By Gabriel Elozino,
Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and Delta State All Progressive Congress, APC governorship flag bearer, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has said he entered the governorship race because he was deeply dissatisfied with the state of affairs in the state.
Omo-Agege stated at a World Press conference in Asaba the Delta State capital, Thursday, that his aspiration was beyond mere quest for power but a determination to liberate and rebuild Delta State.
He said, “This event, marks the beginning of a historic journey, which I have committed into the hands of the Almighty God for direction, strength, guidance and wisdom. It is a journey for the good of the generality of the people of Delta State.
“I am certainly concerned that our dear State has been left behind on key development indices despite the huge sums of money that flow into the State from the Federation Account and 13 percent derivation along with internally generated revenue by way of the various taxes and rates that our hard-working people pay.
“By the records of the Debt Management Office, Delta State also has the second-highest debt portfolio in the country. This is certainly unacceptable. Ours is, therefore, a movement to restore and revive a State that had been misgoverned and rapaciously pillaged by those whom we had entrusted with leadership.
According to Omo-Agege, he joined partisan politics in 2002 and unsuccessfully aspired to represent his people in the House of Representatives, adding that in 2003, he was appointed Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State and in 2005, Commissioner for Special Duties.
“In 2007, I became the Secretary to the Delta State Government. Having served as Commissioner, Secretary to government, senator, and currently, Deputy Senate President, I am privileged to have an extensive understanding of the issues of governance. It is these experiences I bring to bear on my plans for Delta State, ” he states.
He said, “I have worked with one of the best teams of experts to come up with realistic policies and plans, which when implemented will get Delta State going in the right direction again. I believe in setting goals and coming up with realistic plans and policies to achieve those goals. Our manifesto is therefore a product of profound thought based on my practical experience both in the Executive and Legislative arms of government.
“We have come up with a 60-Page Manifesto anchored on the EDGE to Build a New Delta (BAND). EDGE covers critical areas of governance that would drive our agenda when elected governor in 2023.
“The manifesto is our Vision and Mission; It captures our EDGE Agenda which breaks down as: E for Employment and Empowerment; D for Development (Economic, Infrastructural and Industrial); G for Good Governance, and E for Enduring Peace and Security.
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“The EDGE agenda sums up our people’s hopes and aspirations for economic stability, sustainable employment, security, access to modern public infrastructure, solid institutions, and a clean environment. It is strategically organized to make ours a model state and a leading centre of excellence.
“Delta State deserves better. We must reject leaders who will not be independent of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the cabal that brought us to this sorry past. For Deltans to get out of these problems and return to a path of economic prosperity, there must be change that offers progress beyond mere promises. With my record of public service, my candidacy represents and offers that change.
“If you make an objective assessment of every village, town, city, and local government area in Delta State, including the riverine areas, you will come to the sad conclusion that the state is lagging behind in every index of socio-economic development and economic prosperity. Okowa’s government alone has swallowed up well over N2.8 trillion in seven years. We are all Deltans here. Do you see anything on ground that is commensurate with that receipt?”
Speaking further, Omo-Agege alleged that the PDP candidate in the state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is a mere clone of Okowa because, like his master, his middle name is incompetence.
“By his background, or the lack thereof; and public record, or the lack thereof, the PDP candidate would be a human disaster in Government House. His nomination, championed by an inept and corrupt PDP administration, is an insult to the sensibilities of Deltans. Delta State should not leave its destiny in the hands of a man who has no mind of his own and will continue to be Okowa’s stooge even as governor,” he stated.
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