First Vice President General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, and Chairman, Urhobo For Governor 2023 Consultation Team, Capt Dr Anthony Onoharigho, has disclosed that governorship aspirants in Delta Central have not and will not be allowed to fund the ongoing lobby and/or consultation tour of the state.
The UPU senior scribe made the disclosure when he played host to the Convener of Coalition for Media Politics, CMP, and Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Olorogun Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, JP, on Wednesday July 21, 2021, at his Oria-Abraka newly built palatial residence.
Onoharigho said UPU is transparent and honest in her drive to ensure that the two other senatorial districts; Delta North and Delta South, give the needed support to Delta Central so as to ensure that the next governor emerges from Urhobo nation, adding that it will be unethical, unreasonable and inappropriate to solicit funds from governorship aspirants.
“As the global body of the Urhobo people, we must be seen to be honest and reliable in our quest to garner support for the Urhobo governorship project.
“Subjecting aspirants to funding our consultation expenses will negate the needed neutrality and level playing ground for all aspirants. It is our desire that the best aspirant should emerge as candidate and governor, which is why they must not donate or give money to our consultation team.
“Our amiable governor and father of the state, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, is a fantastic leader and we have absolute confidence in him. The Urhobo governor, come 2023 must be a detrabilised, humble, incorruptible and a team player.
“The governor has done pretty well, and have been very fair to the three senatorial districts in political appointments and development of the state. He deserves the support of all Deltans to enable him finish strong in 2023.” Onoharigho said.
Onoharigho urged EAC Oghenesivbe, to actively participate in the sociocultural activities of UPU, and commended him for his mesmerizing skills in strategic political communication; and for doggedly quelling negative propaganda against Okowa, in the ongoing scheming for 2023 governorship slot.
Oghenesivbe, thanked Onoharigho for inviting him and promised to do anything and everything legitimate to promote the Urhobo 2023 governorship agenda, adding that the steps taken by UPU to solicit cooperation of other leaders and stakeholders in Delta North and Delta South, will no doubt yield needed positive results.
“UPU has taken the lead in the 2023 Urhobo governorship project,.and for the first time, we are united for a common purpose as a people.
“Your resolve not to accept cash donations or any gifts from governorship aspirants attests to UPU transparency and integrity of the union’s leaders in driving the Urhobo 2023 agenda. It is indeed commendable.
“As EACGOV, I cannot stand negative propaganda against my boss, Gov Okowa, which is why I swiftly debunk or deploy facts to fight misleading statements from political detractors.
“I will continue to project the governor’s achievements till the end of this administration, by the grace of God,” Oghenesivbe assured.