In a recent press conference held in Asaba, Olorogun Godwin Obire, former senior legislative aide to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and ex-aide to the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, offered a fervent piece of advice to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. With the aim of promoting unity within the party, Obire emphasized the importance of respecting the political privileges granted to Senator Ned Nwoko in the Delta North senatorial district.
According to Obire, the foundation of Delta State’s political structure rests on its three senatorial districts – North, South, and Central. In this context, the senator representing each district is regarded as the senior-most elected official from their constituency within the government. While acknowledging the presence of other party stalwarts, this senator is accorded a special status and plays a key role in political decisions that affect their local government area. Such recognition fosters unity among party members and reinforces the governor’s leadership.
Obire drew attention to the longstanding tradition, dating back to the era of James Ibori, where the senator representing Delta North, the late Senator Patrick Osakwe, enjoyed the privilege of nominating commissioners from the district to join the state cabinet. Even after Senator Osakwe switched parties, his significance and seniority within Delta North continued to be recognized, allowing him to retain the right to nominate commissioners.
Further highlighting the tradition, Obire pointed out that during Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, representing Delta North at the time, was granted the privilege of nominating the chairman of Ika North East local government, as well as the representative for Ika Federal Constituency and various commissioner positions within the state cabinet. This consistent respect for the serving senator from Delta North by the governor reflects the PDP’s practice in Delta state.
Continuing his examples, Obire mentioned that when Senator Peter Nwanboshi held the senatorial position, Governor Okowa extended the privilege to him as well, allowing him to nominate his local government chairman and commissioners. Such inclusive leadership has long been the hallmark of the PDP in Delta state, providing a sense of belonging to the three senators representing each district. However, this tradition seems to have been disregarded by Governor Oborevwori, who is overlooking and belittling Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, the current representative of Delta North.
Obire stressed that Senator Ned Nwoko is being denied his privileges as a serving senator. He is not given the right to nominate a commissioner from his local government, nor is he involved in the compilation of the delegate list or the appointment of a chairman for his local government in preparation for the upcoming local government election congresses. Such actions undermine party unity and dismiss Senator Ned Nwoko’s entitlements.
In conclusion, Obire expressed his concerns about the lack of unity within the party and urged Governor Oborevwori to respect Senator Ned Nwoko’s political privileges. He emphasized that the governor’s actions and decisions in this matter could lead to disunity, particularly within Delta North. Obire advised the governor to exercise wisdom in his political dealings in order to avoid the potential consequences of his actions.
