PDP leaders from Ijaw extraction back former minister on Delta governorship ticket

Leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of Ijaw extraction in Delta State have declared their support for the governorship bid of former Minister of State for Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The PDP Ijaw leaders, which comprised ward leaders, working committee and women, at the weekend, led hundreds of other party faithful on a solidarity visit to the business tycoon at his Oginibo country home, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The party faithful were drawn from Burutu, Bomadi and Patani local government areas of the state and led by the Obaseki of Akugbene Mein Kingdom, Chief Yusuf Eregbene under a platform christened Ijaw Political Solidarity Front.

Presenting a document of declaration of support to Chief Gbagi, one of the party leaders Mr. Johnbull Febakumor, averred that Ijaws were fully in support of the governorship aspirant.

The document was signed by the coordinator of the group, Chief Yusuf Eregbene, secretary, Hon. Awisi Victor, deputy coordinator, Engr. Kemapuador, publicity secretary, Mayor Timi Ogobiri, organising secretary, Richard Opukeme and the provost, Mr. Ogun School.

According to him, “We believe that with your wealth of knowledge, when you become the Governor of Delta State, you will transform the state to an industrial hub.

“We believe that Delta State, under your watch, will be uplifted to the next level of development.

“We believe in your competence and high level of socio-political, entrepreneurial and administrative prowess.”

Responding, Chief Gbagi appreciated the solidarity visit and called on all ethic groups in the state to unite for the common goal of ensuring a prosperous Delta State, adding that the 2023 governorship election shouldn’t strain the relationship among all ethnic nationalities in the state.

He promised to initiate a development plan to consolidate on the developmental stride of the incumbent state governor, Dr. Ofeanyi Okowa, saying when roads are fixed, the next thing that should follow is the industrialisation of the state.

“All tribes and ethic groups want development; we have seaports that once binded us together in terms of development.

“What we must do is to join hands and defend what we have together: our waters need to be free for investors while bridges and roads should be visibly functional for free flow of commerce.

“To enable us to achieve these, we must see Delta State as our state and allow development to join us together.

“If an Urhobo can do the job, we should give him the support as I present myself to you to serve the people of the state.

“Deltans are fortunate to have a governor like Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who ensures that the state is peaceful. When there is no fighting, development will come,” he enthused.