Monarchs under the auspices of Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum have endorsed the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, FNIM, a former minister of State for education, for the state’s governorship in 2023.
The traditional rulers gave their “blessings” to Gbagi, when he led a delegation comprising the SDP Presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Chairman of the party in South-south, Elder Fred Owhotorofa, the State Chairman, Ambassador Oke Idawene JP and the Governorship candidate of the party, Chief Mrs Oshilim Ishioma Rosemary on a visit to the monarchs recently.
Speaking on behalf of the kings, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Elder Capt. (King) Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan (Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha kingdom), noted that the former minister attracted projects to the state during his days with President Goodluck Jonathan.
“From records, you established 13 Universities, eight federal government Colleges, 14 Polytechnics and 16 Colleges of Education and your scholarships cut across the state. So, our prayers for you is that of a renewal because we have prayed for you before” they said.
Earlier in his remarks, the largest private industrialist said he would release the 13 per cent oil derivation as released by the federal government to the oil producing communities and oversee the construction of industries in each of the 25 local government areas of the state.
“My government will release the 13% derivation that the federal government has released to you people, it will be released to the owners of the 13 per cent.
“The various MDAs, will have their accounts and from the federation account, the 13 per cent will come directly to them.
“All I am going to do as a governor is to make sure that the money is utilized by them. I will not take the money first, put it into a state account.
“At that point DESOPADEC will be dissolved and let the communities directly handle their money. So, the 13% we fought for, let it go directly to the owners of the 13%”.
“Unless injustice is destroyed, we are not going anywhere. From 3rd of June when I came here for your prayers which was given to me free of charge till now, your situation individually and traditional rulers from this world where wealth and money is flowing like tap, your situation has gone worse.
“And there is no reprieve that it will get better unless we personally ourselves change the narrative.
“I am going to partnership with all my traditional rulers because you are going to make money and form government”, he assured.
Speaking further, he said “We want to industrialize Delta state by building industries in each of the 25 local governments and through what we call ‘one local government, one product’, according to comparative advantages”.
Gbagi who is the owner of Geekos Security Nigeria Limited, hinted “We want to develop our road infrastructure and we want to deploy technology and employment to fight insecurity by providing a digital security network.
“Two things I have promised. Because of the level of impoverishment of our people and the money that is available to us, my government by the grace of God in 2023, will grant free education to all Delta children.
“The reason why we have come is that we will give every true Deltan free education . You cannot be in the river and there is soap in your eyes”.
“We will not have any reason why people who have suffered and work for the state, their pensions and retirement benefits are not being paid. We have said, our government in 200 days, we will clear all bills of pensioners and retirees.
“The state has money, all we need is to bring a man with a business mind who does not believe in eating government’s money. We have a lot, Delta can feed, train, employ its people.
“There is enough money, let us use the money for Deltans and we must use our money to develop the State” he said.
