…”Moreover, the question begging for answer is this; now that Ogboru has the so call federal mite, and the support of political bigwigs, would it defeat the Goliath, would he be the David that will change the unbreakable power in Delta state, knowing fully well that, Delta politics is full of intrigues and betrayers, especially amongst the Delta Central, the Urhobos, who will rather sell their brother to get their daily bread”
February 7, 2019, comment/editorial
Yes, the Delta state governorship election remains a flash point whether we like it or not, whether ”the people’s general, Chief Great Ovadje Ogboru would have his way this time with the so called “ federal mite” , whether history of defeat would still repeat itself again. This may be the emotional and psychological thinking of some fields of thought. Some may even conclude the election to be a work over for Ogboru, while others may argue that Ogboru will lose gallantly again. However, whatever happens, is still a political experience and a lesson to anyone. Politics is a win-win and lose-lose gain, therefore, we must trade with caution.
Like the immortal Abraham Lincoln puts it “We cannot escape history, the fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honour or dishonor to the latest generation”. Verily, true honour in politics is expensive to earn, but dishonour is cheap to get, so therefore, Great Ogboru has paid his ultimate price by fallen victims of political ill-treatment and political coup rigging for twelve years. First, the former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori rigged his way with state political gladiators for eight years, between 1999-2007, and later relinquished power to his cousin, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for another wasteful eight years between 2007-2015, now parading himself as a political associate of Ogboru,.
It didn’t stop there, Uduaghan, having been made as “a political mockery by Governor Okowa”, who’s candidate in the PDP governorship primary in 2014, Chief David Edervwe, (now, commissioner of Finance in the state), lost to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa then, made Uduaghan to be politically irrelevant and an abandoned property, which also made the former governor to defect to the ruling All Progressive Congress, for self-interest. Uduaghan will be contesting the Delta south senatorial seat under APC against the PDP sitting senator, James Manager.
Ogboru who fought many battles under Alliance for Democracy (AD), in 2003-2007, Democratic Peoples party (DPP), 2007-2011, and Labour party (LP), 2011-2015 to reclaim his stolen mandates felt short of judicial rascality and bad luck. Unlike the then parrot governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshimhole ( APC National Chairman) , who got his stolen mandate through the court and rule Edo state for eight years.
Today, Ogboru, as a man of endurance and doggedness flies the ruling APC governorship flag in the state, which he may likely win or lose the election as usual. Moreover, the question begging for answer is this; now that Ogboru has the so call federal mite, and the support of political bigwigs, would it defeat the Goliath, would he be the David that will change the unbreakable power in Delta state, knowing fully well that, Delta politics is full of intrigues and betrayers, especially amongst the Delta Central, the Urhobos, who will rather sell their brother to get their daily bread.
They have done it in the past, and can still do it again, therefore, he should beware of what I call “ Urhobos sycophants and chameleons.Yes,Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is a very strategic governor to defeat, it would take an alchemy of political brainstorming and understanding to defeat Governor Okowa. How Ogboru will achieve this, I do not know, but what I know is that, Ogboru would give Okowa a serious headache and serious fight. I therefore advise Deltans to keep vigil as to protect their votes and ensure it counts.
Let Ogboru be like that of Leonidas (Gerrard Butler, 480 B.C), King of the Greek city state that led Spartan warriors against the Persian army with a slogan “Spartan never retreat, never surrender, but prepare for glory, and a new age” To get the new age may require total preparation to fight and fight without destruction of lives and properties, but with weapons of wisdom and understanding.
On the part of Governor Okowa, he must also remain a democrat and repeat history by winning decently without plugging the state into anarchy and chaos, he should restrategise by proving a point that he is the choice of Deltans.
Today’s editorial is written by Mark Columbus Orgu, Editor-in-Chief, Afrikanwatch. Call or email us: afrikanwatch@gmail.com or sms to 08028592006
