BY IFEANYI OGECHUKWU
In our local parlance, whenever disputes are to be settled, or an individual wants to be fair to competing parties by maintaining an objective stand, you hear statement like- “whoever the cap fits, let him wear it”. Hence, this piece would attempt to fairly present Chief James Augoye as the best candidate for the PDP at the next gubernatorial elections in 2023.
Chief James Augoye, an Okpe born political colossus, from Delta Central senatorial district, rare bred administrator and an astute mobiliser. He is a visionary with rare insight, a self-confident man, compassionate negotiator, a loyal party man and one whose love for Deltans remains unbeaten.
His concern towards a holistic development of Delta state, along sectoral interests had long been demonstrated on diverse fronts through single-handed humanitarian efforts and bespoke execution of state projects.
Recall that the grassroot politician began his political ascendancy from the cradle. He had served as a member of the Okpe LGA transition committee in 2003, where he superintended over the Revenue Generating Committee; an assignment that was delivered without a dent on his image.
His credible delivery in the transition committee prompted a higher calling from his people to become the elected councilor, representing Ward 10 in the Okpe Local Government Council Area between 2004-2007. Still climbing the political ladder through dint of hardwork, the people of Okpe rallied round “Agadagba Okpe” and elected him as the LGA Council Chairman between 2012 and 2014.
His political clout had continued to resonate across the state; as such, there was no going back for the humble and diligent Chief James. At the commencement of the 2015 gubernatorial campaigns, “Agadagba” was beckoned on by the PDP to coordinate the campaign council of the party in Okpe LGA. His delivery was topnotch and output excellent.
No wonder in 2019, the Party did not need to search for another political maestro for the work at hand. It was obvious that only a grassroot mobiliser, loved genuinely by his people was good enough to give the necessary coordination for another PDP victory in the LGA. Chief Augoye was found worthy for a second time and reappointed to same position to bring back Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for a second tenure.
Having witnessed the diligent deliveries of Chief James Augoye, on assumption of office in 2015, the incumbent Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa saddled him with the responsibility of overseeing the Ministry of Works in Delta State. As commissioner for works in 2015 up till 2021, he was an integral part of the conception and consequent execution of the incumbent administrations’ infrastructural improvement across the entire state from start to competition.
His passion for capacity building for youths and women and philanthropic activities towards the downtrodden is legendary; no wonder the name, James Augoye, has continued to make headlines, considering the various calls from individuals and groups, requesting the amiable leader to run for the office of the state Governor.
Chief Augoye’s antecedence speaks volume about his intentions, which amongst all does not include anything personal or selfish. Need I say more, considering his political profile from the grassroot and his record as commissioner for works in two tenures, he stands out as a board room guru and a meticulous executive officer.
With him, there is a name to protect; there are contacts that would be better utilised while occupying Osadebey House and there is antecedence to be sustained in order to avoid a ‘but’ in his profile.
Dear people of Delta State, I present to you a gubernatorial aspirant that intends to comfortably pursue his ambition, riding on the platform of Antecedence, Probity and Equity. Here is a man that had not been on the spotlight whatsoever, for any untoward action, despite the lengthy years in public service. He is someone whose achievements both in public office and private engagements had been focused on raising the standard of living of the masses.
He is a man believed by all to be best suited for the job based on the aforementioned. Permit me to therefore present to you ‘The Man Whom The Cap Fits’- CHIEF JAMES AUGOYE!!!