By Sunday Apah
The Ijaw people in Delta State have stated that they will adhere to justice, fair play and follow whatever decision Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will take on who becomes the next governor of Delta state come 2023.
Traditional Prime Minister of Tuomo Kingdom, High Chief Mike Loyeibo Ekayama who made this known on behalf of the Ijaw people at Tuomo Community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State when Delta Central 2023 lobby group paid consultation visit to them, said every organ of Delta Ijaw were well represented in the meeting.
He stated that anyone who did not believe in rotation should not benefit from it, but they will wait for the decision of the present shepherd of the politics of Delta state, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on 2023 before further moves.
According to him, “DC-23 has a very valid argument because I believe in justice and fair play. The Governor has told me that he will pray and decide what is fair for Delta state. I will wait and follow the decision of the governor.
“After that I will convince my Ijaw people to follow the outcome of the prayer. I am not intimidated by anyone. If I say a thing I follow it to the latter because I have the resource and strength to follow it up. So let us be patient and wait for the governor’s decision”.
He urged the Ijaws and members of Delta Central 2023 present during the visit to unite and stand behind Okowa to finish stronger. “One of the best approach taken by any group in the state is the one taken by DC-23. So we will all work together to achieve a common goal”.
High Chief Mike Loyeibo Ekayama promised on behalf of the Ijaw people to carry the message of DC-23 to the Ijaw people, since all the organs were well represented during the visit. “Be rest assured that we will do justice to your message”, he reiterated.
Earlier, National Chairman of Delta Central 2023, Chief Senator Ighoyota Amori in his speech, expressed appreciation to High Chief Mike Loyeibo Ekayama for the warm reception and positited that the plan on how the PDP can rule beyond 2023 was their major aim, as they cannot afford to loose the state to an opposition party.
He said the DC-23 is a lobby group made up of card carrying members of the PDP in Delta Central Senatorial District with aim to lobby for the governorship seat to rotate to the Central come 2023.
He noted that the political relationship between the Ijaws and Urhobos had been very cordial from time immemorial and as such the DC-23 will do everything possible to ensure the relationship is sustained.
According to him, “the Ijaws have their argument for the governorship seat likewise the Urhobos but we can’t talk of zoning on ethnic lines because the state is made up of various ethnic groups, hence the appeal for us to maintain the zoning arrangement on senatorial districts order”.
“We want to establish a sustainable system where when it gets to your turn no one from another senatorial district can contest with you. So the argument that Urhobo or other ethnic groups contested during the turn of other senatorial districts will no longer be there”, he added.
He appealed to representatives of the Delta Ijaws present to see reason with Delta Central Senatorial District on the need to strengthen the zoning arrangement on senatorial order for peace and stability.
Leaders and members of DC-23 that went for the visit include Chief Ighoyota Amori, National Chairman, Dr. Chris Oharisi, National Secretary, Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo, National Publicity Secretary, Chief Sunday Apah, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Festus Pemu, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Godwin Atose, National Organizing Secretary, Mrs. Philomena Ededey, Assistant National Welfare Officer, Chief Christian Onogba, Assistant National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Best Okoromadu, Assistant National Women Leader, Chief George Osikorobia, Assistant National Auditor, Hon. Elohor Urhobe, Assistant National Women Leader, Comrade Austin Opubor, National Welfare Officer,
Others are Chief Bernard Edewor, Deputy Chairman, BoT, Chief (Mrs.) Margret Unukegwo, Chief Ejaife Odebala, Former House of Assembly member, Chief Mrs. Philomena Oyearone, Barr. Idris Oyibo, Mr. Benjamin Ogbimi, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ayomanor, Engr. Eric Osiobe, Hon. Maria Emamor, Hon. Onoriode Ishegbe, Kanaba Ovie Duke, Rt. Hon. Kenneth Fovie, Christopher Ophori, Sir. Godfrey Etabuko, Mr. Robinson Omoni, Chief Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Okakuro Blessing Oborevwori, Chief Bestman Itive, Francis Obire, Mr. Robinson, Chied Olomu Man, Terry Omaraye, Representatives of Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, Representatives of Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Representatives of Chief Fred Majemite and a host of others.
Those that represented the Ijaws include High Chief Mike Loyeibo Ekayama, General Brodrick Demeyeibo (rtd), Navy Comm. Moris Biakpara (rtd), Barr. David Ekereokosu, Chief Barr. Lucky Loyeibo, Chief Pele Zenetabor, Pastor Febaru Abraham, Chief Hon. Fungeowei Azami, Princess Roseline Eme, High Chief Pères Oloye, HRH Yanky L, Hon. Eric Orusaibogha, Hon. Dagidi Andaye, Chief Ojukwu Oloye, Chief Waterwei Amos, Chief Ebikoro Tebekaimi, Mr. Binaebi Awi, Chief Bedford Osobokeme, Hon. Angodi Agbor, Barr. Robinson Pereagbe Gold, Chief Hon. Patrick Black, Chief J. T Agbor, Hon. Ebodezi Benemone, Chief Peretu Electric, High Chief Owenfile Collins, Chief Oshogbo Egoli, Chief Pius Oloye, Hon. Jonathan Oweikezi Bright, members of Bomadi Mandate Group, community chairmen, Amana-oweis, youth leaders, women leaders and many others too numerous to mention.