LAGOS JANAURY 1ST (URHOBOTODAY)-Last weekend, a crucial meeting, at the instance of Anioma Congress, a political pressure group, representing the interest of the people of Delta North, was held at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba. The meeting, it was learnt, was conveyed to brainstorm on the possible way forward in the agitation by Delta North to have one its own as governor of Delta State at the expiration of the tenure of the current chief executive, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, in 2015.
The meeting, which had in attendance traditional rulers and other eminent sons and daughters from across the senatorial district, was also graced by the Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
Addressing the gathering, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozie, said that the Anioma people have resolved to work together with the two other two senatorial districts in the state, to ensure that somebody of Anioma extraction becomes the governor of the state in 2015.
He noted that to do that requires presenting somebody with the requisite credentials, experience and credibility. According to him, “for our quest to get the needed and necessary support from the entire state, we must ensure we present our best and most quantified to lead the people of Delta State come 2015. This, therefore, requires painstaking and committed contributions from all.”
The revered traditional ruler emphasised that Delta North is poised on presenting the very best from the retinue of gubernatorial hopefuls in its quest to produce the next chief executive of the state, adding that the task of having a governor of Anioma extraction is a collective responsibility of every Anioma person.
Obi Edozie said that Anioma Congress has been consistent and resolute in working and reaching out to the other senatorial districts in the state. He expressed optimism that the efforts of the group would yield the desired result, adding that the group is very concerned about the health of the state, which was why it had continued to insist on having the person with the best credentials from Anioma, succeeding Governor Uduaghan.
He harped on general acceptability and experience of governance of the person who will eventually emerge as consensus candidate from the area, stressing that the individual must be seen to be credible and have track records of performance and service to the people.
He commended the Criteria Stipulation Committee, set up to put standard in place to screen the aspirants, for a job well done, saying they were able to come out with acceptable criteria that could aid the proposed Selection Committee to carry out the assignments that would be given to them.
Obi Edozie, appreciating the place of unity of purpose in the pursuit of any endeavour, stressed the need for sustained unity among the people of Anioma and called for continued cooperation and strong synergy with the other two senatorial districts in Delta State.
“We cannot go it all alone. This endeavour requires positive input from every one of us. We must continually see the need to reach out to our brothers and sisters in the two other senatorial districts. For as much as we are craving for an Anioma person to succeed Governor Uduaghan, the person is not going to be governor of the people of Anioma alone, but to the entire people of Delta State,” the Asagba said.
In the same vein, Senator Okowa said that the clamour for an Anioma person to become the governor of the state in 2015 should be seen and pursued within the context of the people of Delta North working in tandem with the two other senatorial districts in the state. He said such approach would go a long way in giving the needed impetus to the drive and efforts in realising the goal.
“We (Anioma) must realise we have a goal that must be accomplished with the support and understanding of all. We must at all times see our aspiration within the context of the larger Delta State. Therefore, the support and understanding of everyone is needed for the realisation of the goal,” Senator Okowa posited.
He commended Anioma Congress for being at the forefront in pushing for an Anioma person for governor of the state in 2015, saying they have done well in making great effort to reach out to various interests across the state and beyond. He noted that such gestures were necessary to ensure that everybody is carried along.
The lawmaker used the opportunity to throw light on the proposed national dialogue, which he informed the gathering, was on course. He assured them of the resolve of President Goodluck Jonathan to give Nigerians the opportunity to discuss among themselves. He said efforts were on to ensure the success of the national dialogue.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of report by the Criteria Stipulation Committee, constituted to draw up criteria for the selection of an acceptable candidate by the chairman of the committee, Mr. Chuks Ochonogor, who expressed appreciation of members for the opportunity given them to serve in that capacity. The report was unanimously accepted and adopted as a working instrument.
However, there are concerns in some quarters that some of the aspirants, who have, over time, displayed high level desperation, may not readily abide by the eventual outcome of the decision of the congress, going by their utterances and the manner they have been conducting themselves. Some persons were of the view that the proposal may suffer some setbacks, due to the fact that traditional rulers and the congress may not have the wherewithal to enforce their position.
What is important, however, is that the people of Delta North have continued to pass the message that, as part of Delta State, they have the right and what it takes to produce the governor of the state. In their opinion, Anioma can boast of qualified, credible and experienced persons who can take Delta State to the next level.