Paul Osuyi, Asaba
ELDER statesman and foremost leader of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Edwin Clark, has said the recently concluded general election has put Ijaw nation in Delta State on the path of irreversible growth and progress politically.
The South South leader, who spoke in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, where he hosted Delta Ijaw Political Assembly (DIPA), led by Mr. J. T. Government, said one of their own has risen to the position of deputy governor of the state.
“We now have Ijaw as deputy governor and a House of Assembly member from Warri axis, where a councillor was once difficult,” Clark said.
He said he was happy for the development and prayed for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro.
Also speaking at the event, Otuaro said Pa Clark played a strategic role in the successfully re-election of governor Okowa in the March 9 election.
He said God preserved the former federal commissioner for Information for very strategic missions, including the re-election of Okowa, and promised the current administration will continue to reward the Ijaw nation for its undiluted support.
Otuaro, who is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of DIPA, said Clark revealed to him, in a private discussion, that “he (Clark) appreciates that God has kept him alive because he still has strategic role to play in the national space, the South South region and for our dear Ijaw nation.
“In apparent deference to the divine assignment, Clark played a strategic role in the re-election of the Okowa/Otuaro governorship ticket. The focus of DIPA is to consolidate the gains of the Okowa-led administration and project the Ijaw political future. We thank all, especially Pa Clark, for his support and wisdom.
“Our celebration, today, is occasioned by our collective commitment to the DIPA objective we set for ourselves.”