POOR STATE OF ROADS IN DELTA: Emerhor carpets Okowa …Says Okowa’s excuse was not tenable

The Delta State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the 2015 elections, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor has described as “lame excuse”, the defence by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the indifference of his administration towards the deplorable state of roads in Warri and environs.

Okowa during a condolence visit to the Warri kingdom on the death of the Olu of Warri had said his administration would never consider work on the grossly damaged roads in and around Warri until the rains are over, saying, “Only a mad man would construct road in the rainy season.”

Responding to the governor’s comment after leading the Delta APC to commiserate with the Itsekiri nation at the Olu Palace in Warri yesterday, Emerhor said Okowa’s defence was shocking, adding that any responsive administration would promptly respond to the pains being faced by the populace over the deplorable roads irrespective of any prevailing season.

He said, “I cannot believe a governor said that only madmen construct roads during rainy season. He must have been misquoted because the truth is that the PDP has ruined the roads for the past 16 years and he has been part off of the failure. The roads ought to have been done. What sought of excuse is that?”

“This is why it is time to move to a new party. The APC will develop not only the roads, but bring prosperity to this state. The APC will not just spend the state’s money, but we will bring people who can develop the state and bring resources in.”

He also revealed that APC is restrategizing to rescue the state from the grip of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP 16years misrule, expressing confidence of coming victorious at the governorship election tribunal sitting in Asaba, the state capital.

He said, “PDP has been ruling this state for 16 years. He (Okowa) has been part of it and he is now ruling the state for months. The roads ought to have been done by now when there has always been sun. This is why this state should move to a new party.

“As a party that we will not only develop their roads but also bring prosperity to the state; I’ll bring people who will develop and bring resources to this state. We know it is hard out there so we need to bring investors to come and help us. All these roads can be developed whether during the rains or when it is dry because when people are committed to let things done it can be done.

Emerhor, who led leaders of the state chapter of the APC to the visit, said APC as a party share in the pains and the grief of the Itsekiri people while promising to support the burial rites and enthronement of a new monarch.

“Olu of Warri was a monarch that is well respected across Nigeria and the world over. We are here to share in the pains of our Itsekiri brothers and sisters. The late monarch has left great legacies to be remembered by all Itsekiri and Deltans”, Emerhor said.

Emerhor eulogized the late Warri monarch, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse II as “A great leader whose recognition transcends international boundaries”, expressing the Delta APC’s commitment to support the mourning Itsekiri nation in giving him a befitting burial as well as the inauguration of a new monarch.

Responding, the Regent of Warri kingdom, joined by palace chiefs, noted that the condolence visit led by Emerhor was first of its kind, saying “we have never received this kind of visit since departure of our royal father.”

In company of Emerhor on the occasion were Delta APC Chairman, Prophet Jones Erue, famed labour leader and party chieftain, Chief Frank Kokori and Delta South APC senatorial candidate and younger brother to the late Olu, Prince Yemi Emiko.