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Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit?

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Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit?
Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit? As the battle to settle for the successor of Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa rages on, there is a burning desire amongst Deltans to opt for a trustworthy and reliable politician with the resume to match the performance of Chief James Ibori and Felix Ibru who were past Governors of Delta State.
Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit?
Against this backdrop, the rumbling clamor as to which Senatorial District would produce the next Governor in 2023 was nipped in the bud when the Delta State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) zoned the same to Delta Central Senatorial District.
The decision was in keeping with the zoning formula hitherto adopted during the Ibori-led administration which saw the rotation of power between the three Senatorial Districts in the State.
Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit?
The agreement in view of the PDP’s recent consensus remains unbroken and nipped mounting pressures of requests for zoning on the basis of ethnicity, one which otherwise would have been counterproductive and damaging for the party.
Those who met to agree on the zoning of the Governorship to Delta Central reached the agreement after resolving to reject the imposition of a candidate on the party by major power brokers within the State.
It was gathered that doing so would encourage persons with the requisite credentials to be projected on the basis of merit and past achievements, and nothing short of same, so as to sustain the tempo of development already stirred by previous administrations.
So far, out of those who have indicated interest to contest the Governorship election in 2023, only one stands out in view of his visible track records which sets him aside from his contemporaries.
It is however embarrassing that some whose foot prints are yet to be seen in their constituencies, and do not have the requisite competence or what takes to win such elections are warming up to indicate interest to contest.
What is even more disturbing is the fact that these persons are present appointees of the state government without the required financial wherewithal to slug it out with the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), to ensure a win at the polls.
Other considerations which they do not meet are those anchored on their contributions to the development of their immediate communities and how much they’ve done to improve the lives of citizens in the state.
No doubt, some of them will be put to shame at the poll, particularly those planted to disempower opponents whose status or position stands a threat to their devious schemings.
Unfortunately, some very desperate ones have resorted to using blackmail in order to stop competent candidates from contesting the governorship election in 2023.
It will be crude, barbaric and oppressive if at this time, some politicians still believe that imposition and Godfatherism is a better source of winning election. This method does not show one’s popularity, capability and competency in governance.
A typical example was in the 2015 governorship election when David Edevbie was openly supported by the incumbent governor and the majority of his ethnic group, but was defeated at the primaries.
He lost woefully to the present Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa because he (Okowa) is more popular and resourceful. This is also not to leave out the support Okowa enjoyed from people like Kenneth Gbagi, a serial industrialist and one-time Minister for Education.
It is also disturbing that some people who may not have known much, have started dancing around these characters who lack effective leadership qualities needed to actualize good governance in the State.
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, most politicians whose only source of income is politics do not think of investing in their respective states so as to provide employment for the teeming youths. Rather, they focus their energies on how to be rotated in political offices. A few of them who tried to have investments preferred to do so in Europe and other African countries than Nigeria.
Deltans will forever remember some of our indigenous industrialists like Edewor, Uloho, Ibru, Onosode and so on. Others who share their vision include Aliko Dangote, Dantata, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Kenneth Gbagi, Igbenedion among others who continue to provide employment in the country.
With Kenneth Gbagi fully keyed into contesting the Governorship election in Delta State, the aspirations of unpopular contestants can only come to reality if Gbagi who believes in philanthropy and Job creation lacks the same credentials.
Apart from possessing the qualities of compassion and empathy, his zeal for job creation places him as the most prepared and qualified aspirant within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who satisfies the zoning formula.
Gbagi’s support and contribution towards the growth of the PDP since its inauguration in 1999 attests to his commitment and sacrifice made over the years as a reliable party man.
When the cry of hunger caused by the lockdown ravaged the homes of Deltans, Kenneth Gbagi rose to the occasion as the first and only business mogul and politician who used his personal money to buy food items of various kinds as palliatives across the 25 local government areas of Delta State.
He went as far as paying the bills of patients in various hospitals and also provided money to cover surgical costs for sick people who are with chronic ailments. The masses are easily satisfied. They require jobs and stability to make them happy.
Gbagi’s empathy for humanity manifested severally in appeals to the federal government to intensify efforts on how the incessant killings in Southern kaduna, the attacks of Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen as well as the evils perpetrated by bandits in the Northern region of the country. This also included appeals on behalf of victims of flooding in several communities in Delta state.
Kenneth Gbagi’s role as a former Minister of State for Education went beyond the functions and activities of the ministry. He spent time to keep watch on the infrastructure which the Federal Government situated in his constituency and Delta State.
He also worked assiduously to see that the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Ugbomro-Effurun was commissioned for learning and equipped with required facilities and equipment needed for smooth take off.  He also objected to the relocation of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun to Kaduna.
To further demonstrate that he is one whose tenure as Governor will not be regretted, he came home with the approval of Government Girls College to Oginibo, an Urhobo town in Delta State.
Going by the above accounts, those who misunderstood or were misinformed of the saga at the Signatious hotel, Effurun, appear skeptical in giving him maximum support towards his governorship ambition. Such persons in their interest should have a reset of their impressions, especially as the truth and reasons for such allegations have been exposed as the handiwork of political blackmailers.
Kenneth Gbagi’s lifestyle exudes love and empathy for his people and therefore can never be associated with such acts of inhumanity as portrayed in the molestation allegations against him.
Also, if he is said to be prudent or stern in handling his businesses or enterprises, he should not be castigated or blamed because most of the ailing or abandoned industries of both the state and the Federal Government were reduced to nothing as a result of mismanagement.
Apparently, Kenneth Gbagi’s opponents in the governorship race are aware that his credentials towards winning the race are unbeatable. Therefore, a competition like this, requires the ability to campaign or convince the electorates and to also showcase what they’ve done to make the masses support their aspiration.
They are therefore advised to discontinue the act of blackmail or calumny in politics, since the same does not portray the spirit of sportsmanship or oneness as expected from the people of the same Political party and ideology.
BY OGHENEAKPOBO I.E, a Political Analyst and PDP stalwart writes from Warri, Delta State.

