Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on Communications, Olorogun Barr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, JP, has said that a vibrant and responsible opposition party will not only offer constructive criticisms but would take additional step to acknowledge visible performance of the party in power.
He made the assertion in a statement on Friday February 25, wherein he accused the newly acquired Publicist of the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Wilson Omene, of misrepresentation of facts, character assassination and hate speech, calculated to defame the enviable reputation of the state governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
Oghenesivbe recalled that the Vice President of Nigeria, and major stakeholder in the affairs of APC, had on several occasions acknowledged and commended governor Okowa of PDP, for his good governance strides in socioeconomic and infrastructure development, describing the VP as a true democrat and a nationalist.
Okowa’s EAC recalled that Wilson Omene of Delta APC, had in a recent press statement accused the governor of neglecting Warri Stadium and sports Infrastructure development which he alleged prompted renovation works by Master’s Place International Church, planning to use the facility for a crusade.
He said Okowa administration has been adjudged the best in sports Infrastructure development, and that the state is the current national champion in sports, haven won three previous editions by topping all the states including FCT in gold medals.
The Eacgov posited that the world class Stephen Keshi International Stadium was constructed, equipped and commissioned under governor Okowa’s visionary leadership, adding that sports Infrastructure development the world over has been and will continue to be the joint responsibility of the public and private sectors, because it requires huge funding from time to time.
Oghenesivbe, a lawyer and member of the International Communication Association, ICA, berated Omene for being economical with facts about the numerous achievements of Gov Okowa in infrastructure development since 2015 till date, pointing out that Omene’s predecessor who in time past accused this administration later realised his mistakes and had to defect to PDP, together with some Chieftains and leaders of Delta APC.
He advised Omene to ask President Mohammadu Buhari and APC national government what they intend to do at the National Stadium in Abuja, named after Chief M.O. Abiola, which is currently occupied by giant reptiles.
“Delta Sports development under Gov Okowa is second to none since the creation of Delta State. Stephen Keshi Stadium which was built, equipped and commissioned under this administration has been rated world class and accredited by CAF and FIFA.
“Delta was and still the proud host of the 21st Senior Athletes Championship tagged ASABA 2018, and the best organised championship so far in Africa. Delta hosted several international soccer meets under this administration at the Keshi stadium.
“Delta won the National Sports Competition, topping other states in three consecutive championships, and prides herself as the current national champion. No other administration achieved this enviable feat.
“Chief Tony Okowa, the amiable champion Chairman of the State Sports Commission made us proud by providing transparent and credible leadership that saw the timely completion and commissioning of Stephen Keshi Stadium. Under his watch, we retained the national sports champion title like never before and our athletes have been duly rewarded in cash and in kind.
“Chief Tony Okowa, is the current National President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, ÄFN; serving in dual capacities at state and federal levels, due largely to his wealth of experience and competence as results oriented Sports administrator.
“Delta APC and Omene should ask President Muhammadu Buhari and APC national government what they intend to do with the Abuja National Stadium named after Chief M.K.O Abiola, currently occupied by giant reptiles. That stadium is in a sorry state, begging for attention to no avail.
“The toilets at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja arrival terminal stinks. The place is a complete mess and constitutes health hazards. Delta APC should appeal to President Buhari to protect Nigeria’s image by cleaning the toilets, and at the same time renovate the dilapidated doors and other public facilities there.
“We commend the Board of Trustees of Master’s Place International Church for the partial renovation of Warri Stadium as part of her corporate social responsibility. Government and the private sector as well as the body of Christ will continue to cooperate and work together for the attainment of a Stronger Delta of our collective dream.
“Governor Okowa and the Church of God, are partners in progress in the affairs of Delta State, and citizens spiritual upliftment. Delta Government has been commended by CAN/PFN for sponsoring the highest number of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land of Jordan in 2021.
“I wish to again emphasize that the governor and the body of Christ shall remain as indivisible partners for the development and upliftment of mankind and society,” Oghenesivbe assured.