Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has dedicated his re-election victory to God, urging his opponents and all Deltans to join him in building a greater state.
Speaking at a special thanksgiving service in Asaba on Monday, Okowa also thanked the people of the state for renewing his mandate.
The governor’s wife, Dame Edith; wife of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ebieri Otuaro; former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and members of the National Assembly, among other dignitaries, attended the thanksgiving service.
“Before the elections, we heard all manners of stories but, we trusted in God and those who led the campaign trusted in God and I want to appreciate every one of them. I want to appreciate my leader, former Governor James Ibori; yes! We heard several stories but, we also asked our own question: ‘how will they do it without the votes of the people?’
“By the grace of God, we won very convincingly in the 23 out of the 25 local government areas of the state and lost marginally in the two local government areas that we lost.
“I must publicly appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for being very firm and fair and doing what they ought to do as a commission; we must continue to grow and know that whatever we do, it should be in the best interest of the country.
“I want to appreciate the security agencies for standing for fairness and I must thank our religious leaders for their prayers and mobilisation; we are all victorious together; it is a victory for justice, equity, fairness and a victory that will bring better love in Delta State.
“There is no loser; this is the time to join hands together and build a greater Delta State.
“Our opponents should join us as I seek the cooperation and partnership of all Deltans because we have done so much but, a lot more will be done in the next four years starting from May 29.
“As I seek for your cooperation and partnership as Deltans, I also seek for your prayers; we must work hard to take Delta State to greater heights; we need to be peaceful because, with peace, we will achieve a lot.
“My desire is that as I leave office as governor in 2023, we should be proud of the job we have done together in our state and give thanks to God; please, trust in the Lord our God,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed appreciation to the people of the state for voting overwhelmingly for Okowa.
In a statement, the state Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, hailed Deltans for the resounding triumph of the PDP across board in the 2019 general elections.
“Your decision to return Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for another term, has not only upheld and reaffirmed the principle of equity, which has been the bedrock of the sustainable peace and harmony we have enjoyed as one Delta, it has further cemented your endorsement of his good works in his first term and strengthened him with the confidence and energy to even deliver greater prosperity to Deltans, through the brilliant SMART Agenda.
“We specifically wish to commend the military high command and other security agencies for their professionalism and strict adherence to the doctrine of Peacetime Rules of Engagement (PROE),” Osuoza stated.
Also, the state Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah who thanked the people for returning his boss, assured the governor of the continued support of the people during his second tenure in office, adding that the victory of the governor was well deserved because he delivered on his promises in his first term in office.
He said the victory of Okowa was a clear manifestation that there is a reward for hard work as the governor worked round the clock to ensure that residents of the state benefit from government.