By Michael Akpore
LAGOS AUGUST 25TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Politics in this part of the world has for a long time be defined by a devious colour of brute force, gangsterism and godfatherism, a phenomenon that has robbed the game of the finesse, fidelity and exotic qualities of progressive political ideals which are the driving principles of government in the developed world.
We have lived for too long under the illusion that politics is a game for social deviants, men and women who have no contract with honour, people of banal value for integrity and the rugged products of the world of the occult. We have blamed the system for too long without giving thought to how we can collectively contribute our Quota to effect the changes we seek to achieve. More often than not, we have made the wrong choice for the wrong reasons. For this our politics and society have suffered greatly, but this time as it concerns Deltans we need to feed someone with credible leadership qualities, impeccable character, integrity and a heart of service to the people to continue the good work of Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan where he stopped come 2015.
Currently, there are over 20 notable men vying for the No1 seat. These men in their various capacities have the needed credentials for the position, BUT caution MUST be taken as to whom will serve the people with sincere heart when elected. At this time, Delta State is going to experience yet another round of tough decision making process because the best candidate MUST be allowed to occupy the exalted seat with a view to representing the needs of the people in reducing poverty, constructing roads, creating jobs and bringing investments opportunities to the state at large.
1, SENATOR (DR) IFEANYI OKOWA – is a serving senator representing Delta North senatorial district of Delta State. He was born on the 8th of July, 1959 at Owa-Alero in the present Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State. Over the years, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is said to have displayed a highly developed craftsmanship in his work and the evidence of his constructive leadership, according to some of his supporters, is seen in his growing political profile. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is a favorite amongst many Deltans and he enjoys the support of Izu Anioma, the umbrella body of all Anioma cultural organizations, amongst other cultural groups. Dr Okowa is popularly called ‘the man with the grassroots touch’ and he is well received at home. As the 2015 governorship election is drawing closer, he has yet again registered his interests for the position having failed three attempts in the past. Could it be is really not well received as perceived? Or he is not yet seen as a state-wide leader? Your guess is as good as mine.

2, DR. ANDREW FOUBIRI WARRI – born on July 15, 1970 at Ogbobagbene, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has become the centre of attraction for many years for his uncommon interest and passion to be a CHANGE Agent in Delta State and across Nigeria. Dr Warri is a strong motivator and exceptional growth driver. A selfless leader, worthy of emulation; no wonder the youths have aligned with him as he has over time declared publicly that he is joining the governorship race in Delta State for ‘the sake of humanity’. This statement is considered to be true as he has over the years shown true kindness to local communities in providing adequate Medical Care and attention to those needed it the most. In all honesty, Dr Warri is presenting the ‘New Order’ in the politics of Delta State as he is the youngest amongst the people vying for the position and he is the most adored by the youths of Delta State. Dr Warri is a recipient of multiple industries and organisational awards for superior leadership, performance and contributions. As a medical consultant to the NDDC on its Special Medical Referral Programme, Dr Warri has to date treated surgically, more than 1,300 (One Thousand Three Hundred) Niger Delta indigenes within and outside the country. This is indeed a people-centric person that the people of Delta State must do well to embrace and work it in the future. Dr Warri is branded as an “Exceptional Achiever” that has the people in mind concerning everything that he is committed to doing. With his many qualifications, attributes and certificates, it will be fair to state here that, Dr Warri stays TOP in the Top 5.

3, OLOROGUN (BARR) KENNETH GBAGI, LLM, LLB, BL – Is from Delta Central senatorial district, former Hon Minister of State for Education. Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi is a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); an industrialist, attorney, criminologist and a satisfactory politician. He is regarded with admiration by all and sundry, especially in Delta state. Olorogun Gbagi is honoured as the first African-born member of the Rotary International’s Arch C. Klumph society and the youngest lawyer ever to head the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria. Born September, 22nd 1961, into the family of Gbagi in Oginibo, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State. As we may be familiar or aware of such an acceptable personality in the politics of Delta State, we must all realise that once again, Olorogun Gbagi has indicated strong interests to contest the governorship position in Delta State come 2015. It is a race he believed he will qualify to take over from Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan. Even though much result was not recorded in his service in public office, he is hopeful to be accepted.

4, DR. (MRS) NGOZI JULIET OLEJEME – is a well-known politician in Delta State. Ngozi Olejeme has been an active politician in Nigeria, as she was a gubernatorial aspirant for Delta state under the auspices of the People’s Democratic Party PDP in the 2007 elections. Dr Olejeme is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. She has a recognised record of success in administrative governance and business management. Dr Olejeme hails from Asaba in Delta State of Nigeria. She has also drawn the attention of her supporters that she’ll be vying for the office of the governor of Delta State. Currently, Dr Olejeme is a member, Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and Federal Government Delegate (South-South) National Conference 2014. Indeed the race is for the high and mighty in Delta State, but we must all embrace the fact that, the voice of the people is the voice of God; hence the people must be allowed to speak in one voice amongst these men and women who want to govern Nigeria’s most economic vibrant State. Dr Olejeme who’s seen as representing the women wing in this race will need to do more to draw them together. but nothing has been seen towards this area for now.

5, ELDER GODSDAY PETER ORUBEBE (CON) – is the immediately past minister of Niger Delta Affairs. He was born on 6th June 1959 at Ogbobagbene, Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State. Elder Orubebe became a supervisory Councillor and later Chairman of Burutu LGA before he was appointed as Minister of Special Duties in 2007 by late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Elder Orubebe is seen as the long serving minister from the Niger Delta region since democracy in the country, but sadly little or no achievements were recorded whilst he was serving the good people of Niger Delta in Nigeria’s seat of power, Abuja. Few days after President Goodluck Jonathan fired him as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe declared his intention to contest the 2015 governorship election in Delta State. Although the race is for everyone with credible qualities to govern Delta State, but Elder Orubebe’s is in doubt as nothing credible about him in the development of Niger Delta is recorded yet.

Michael Akpore JP is a political analyst