The Delta State Council of Imams and Clerics of various Mosques across the 25 local government area of the State, have endorsed the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), His Excellency, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi OON, as their choice for governor come March 11th election.
The Muslims said that they would mobilize the entire Muslim community in the State to ensure that Gbagi, a foremost industrialist, wins the 2023, governorship contest.
Chairman, Delta State Council for Imams and Clerics who doubles as the Chief Imam of Ekakpamre Mosque, Muhammad Young Okotie, said that the endorsement of Gbagi, is a clear confirmation of their solidarity for him.
According to him, “The people you are seeing here, are not just here to see the compound of His Excellency, the incoming Governor of Delta State, but they are selected people who I know can do the work for me so that I will not be disgraced.
“When we leave here, we will meet with our people one on one. So that they can talk with their brothers, sisters and friends. We all know now that this is a Muslim project.
“The incoming Governor of Delta State, I stand in front of my people in the front of Allah, who is the only one who sees the heart of man to tell you that today, is just the beginning of the project.
“When we leave here home, we will do whatever we can to educate our people to make sure that the Muslim brothers vote massively for you.
“My leaders have spoken, I am the chairman of the Council of Imam and Clerics, I have leaders among the Imams that I respect.
“I, on their behalf collaborate with my Vice President General to tell you today, that the Muslim brothers in Delta State, have today, endorsed you as their governor.
“I will not sleep until the Muslim votes comes to you on that very day. I have been working with the Imams here, I will continue to work with them. I have never failed them and I will never fail them.
“By the special grace of Allah, spiritually and physically, you will be the governor”, he declared.
He reiterated that Gbagi’s governorship bid is a project they would queue behind, stressing that Deltans needs someone that would meet the yearnings and aspiration to raise the bar of of their living standard.
He disclosed that whatever he puts his hands, he follows to a logical conclusion to see it succeed just as he introduced the body of a large group of Moslims across parts of Delta state whom he described as the NASFATS, saying these group are ready to work for the emergence of Gbagi.
“We are Moslims and when we say something, we don’t back out. Watch out, if you see this gathering with any other candidate, then am a liar. I told Okowa that there is no road linking Agbor to Aso Rock. He should Asaba and go back to Agbor.
“We are not here to look at your compound. We are here with selected people. We will talk to our brothers and sisters so that they will know that they must key into this project. By the grace of Allah we will mobilize for you.
“We are not forced to be here. We are here to help realize the dream of your governorship ambition.
In his remarks, Gbagi, who has equally secured the endorsement of several blocs in the Church, include the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) and Evangelical Church Winning All (ECKWA-TEKAN), assured them that his administration would do everything to make Deltans comfortable.
He reassured that his administration would build an enabling environment for all residents in the State both indigenes and none indigenes alike to thrive in their chosen endeavor.
He told the Muslim leaders that Delta is the richest state in Nigeria but due to corrupt leaders who are running the affairs of the state, people are suffering and the funds accruing to the state are being frittered away.
“I will revive all the ailing industries within one year. The state is dying. We must clean up the mess in Delta. I cannot lie to you. Whatever I tell you today I will do it”, Gbagi said
“Because of the poverty level in Delta, I have decided to run a free education up to university level for all our children. Between Oginibo and Oghara, I can make N100bn a year. I’m a. business man. I know what to do. Once you have a governor that everyone trusts, everything will fall in shape.
“The bitumen we have in Sapele can tar roads in Delta. Over 42 percent of money coming to Delta state is stolen and diverted. They do not know how to use. one Naira to make two Naira.
“I want to assure every and all residents that what is due to everyone will be given to them. I’m not a tribalist. Whoever can do any particular job at every given time he will do it. In my government there won’t be discrimination. All we needed is the glory and success of Delta state.”
He told the Muslim leaders that he was not discriminated against in Lagos, he succeeded in building one of the tallest structures in Lagos, noting that every opportunity Lagos indigenes enjoy he also enjoys. Hence, he will run an all-inclusive government in. Delta state.
He said years back, businesses and companies were thriving in the state but because of the lackluster attitude of succeeding governments, most businesses have failed and most of them abandoned.
Gbagi, noted that his administration would be far removed from the pattern of the present government, saying Deltans should hold him accountable if he fails within one year to fulfill his electioneering promises to Deltans.
Among the Imams and Clerics whose sid the endorsement are Shiekh Muhammad Ufuoma Yahaya, Vice President General, Nigeria Supreme Council and chairman, Delta Delta State Council For Islamic Affairs, Edogamite Isah, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Delta State Council For Islamic Affairs, President, Association of Islamic Propagator cum president, Edo Muslim Renaissance Assembly, Muhammad Young Okotie, Chairman, Delta State Council for Imams and Clerics and Chief Imam of Ekakpamre Mosque.
Others are Alhaji Muhammad Maiga, Chief Imam of Oghara Central Mosque, Abu S.aad, Chief Imam, Jibwis Jos, Chairman of Jibwis Delta State, Harunu Abas, Chief Imam of Hausa Quarters Mosque, Warri and Chairman of Jibwis Warri chapter and Mrs. Iyabo Umukhilum Habiba, Secretary, Federation if Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN).
