By Emeka Nwokocha
The fame of the incumbent governor of oil rich Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has continued to soar recently as the Evang. Gabriel Isibeluo led pressure group, Host Communities Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Delta State chapter leaves nothing to chance in its sustained commitment to canvass massive support for his re-election in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.
Speaking at the Isoko ethnic town-hall meeting held at Isoko Unity House recently,
Evang. Gabriel Isibeluo stressed the importance of building a formidable support for governor Okowa, noting that HOSTCOM was determined to wield its influence in the government of the state in the coming political dispensation.
Isibeluo told the teeming crowd of Isoko sons and daughters present at the forum that governor Ifeanyi Okowa had shown commendable commitment to the growth and development of HOSTCOM over the years, a feat he described as unprecedented.
He further stated that the purpose of the town-hall meeting was not to discredit any candidates gunning for the coveted political office, but noted that the decision to support governor Okowa is hinged on his landmark achievements and show of rare benevolence towards HOSTCOM in recent times.
Continuing, Isibeluo said that the era of resorting to violent agitation in pushing for HOSTCOM’s demand was not fashionable any more, stating that diplomacy and constructive engagement is now the way. He said HOSTCOM would take its destiny in its hands by ensuring it negotiates its opportunities and success with the government of the day.
He said, “the era of sitting on the fence and picking crumbs is over.
“We have decided not to sit on the back seat, we want to take part in the political activities of our state and have a voice in the government,” he stated.
Evang. Isibeluo called on Isoko people to get their PVCs, saying “that is where our power lies.”
He called on the host communities to vote en masse for governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In his speech, Dr. Peter Egedegbe, National Secretary, HOSTCOM said that governor Okowa had shown due commitment to the growth of HOSTCOM.
His words, “We are convinced that if we support governor Ifeanyi Okowa to victory in his second term bid, we are equally securing our future as more development will be attracted to our communities. “Governor Okowa has shown commendable capacity in his first tenure and he Will continue on that streak of achievement in his second tenure.”
Princess Christy Ichofu, Woman Leader, HOSTCOM, Isoko North LGA, called on Isoko nation to support reelection bid of governor Ifeanyi Okowa, saying “the governor’s developmental strides across the state has been consistent in recent times.” She noted that HOSTCOM has had a good share of the governor’s benevolence over time, even as she urged the women to vote en masse for governor Okowa in the coming 2019 gubernatorial election.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Palmer Samson, acknowledged the developmental strides of governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Isoko nation and across the state. However, he noted that Isoko nation deserves better infrastructural develolment going by its abundant oil resource. He urged governor Okowa to give more attention to the aspiration of Isoko nation, noting that oil communities in Isoko nation are in dire need of critical infrastructure to improve the standard of living of the people, and justify the huge wealth the government derives from the oil bearing communities.
in the same vein, Mr. Terry Akpughe lauded the achievements of governor Okowa across the state.
He said “there is no doubting the fact, governor the fact that Ifeanyi Okowa has done well, but we urge him to improve on his achievements, even as he called on the governor to incorporate vibrant youths into his government in the coming political dispensation.
