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From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The leadership of youths in Oko communities in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday denied reports in some quarters that they forced candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for next year’s general elections to swear to oath to develop the area.
The youths also denied preventing the PDP campaign train from accessing the communities for ward to ward campaign.
Reports in some sections of the media had it that the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu who is seeking re-election to represent Aniocha/Oshimili constituency as well as the Delta north senatorial candidate, Ned Nwoko and other party leaders were prevented from accessing the area for campaigns over alleged neglect particularly the dilapidated access road.
But speaking in Asaba, the leadership of the youths in the various communities of Oko, said they never prevented the PDP campaign train, adding that they welcomed the politicians and had peaceful deliberations.
They denied dragging the politicians to a community shrine to swear to oath to ensure the rapid development of the area if elected.
Rossi Afamefuna who is youth chairman of Oko-Amakom, described the media reports as lies.
“The issue of taking Elumelu and Nwoko to shrine to take oath is a big lie. This is political season and everybody is trying to pull down their opponents. We did not stop Elumelu and the PDP from entering the community to campaign.
“In fact, we had a peaceful deliberation especially on the issues of electricity and access road. Elumelu explained to us that the contract for the road has been re-awarded to Setraco after the former contract was terminated for non-performance by the former contractor,” Afamefuna said.
Also speaking, the youth chairman of Oko-Umuoko, Onyeka Nwanozie said the youths of Oko communities have no reason to rise against Elumelu, saying that the lawmaker has attracted projects to the area.
“He built town halls, sunk boreholes, brought speed boats, provided solar power and built jetty for us. So we have no issue with him.
“I want to warm those working against the interests of Oko youths to desist from it. What we are asking from Elumelu is that he should help with the issue of electricity,” Nwanozie said.
Others who spoke in the same vein were Ijomah John Obika, chairman of Oko-Odifulu youths and Paul Olisa, vice chairman of Oko-Umuoko youths.
