Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi FNIM, OON, has felicitated with elder statesman Chief Godwin Ogbetuo on the occasion of his 92nd birthday.
The former Minister of State for Education, extolled the great accomplishments of the nonagenarian, describing him as the finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to State and national cause who is courageous in his crusade for equity, justice and unity.
In a release on Wednesday January 3rd 2024, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kenneth Orusi, the former chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, joined family and friends across the country and State to congratulate the political leader of thought on his 92nd birthday anniversary.
“Chief Ogbetuo, is a man of strong convictions who doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind on national and State issues.
“You have been an outstanding leader, one who has displayed great passion and commitment towards the growth and development of the nation and Delta State in particular.
“At 92, you have earned yourself a reputation of an elder statesman, exceptional role model and eminent patriot in the annals of our history.
“Your record of enduring service and sacrifice continues to stand out as you have remained consistent in your courageous crusade for equity, justice and national unity.
“Peace building is one of the greatest contributions we should expect of our elders, and I am proud that Chief Ogbetuo, has played this role remarkably during trying times in our country.
“This great Urhobo patriot, expresses his mind without malice, one of the outstanding virtues of a statesman that he is.
“As you celebrate, on behalf of my family, I wish you more strength, sound health and peace”.
It would be recall that Chief Ogbetuo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterated his unflinching support for Gbagi, before, during and after the election.
The nonagenarian, a contemporary of Chief Edwin Clark, a foremost Ijaw leader, left the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), over underdevelopment to pitch tent with APC in 2019.
The APC stalwart, openly endorsed, Gbagi’s candidature after he woke up from a dream where he saw the largest private investor in the State, been sworn-in as governor, three years ago.
Also, a week after Gbagi, approached the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, to challenge the declaration of the PDP, candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori, as winner of the March 18th 2023 election, Chief Ogbetuo, rose in defence of Gbagi’s decision.
Chief Ogbetuo, said the court which is the hope of the common man, has competent jurisdiction to decide who was the real winner of the just concluded governorship election in the state.
He claimed that contrary to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the election was marred with irregularities and without compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.
Addressing newsmen in Warri, Chief Ogbetuo, said the just concluded governorship election was bedeviled with ringing and vote buying, alleging that it was a do-or-die affair for the PDP.
He asserted that it was one of the constitutional rights of the SDP flag bearer, to approach the court, saying it was the right step taken in the right direction.
While noting that the court has to prove the authenticity of the candidates in the election, he said: “I am speaking as a patriotic Deltan, a free and fair election is the only process that should produce a governor-elect. Gbagi is a renowned lawyer, and his knowledge of the law is excellent.
