Former governor of Delta state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori has expressed optimism that incumbent governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will handover power to an Urhobo indigene from Delta Central.
Ibori, the first elected governor of Delta state also pointed that the power rotation arrangement between the north, south and central senatorial districts remains ‘sacrosanct’ for future polls.
Ibori stated this while he spoke during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting held in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government, earlier in the week.
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The Odidigborigbo maintained that complying with the established pattern of power rotation, which started in 1999 when he became governor, would ensure fairness to every ethnic nationality in the state.
Ibori expressed trust that Senator Okowa will keep to his promise during the 2019 election campaigns of handing over to an Urhobo indigene come 2023.
He said: “Governor Okowa, during his campaign, promised to hand over to Delta Central; and as a gentleman and promise keeper, we have no doubt he will do everything within his God-given powers to keep his promise.
“We expect all genuine members of our great party, PDP, to comply with the power rotation agreement. It is for the good of all; majority and minority, the weak and the strong, for a balanced society.
“Equity, justice and good conscience are some of the major pillars of constitutional democracy, hence, PDP in Delta State encourages power rotation to enable the majority and minority groups, and or ethnic nationalities, via senatorial districts and power arrangements, to produce governor; and the agreement remains sacrosanct.
“Let me also state clearly that 2023 is still far ahead, and it’s not time yet for political campaigns, but we shall begin primary arrangements and wide consultations in the near future.
“We must remain united and avoid unnecessary division and attacks on personalities within and outside Delta Central as we make steady progress towards the historic inauguration of the next Urhobo governor in 2023,” he said.
He noted that the 2023 elections were still faraway, wondering why members of the People’s Democratic Party outside Delta Central were jostling for the ticket.
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