By Oghenekevwe Laba
LAGOS SEPTEMBER 14TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Peoples Democratic Party Delta Central Senatorial Aspirant Chief Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege has announced his withdrawal from the primary senatorial race citing reasons for stepping down on introduction of ‘preferred candidate’ by the party. He, however, pledges to support the party preferred candidate.
Omo-Agege who announced his withdrawal from the race in a press statement dated September 24th, 2013, made available to Editor-in-Chief of Urhobotoday said after a deep reflections of events in the last forty eight hours, he had decided to withdraw from the race of Delta Central Senatorial District, adding it was not an easy decision for him, his family and supporters, but he had to make the decision in order to preserve the unity of the party and increase their chances of success.
According to him, “No doubt, we started a race anchored on ideas and ideals that made me very optimistic about its outcome, but the interest of the party is paramount. I will support our party’s nominee.”
Omo-Agege who said he is a committed personality, well prepared for the election and convinced he would have got victory for his party, however, pointed out that after a preferred candidate was disclosed, he had to consider the implication to the unity of the party and came to the conclusion that it was best for him to withdraw from the race.
“You all know that I am committed personality and I was well prepared for this election and convinced that victory is achievable for our party. But after the preferred candidate was disclosed, I had to consider the implication to the unity of our party and came to the conclusion that it was best to withdraw. I did and I wish the party and our candidate well.
“In the run up to this change of circumstance, we ran a disciplined, focused and inspiring campaign for which I am very proud and owe a depth of gratitude to the team that worked with me tirelessly.
“During this campaign, I consulted widely and travelled extensively and got to know a lot more about our people, their hopes and aspirations. I have been humbled by the generosity and enthusiastic welcome given to me and my team across the eight local government areas that I visited. I came away with a more robust belief than ever before that when we work together, we achieve a lot more. As a team, speaking with one voice, the Urhobo nation can overcome any obstacle and fulfill her destiny. Together, in cooperation with other ethnic nationalities in our state and country, we can build a nation of our dream,” Omo-Agege who did not mention the names of the preferred candidate in his statement explained.
He maintained that his pledge and commitment to work for the good of the Urhobo nation, Delta State and Nigeria remains unalloyed, adding, “I am filled with that same burning passion to serve and I am imbued with a much higher sense of responsibility today than I was on the day I declared for the race.”
He thanked his supporters, leaders and stakeholders who stood by him to the very end with his special thanks and appreciation going to Delta Central Lawyers for Good Governance in particular and others whose prayers and contributions made a huge difference.
‘I urge them to remain steadfast in their individual and collective beliefs in the sanctity of a united Nigeria and the steady growth of democracy,’ he said.
Before Omo-Agege withdrawal from the race, the rumour has been making the rounds that PDP senatorial aspirants were summoned to Asaba, Delta State capital where the aspirants were informed of the need to step down for former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Chief Emmanuel Oguariavbado in the primaries election. The order to step down for him was reported to have been giving by the Presidency.
Meanwhile, Chief Aguariavbo has started serious campaign since yesterday with his poster which was hardly seen during the PDP primaries campaign flooding the streets of Urhobo communities of Ughelli, Okpare,, Umolu, Agbarha-Otor, Agbarho, Ugheivwen and Uvwie among others.