The camp of one of the most famous governorship aspirants under the auspices of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, swelled, when prominent Ijaw leaders led their members under Ijaw Political Solidarity Front (IPSF), to pledge their unwavering support for his 2023 gubernatorial race.
Their support was contained in a document which was presented to the former minister of education at his Oginibo country home in Ughelli south local government area of the state on Saturday May 22nd 2021.
The group which stormed the resident of the leading PDP governorship hopeful, with leaders from the Ward, Working Committee and women, made known publicly their outright support for the 2023 governorship aspiration of Olorogun Gbagi.
Chief Yusuf Eregbene, the Obaseki of Akugbene Kingdom, led Ward chairmen and members of the Working Committee from Burutu, Bomadi and Patani local government areas of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of the party leaders, Mr. Johnbull Febakumor, disclosed that the Ijaw nation are fully with Kenneth Gbagi on his governorship ambition.
“We believe with your wealth of knowledge, when you become the Governor of Delta state, you will change the state to an industrial hub, we believe that Delta State under your watch will be uplifted to the next level of development.
“Sir, we believe in your competence and high level of Socio-political, entrepreneurial and administrative prowess”, they declared.
In his response, the prominent governorship aspirant, Olorogun Gbagi, apreciated the solidarity visit and called on all ethnic groups in the state to unite for a common goal of ensuring a prosperous state.
While noting that he would consolidate on the developmental stride of the incumbent governor, Dr. Ofeanyi Okowa, he revealed that he would initiate a development plan that would attract investors to the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
“Deltans are fortunate to have a governor like Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who ensures that the state is peaceful. When there is no fighting, development will come, let us develope the 25 local government councils in our state”.
He added that when the roads are done, the next thing that follows, is industrial and commercial activities.
The frontline aspirant, stated that the 2023 governorship election should cement the relationship between all ethnic groups in the state without sentiments.
Said Gbagi: “All tribes and ethic group want development we have seaports that once binded us together in terms of development”.
“What we must do is for us to join hand and defend who we are together. Our waters need to be free for investors, while bridges and roads should be visible and functional for free flow of commerce.
“To enable us to achieve these, we must see Delta state as our state and allow development to bind us together.
“If an Urhobo can do the job, we should give him the support as I present myself to you to serve the people of the state”.
The document that was signed by the leaders, have Chief Yusuf Eregbene as Coordinator, Hon. Awisi Victor as Secretary, Engr. Kemapuador as Deputy Coordinator, Mayor Timi Ogobiri as Publicity Secretary, Richard Opukeme as Organizing Secretary and Mr. Ogun School as Provost.
This show of solidarity is coming barely nine days when a group known as Ijaw Pressure Group and scores of commercial motorcyclists from Uvwie, Udu, Ughelli north and south local government areas
and thousands of supporters comprising Ijaws from Kiagbodo and Bikorogha in Burutu local government area of the state also declared their support for Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi’s governorship ambition.
