SEN. IFEANYI OKOWA’S ENDORSEMENTS, WELL DESERVED

BY CHRIS ODIA

The issue of endorsements has begun rearing its head again as was the case in the year, 2014, prior to the gubernatorial election of 2015 when H.E. Ifeanyi Okowa received numerous endorsements from well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations in Delta State; it was such that at a time, political followers lost count of the total endorsements so far received.

For these years in politics, he has remained a centre of attraction to all his followers across the State, no wonder heads and heels seem to be on a competitive venture to endorse the quest of the Governor for a second tenure.

This time around, serial endorsements have been numbered already, ranging from communities, traditional institutions, religious groups and a host of others. Just last weekend, it was a ‘home welcome’ when the Anioma nation decided to honour their own, as an outstanding personality, whose administrative acumen and developmental initiatives so far is worthy of reckoning.

The truth of the matter is that the endorsement of Dr. Okowa for a second tenure by Anioma Nation is so symbolic because it tends to challenge an old myth which presupposes that “A prophet is not without honour except in his home”. The people gathered in their number at the Cenotaph in Asaba, to identify with a son who has made his people proud.

The rending of eulogies and attestation of the astuteness of this Anioma son by all and sundry, including visitors from other parts of the State and country is to say the least laudable. It was indeed a case of celebrating Performance.

He is one politician that could be better described to have climbed the political ladder of life from the grassroot; no wonder, till date, his astute grassroot mobilization has remained a source of bewilderment to so many. In a mild form, I think it would pass for a course of study in the University.

His political involvement was made public with the appointment as Secretary to Ika Local Government over twenty years ago and he had served Delta State as Commissioner in different ministries. He was one time Secretary to the State Government, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District and at present, the incumbent Governor of Delta State elected in May, 2015.

What could have sustained this political loyalty over time and across board? Simply put: The man Listens!

He is that politician that believes in being reticent and patient to hear out others before making public utterances or declarations. Oh! he understands the power of the electorate; no wonder he patiently overlooks the propaganda of mischief politicians and rather discusses with the masses to ascertain their feelings and interest before policy initiatives.

In all his town hall meetings so far, his entourage has received such massive turn out of men, women and youths in the various communities visited, with various groups singing welcome songs in appreciation of the Governor’s projects in their vicinity.

This is usually followed with a No-Holds-Bar meeting where community dwellers freely express their thoughts about his administration and their expectations, going forward.

Much welcoming is the fact that the Governor, frankly points out certain requests that his administration may not be able to embark on, with obvious reasons. For some others, he openly tells them what the Government would so about their request.

The slogan of the PDP- ‘Power to the People’ is well understood by this politician with a knack for developmental initiatives. He repeatedly demonstrates through his speeches and reactions that the only way to remain politically relevant is by being on the side of the people; no wonder the continued town hall meetings and acknowledgment of invitations to enriching gatherings.

It is time again to differentiate Politicians from Politrickcians and the people have seen and heard from diverse shades of participants in the political scene of Delta State and are already beginning to pitch their tents with the ones they consider reliable and trustworthy. They are meticulously weighing the antecedence of aspirants viz a viz their present rhetorics.

Obviously, with the continued endorsements of Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for a second tenure, most Deltans are already saying “Ekwueme 2019” is a dream come true.