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Tinubu @72: Photos As Lagos Lawmakers Honour Nigeria’s President

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Tinubu @72: Photos As Lagos Lawmakers Honour Nigeria’s President

 

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Lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly took turns to speak glowingly of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday as he marks his 72nd birthday on Friday.

 

 

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The lawmakers commended the President for deciding on no-celebration of his birthday in consideration of the mood of the nation as, according to them, this was the mark of true leadership.

However, the lawmakers said it was important to celebrate the President’s achievements while he was governor of Lagos and his current strides noting that his policies in the State have continued to put Lagos on the global map.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, while praying for good health and strength for the President, noted that the successes so far achieved by Lagos can be linked to Tinubu’s wisdom and leadership capacity.

“When Asiwaju Tinubu became governor, we all know how much Lagos was earning. He successfully moved the revenue of the state from N600 million to over N8 billion in 2007. He also set in motion strategies for the upward progression of the revenue generation.

“This is not just about his birthday. It is a celebration of Lagos and where his policies have carried us. The Lagos Red Line rail project was unveiled recently and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the achievement can be attributed to Asiwaju who created the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) while he was governor,” Dr. Obasa said.

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a congratulatory message to the President on behalf of the lawmakers, staff and management of the Assembly.

In his contribution, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, prayed that the steps currently being taken by the President would bring Nigeria out of its challenges.

While the Deputy Majority Leader, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, described Tinubu as a compassionate leader, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) said Tinubu’s journey has been one of successes as seen in Lagos and his current administration at the centre. He prayed that the President’s current policies will also be beneficial to every citizen.

On his part, Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu (Epe 2) recalled how Obasa prayed in 2019 that Tinubu would be president adding that Tinubu had shown his leadership acumen by deciding not to celebrate this year’s birthday.

Hon. Foluke Osafile (Amuwo Odofin 1) commended the President’s current steps while Hon. Adewale Temitope (Ifako Ijaiye 1) prayed that God continue to direct Tinubu’s paths and also keep Lagos lawmakers soaring.

 

 

Tinubu @72: Photos As Lagos Lawmakers Honour Nigeria's President

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS

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BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS

BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS

 

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In the spirits of the exigencies of present charged up political topical realities and conversations,I am inherently inclined to ruminate and juggle our consciousness around the personage of Hon Senator M.Okpebholo and his walk towards becoming the Governor of Edo State.

