Okowa was out to dismantle the political structure of Chief Ibori ahead of 2023 governorhip election in the state to pave way for his desired candidate, which might not be from Delta Central, was untrue.
In a statement signed by President and deputy president of the group, Chiefs Tony Ofoni, and Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode JP, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, warned against jeopardising the bright chances of Delta Central producing the next governor come 2023.
They expressed misgivings with the combative stance of DC-23 led by Chief Ighoyota Amori, warning the so-called lobby group to tread with caution not to jeopardise the common interest of the people.
“We are worried about a well-orchestrated plot to drive a wedge between former Governor James Ibori and the incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, a man with the incredible reputation of being a promise keeper.
“Governor Okowa has no plan to dismantle Chief James Ibori structure as being alleged in some quarters. His remarks, so far, on 2023 do not, in any way, suggest betrayal as being quoted.
“He has openly told the Ijaw nation he never promised them the governorship of Delta State in 2023.
“The State chairman of the PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso, has in a statement during an occasion 2020, stated that it was only fair for Delta Central to have the governorship in 2023 and that statement did not earn him any query from the governor.
“Governor Okowa is presently the leader of the party in the state. For the purpose of emphasis, our governor has no running battle with Chief James Ibori and his structures, as being claimed in some quarters by mischief makers who want to distort the unity we enjoy in the state with Governor Okowa as the driver of the progressive and highly performing party and government.
“Okowa, as a tactical strategist, does not need to make his direction known too early into the game.
“In the fullness of time, an Urhobo man will emerge as governor by the grace of God but not on the altar of flexing muscles with the incumbent governor who deservingly should be respected,” the group warned.
Members of UYLA, who solicited support from other senatorial districts, therefore, appealed to the people causing confusion in Delta Central to refrain from their destructive path and join hands to work closely with Governor Okowa in the search for a successor in 2023.
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