Olorogun Josiah Ntekume,
My attention has been drawn to a publication by Mr. Aruviere Martin Egharhevwa in which he sought to challenge the widely acknowledged position of Olorogun Otega Emerhor, OON, as the founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State. While every citizen is entitled to their opinion, no one is entitled to distort historical facts or mislead the public in pursuit of personal or political agendas.
Unfortunately, Mr. Egharhevwa's statement is riddled with inaccuracies, half-truths, unfounded allegations, and a deliberate attempt to rewrite the history of the APC in Delta State. It is therefore necessary to set the record straight and present the facts as they are, for the benefit of party members, political observers, and future generations who deserve an accurate account of how the APC was built in Delta State.
First, his claim that Senator Pius Ewherido was a founding leader of APC in Delta State is historically incorrect. Senator Ewherido, of blessed memory, passed away on June 30, 2013. The APC membership registration and full political activities in Delta State commenced on February 2, 2014. While Senator Ewherido played his role in the progressive movement before his demise, it is impossible to describe him as a founding leader of APC in Delta State when the party's actual structure and membership drive in the state took shape after his passing.
The indisputable fact remains that Olorogun Otega Emerhor, OON, is the founding leader of APC in Delta State. He provided the vision, leadership, resources, and organisational structure that birthed and sustained the party in its formative years. Thousands of members across the state can attest to his sacrifices and investments in building the APC from the ground up.
Mr. Egharhevwa's claim that Olorogun Emerhor was "nowhere near APC" is not only false but laughable. The records are clear. Emerhor was among the principal figures who mobilised stakeholders, built party structures, financed party activities, and positioned the APC as a viable alternative in Delta State at a time when many of today's self-acclaimed leaders were political spectators.
His allegation that the APC platform was used to "trade" with the PDP after the 2015 election is a baseless accusation unsupported by any evidence. Such a serious allegation requires proof, not mere speculation and political gossip. Olorogun Emerhor contested the governorship election under difficult circumstances and gave the APC credibility and visibility across Delta State.
The claim that he was rewarded with appointments for his cronies is equally misleading. Appointments made by the Federal Government were based on considerations beyond the control of any one individual. To attribute every appointment to Olorogun Emerhor is both dishonest and simplistic.
The allegation that he made billions of naira through phantom NDDC projects and illicit deals is a reckless accusation. If Mr. Egharhevwa possesses any evidence of criminal conduct, the proper place to present such evidence is before the relevant anti-corruption agencies and not through social media propaganda. Until such evidence is produced, these remain mere allegations designed to tarnish a man's reputation.
His claim regarding the late Chief Frank Kokori's appointment has been repeated over the years without any credible proof. The appointment processes of the Federal Government involve several layers of approval and cannot be reduced to the whims of one individual. Blaming Olorogun Emerhor for every political outcome one dislikes does not make it a fact.
The assertion that Olorogun Emerhor was a "failed banker" who used the APC to revive his fortunes is particularly ironic. Long before APC was formed, Olorogun Emerhor had already established himself as a successful businessman, financial expert, and respected public figure. His accomplishments in the private sector predate the APC and are matters of public record.
Finally, the claim that his disagreement with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege stems from jealousy over the latter's successes is an oversimplification of complex political developments. Political differences among leaders are not unusual in any democracy. However, reducing every disagreement to personal bitterness is both unfair and intellectually lazy.
History should be guided by facts, not emotions. The APC in Delta State was built through the sacrifices of many committed individuals, but Olorogun Otega Emerhor's position as the founding leader of the party in the state remains an undeniable historical fact. Attempts to distort that reality for political convenience will ultimately fail because facts are stubborn and history cannot be rewritten by propaganda.
At a time when our capable, pragmatic, and performing Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people across Delta State through his MORE Agenda, we do not need this kind of divisive politics. Rather than engaging in needless attacks and revisiting old political battles, all well-meaning Deltans should unite behind the Governor and support his administration's efforts to advance peace, development, and prosperity in our state.
The future of Delta State is brighter when we work together in unity, irrespective of political affiliations. Let us therefore place the interests of our people above personal ambitions and political vendettas, and join hands with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in building a stronger, more prosperous Delta State for present and future generations.
Olorogun Josiah Ntekume
Warri Delta State
