Buhari rewards Kachikwu, Okowa’s backer with Delta APC Ministerial slot

As Senate commence screening and confirmation of ministerial nominee this week, President Muhammadu Buhari, may have unwittingly rewarded a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain in Delta State, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, with Delta APC ministerial slot.

Investigations has revealed that Dr. Kachikwu, a former top executive of Exxon Mobil and prominent son of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, was one of the financial power brokers who allegedly bankrolled the governorship election of the incumbent PDP Governor in Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who is alleged to be his close confidant.

According to a reliable source in government house who pleaded for anonymity, told our correspondent that the nomination of Dr. Kachikwu by Mr President was a big boast to the Delta PDP family, considering the enormous contributions of Dr. Kachikwu to the electoral victory of the PDP in Delta state.

He added that Kachikwu is well known in the PDP circle of Delta state and will not have problem of getting two senators from the state endorsing his nomination, as according to him, “he is one of our own.”

It would be recalled that in the heat of the gubernatorial campaign, Dr. Kachikwu then endorsing Dr. Okowa’s candidature in a well publicized media report described Okowa as a very distinguished Nigerian.

According to the report titled, “Okowa, a distinguished Nigerian,” published in Daily Independent newspaper, Saturday, January 24, 2015, by Charles Okogene, Editor-Saturday, Dr. Kachikwu, during the traditional marriage of his daughter at his country home in Onicha-Ugbo, Delta state, described Okowa “as a very distinguished Nigerian.”

He added that, “having known Okowa for a long time he was in a very vantage position to give a positive verdict on the governor candidate, noting that in all situations, Okowa has remained himself, always exhibiting calmness and genuine friendship in his relationship with people.

“I have known Ifeanyi Okowa for a long time. He is a disciplined, detribalised and distinguished Nigerian. He is a bridge builder and a passionate family man. In spite of the height he has attained in politics he still maintains his usual humility and uncommon calmness. More importantly, he has been tested in different capacities in public service and found worthy,” he stated.