Opinion: Delta 2015: Who succeeds Uduaghan? (2) By GODDAY ODIDI AGAIN, we have Chief Edwin Clark who is one of the grandfathers of Delta politics still very much around. He, since 1999, has had a running political battle with some powerful cabals in the PDP over choice of the governorship candidates. He understands the political gimmicks of the state more than anyone. He most likely would have his own candidate for the Delta State’s number one seat. Another prominent figure said to be warning up the succeed the incumbent governor is Chief Godswill Obielum. A distinguished security czar, Obielum has attained an intimidating statesmanship status within the political circles, at the grassroots and national levels. With his overwhelming credentials, he is resistible to win the race in 2015, people say. Another man to watch is Hon Sam Obi, a revered man of God who has already manifested his qualitative leadership credentials in most trying circumstances. Obi was speaker, Delta State House of Assembly and acting governor. He has a visionary mind-set to rule this state. Deltans also have identified another likely aspirant as Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, a top engineer with charismatic personality. His leadership pedigree has continued to grow in leaps and bounds. Hon. Victor Ochei , the current Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly has been fingered as eyeing the top seat. He is viewed as a creative and innovative philanthropist of the 21st Century. Again, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru is expected to be queuing for another race. He is one of the intimidating opposition candidates who almost sacked the present governor from office. He belongs to DPP and as a founding member is ready to take power from the PDP in the state. Though Ogboru in the past had contested severally, but failed to win the seat, he is not an easy push over aspirant in the system. Hon Godsday Orubebe, Minister, Niger Delta Affairs is expected to be one of the aspirants in Chief Clark’s camp. Being an apex minister under the ruling PDP platform gives him an edge over other aspirants. However, winning Delta State’s elections as of now is not about popularity, but the aspirants ability to have the necessary digital networking; having enough funds to harness most votes; and how the contestant empowered Deltans positively. Orubebe whom many Deltans believe has President Goodluck Jonathan’s backing hails from Delta Central. The brilliant financial whiz-kid, Clement Ofuani, whose unblemished public and private careers have put him on the list of youth and visionary leaders, is keen on joining the race. Also, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa who is at present serving in the National Assembly has been penciled down for the governorship race. Okowa is a distinguished medical doctor with clinical finesse and unparalleled experience in politics and administration garnered over the years. The Delta North-born is capable of clinching the seat with high profile influence at the national and state levels. Delta State SSG(Secretary to the State Government) and once Commissioner for Power, Comrade Macaulay Ovuozourie is said to be eyeing the top seat. He comes from the Delta South Senatorial District. Ovuozourie is one of the Isoko politicians who have greatly contributed to the political development of area over the years. The once a notable labour activist, is one of the legally anointed sons of the Isokoland. Chief Peter Okocha, a multi-millionaire businessman who once contested for Delta governorship election against Uduaghan might likely stage a comeback in 2015, according to feelers from political circles. Other aspirants on the long list are Prof Pat Utomi. Tony Elemelu, Ned Nwoko, Dr. Ngozi Iweala, Ndudi Elemelu, Omo- Agege, Chief Solomon Ogba, Hon. Leo Ogor, Ngozi Ulejeme, Professor Saliba Umukoro, Chief John Kpokpori, Hon . Obaro Unuafe and more. Surprisingly, though Deltans have been drawing up the list of those warming up to succeed Gov. Uduaghan ,has kept mum on his likely political movement after leaving the State House. Some of his counterparts in other state are known to have their eyes fixed on the National Assembly. Though there is still much time to the 2015 elections, the prayer is that Gov Uduaghan by then, hands power over to the choice of Deltans, not cabals. •Odidi, a public affairs analyst wrote from Lagos via [email protected]..
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:11:04 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015