If there has been any name that has resonated with so much intensity and frequently in the political space in oil rich Delta, it is Kenneth Gbagi.
Vilify him, loathe him, smear him, or just look on as to the next turn of events or circumstances to bestride him, he just trudges on.
It is a time tested truism that an elephant is best described , depending on the side one is viewing it from. Gbagi aptly exemplifies that truism.
He is many things to different people, ranging from controversy to philantropist, to perfectionist , to legal icon to employer of labour, to empathizer to just name it. The adjectives are at once legion and befuddling.
Is Kenneth Gbagi oblivious at the “fiery darts” hurled at him? It appears he is not. Or how else can you assess a man whose name has become synonymous with controversies, yet he keeps keeping on with all might, mirth, main, and muscle.
The most visible aspirant currently under the umbrella of Delta State PDP vying to occupy Dennis Osadebay house come May 29 2023 after the constitutional second term of incumbent governor, Dr. lfeanyi Arthur Okowa, winds down, the Oginibu, Ughelli south born business mogul and astute lawyer cum politician has left no one in doubt that he means business.
So who is Olorogun Barrister Kenneth Gbagi, a former Minister of State for Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one time Chairman, Body of Benchers of the elite legal practice, enabler of businesses and also employer of labour where thousands are under his payroll, dutiful husband, father and family man, and lots more?
Lately , however, there has been an avalanche, nay upsurge of media hype around him, either for good or otherwise reasons, of course in the eyes of his foes, but one thing is obvious, the man bats no eyelid, neither could he be bothered, (at least outwardly), by the frenetic pace at which his name has gone viral for various reasons.
No one is perfect, is incontrovertibly true, so that pertains to Gbagi, a foundation member of Delta State Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and visible on the political horizon.
He seems always to be in a race against time, as there is no dull moment around him. You must always be on your toes for he notices everything, even trivial things that people will gloss over.
From my vantage position as a long time friend even though our paths hardly cross, l perceive that Gbagi’s penchant for details and perfectionist personality is such that it’s difficult for many to fathom why, with all his stupendous wealth, this workaholic Kenneth Gbagi always seems to be ahead of his peers, subordinates, friends, and even foes alike.
Calm down, in the sense that if they have any evidence against him to establish a prima facie case that he has erred in his words or actions, then to the courts they should go.
Me thinks the unbridled attack on Gbagi from various quarters need to be cemented with legal action, rather than social media rabble rousing. Gbagi as a lawyer, a very senior and cerebral one at that, clearly knows his limits and would, as they say, be “statute barred” to do otherwise.
Trite, a conclusion both unanimous and obvious, is the legal Maxim that “a man cannot be termed guilty until pronounced by a competent court of law”. It is on this hallowed premise that l make bold to tell his traducers, calm down.
On a final note, this illustrious son of Delta Central, like the legion of personalities in his class, deserves to be heard. He is no doubt the most visible Governorship aspirant under any political platform in Delta presently .
He certainly knows it is a marathon race that is not for the faint hearted. How he aims to get to the “promised Land” only the Criminologist cum political Maverick knows.
No wonder he received the enviable Global Award of FNIM coupled with a prestigious pin of AKS as he was decorated by an Evinston Envoy, Mr Tanaka.
The award is the first of its kind in the entire black race and the World at large as Mr. Tanaka, rated Gbagi’s contriy to the growth of global economy, commerce and Industry, the award receipient’s credentials, humanitarian services, a good spirited Nigerian with best investment Initiative, promotion in the state and the rest of the World.
Research has shown that Olorogun Gbagi, is a charismatic leader, very courageous, skillful and has recorded uncountable achievements in terms of youths mentorship, women empowerment as well as lifted many Deltans, Nigerians out from poverty which is a lasting impact that distinguishes him from other of his counterparts in the state.
Andrew Akpo Emephia, is the Chairman, lndigenous Correspondents Chapel (ICC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council