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Humanity has always been subsumed,inundated with transformative phases culminating into palpable tangible events and outcomes and leading to positive disruptive developmental changes.

Undoubtedly,ideas visions and actionable goals shapes our world into transcendental growth and transformative developments.

A purposeful and iconoclastic idea whose time has come breaks down all barriers and obstacles to shine and glow into unparalleled unbridled fruition and acceptance.

In this sense,it’s pertinent to encapsulate rather unequivocally that Senator M Okpebholo emergence as the flag bearer of APC in the forthcoming Edo State elections is an idealistic momentous indication of an idea whose time has come-he is the rave of the moment that everyone should reasonably pander to and readily identify with without hesitations or scruples.

Resoundingly loud in the lips of rational citizens and netizens in and beyond Edo State is the very unmistakable ubiquitous voices,agitations,drumming,clamoring,for the easy going,down to earth,soft spoken,unassuming,humane,humbleness personified mien of Hon Senator M Okpebholo whose time has come to become the Governor of Edo State.

Typically,analogically and apparently the difficulties encountered with attempting to stop a moving train is the same struggle and resistance cum obstinacy to be overcome all attempts to stop the movement of SMO trains into Osadebey Avenue.

Interestingly,but ironically rumor mill and social media tends to be irreverently awash with arguments and postulations for or against and about the antecedents and benevolent overtures of SMO in the past as indices,parameters and anecdotes or measuring yardstick for future performances upon emergence as Governor….and l am simply miffed,wondering and asking rhetorically for the umpteenth time a subliminal regurgitation of our memories as to the performances of our erstwhile Governor Oshiomhole Gov Obaseki,Gov Igbinedion,Gov Odigie Oyegun
before they became Governors of Edo State??

I will be stultified and jolted into coalesce,condescension and submission if one can point at a meaningful remembrance of any grandiose project or remarkable charitable contributions they made in their respective local governments or senatorial zones prior to their being elected as Governors.

Suffice to state that I am struggling to decipher the rationale behind the conversation that previous acts of charity and projects done becomes a major political indicator and justification for becoming a Governor of Edo state.

Therefore and rightly so,it aggregates to cheap assailable blackmail all attempts to profile Hon Senator M Okpebolo on the basis of his personal acts of charity as a vicarious lens of assessment and for voting him into Office as Governor or otherwise.

He is irrevocably the beautiful bride of Edo Politics whose time is now.
An impeccable candidate with no baggages.He is his self cheerleader.
He is your everyday people person who operates an open door policy.
He is a rare silent achiever and an astute leader with pedigree of talking less but doing more.
He is an asset and a gift to Edo State

He is not your regular run of the mill boastful politician who speaks with both sides of the mouth denigrating with prism alluring lies uncensored

In the main,the whole essence of political participation is intended to make policy decisions that could shape up and lead to definitive changes,gains and democratic reforms for the generality of the public interest.

And l boldly posit unapologetically that voting Hon Senator M Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State is a wise choice to make come Election Day cos he will walk the talk by matching words with actionable and transformative deliverables of democratic dividends upon becoming the Governor of Edo State.

 

BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS

Vibes up the Rhythm

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Ondo governorship aspirant, Akintelure is dead

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Ondo governorship aspirant, Akintelure is dead

Ondo governorship aspirant, Akintelure is dead

 

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Sadly, one of the frontline governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, is dead.

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Before his untimely demise, Akintelure had raised concerns about both direct and indirect threats to his life.

 

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He had expressed hope that the situation would improve over time but sadly, it escalated as the APC governorship primary election scheduled for April 25 approached.

Akintelure’s alarm on threat to life

Akintelure in a statement released by his spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, on Thursday, March 21, 2023, said, “Initially, I hope these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life”

“The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.

“Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity. Our collective strength lies in our to stand together as one, regardless of our differences.”

Political background

Recall Akintelure ran as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with Rotimi Akeredolu (the incumbent Ondo State governor) against Olusegun Mimiko, the then Labour Party flagbearer, who won the election.

Earlier, he had contested the senatorial election against the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, but he was defeated.

He was a medical doctor and hailed from Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

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