Okowa declares for 2019; says he is coming back with his deputy

By Shedrack Onitsha,

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Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on Wednesday declared that he would run for a second term in office come 2019 with his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, stressing that they will be victorious in the election as his administration was delivery on his electioneering campaign promises.

Governor Okowa added that his administration was doing well despite the economic crush a result of the economy recession which the country just exited not quit long following the sharp fall in price of oil in the international market.

He stated this during the quarterly press briefing in Asaba on Wednesday while answering questions from journalists, thereby putting to rest rumours in some quarters that he was under pressure to drop his deputy for the 2019 governorship election in the state.

There have been intense rumour that Okowa may drop his deputy following alleged political permutations that with Tompolo out of  Delta political scene, Okowa needed another strong character from the Ijaw nation that could mobiles the people to give him the type of he got in 2015 following ex-militant leader’s effort.

However, in a move that can silence rumour mongers, Governor Okowa assured his deputy that they will swim together; according to him; “I know that I am coming back in 2019 by the special grace of God. And I am coming back with my deputy (Kingsley Otuaro).”

Speaking on the incessant clashes between suspected Fulani herdsmen and farmers across the country, the governor said the clashes were posing threat to food security, stressing that there was need for the federal government to give policy direction on how to end the menace.

Okowa also called on the security agencies in the state to tackle the herdsmen issues in Uwheru community, Ughelli North Council Area of the state where herdsmen are demanding money from local farmers before allowing them access to their farmlands.

While saying that he was greatly disturbed with the situation, he noted that the government in collaboration with security agencies is taking proactive moves to ensure that the clash does not escalate into uncontrollable development.

The governor said, “If we are going to encourage agriculture in this country, we must address the loss of farm produce from these security challenges posed by the herdsmen/farmers clash all over the country.”

On the last local government election in the state, the governor disclosed that N720 million was spent by the State Independent Electoral Commission (DESIEC) including the rerun in the two local government areas of Ughelli and Ethiope East.

The governor stated further that on assumption of office he promised that he will ensure that at the local government level, Delta will have democratically elected leaders and representative, adding because of his firm believe in democracy he didn’t appoint caretaker committee to run the affairs of the councils.