Recent comments by Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei directed at the former Delta State Governor, has raised concerns about the quality of political discourse in the state.
Rather than engaging in constructive debate or presenting verifiable facts, Ochei appears to have resorted to misinformation and political rhetoric aimed at diminishing the standing of a leader whose influence and support base remain significant across Delta North and beyond.
One of the most glaring inaccuracies in Ochei’s remarks is the claim that Dr. Okowa once served as a councillor. Public records are clear: Dr. Okowa has never held such a position.
For a politician of Ochei’s experience and stature to make such a fundamental factual error calls into question the credibility of the broader arguments he seeks to advance.
Equally misleading is the allegation that Dr. Okowa orchestrated the emergence of a relative as the House of Representatives candidate for Ika Federal Constituency. The facts tell a different story.
The APC primary election was contested by multiple aspirants, with delegates from all 26 wards participating in the Option A4 process. At the conclusion of the exercise, Emmanuel Osazuwa emerged victorious.
There is no known family relationship between Osazuwa and Dr. Okowa. Attempts to portray the outcome as an act of nepotism therefore amount to political speculation rather than fact-based analysis.
Ochei’s criticism of Dr. Okowa and his daughter participating in separate electoral contests also appear inconsistent with the principles of democratic governance.
Democracy guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office, while reserving for the electorate the exclusive authority to determine who deserves public office.
Family ties do not invalidate constitutional rights, nor do they automatically disqualify any citizen from participating in the democratic process.
The circumstances surrounding Dr. Okowa’s decision to contest for the Delta North Senatorial seat further weakens the narrative being promoted by his critics. It is widely known that he did not aggressively pursue the ticket but was encouraged by prominent leaders and stakeholders across Anioma Nation to offer himself for service.
The delegation that approached him was reportedly led by Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, alongside several respected political figures from the district.
Their intervention reflected a belief that Dr. Okowa still possesses valuable experience and capacity for public service.
Similarly, the political future of Marilyn Okowa-Daramola remains entirely in the hands of the electorate.
Her aspiration for another term in the Delta State House of Assembly is subject to the same democratic process that applies to every other candidate.
Constituents will ultimately assess her performance, weigh her contributions, and decide whether she deserves renewed support at the polls. That decision belongs to voters, not political opponents.
What appears to unsettle some critics is Dr. Okowa’s enduring relevance in Delta politics. Years after leaving office, he continues to command considerable goodwill among many constituents, a reality rooted in years of public service, accessibility, and grassroots engagement.
Political influence is not sustained by rhetoric alone; it is built through relationships, performance, and the confidence of the people.
Political competition is healthy and necessary in any democracy. Those who disagree with Dr. Okowa’s political positions or aspirations are fully entitled to challenge him through legitimate democratic means.
Elections provide the proper platform for such contests. However, the debate should be anchored on facts, ideas, records, and vision rather than misinformation or personal attacks.
The people of Delta State are increasingly discerning and capable of separating political propaganda from verifiable facts. While opinions may differ, facts remain constant.
Dr. Okowa’s contributions to the political development of Delta State, his record in public office, and his enduring connection with many constituents cannot be erased by political bitterness or attempts at historical revisionism.
In the end, leadership records are judged not by the volume of criticism they attract, but by the impact they leave behind. On that score, Dr. Okowa’s place in Delta’s political history remains firmly established.
