BEVERLY
HILLS, October 20, (THEWILL) – Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on Monday
formally declared his intention to contest the 2015 governorship in
Delta State, promising that if elected, his administration will pursue a
legislation that will support and promote universal health insurance
policy for all Deltans.
Okowa, who was ushered to the podium by
former Information Minister, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, flanked by former
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairman, Captain Pius Sinebe
(rtd), among other party faithful, at the declaration, said as a medical
professional, health for all Deltans is paramount and dear to him.
He
said he will consolidate on the good work of incumbent Governor, Dr.
Emmanuel Uduaghan, whom he described as “oga and leader” in the health
sector.
According to Okowa, as a senator, he had been deeply
involved in promoting necessary legislation to sustain and advance
health and medical practice, and institution and personnel in the health
sector. Addressing the mammoth crowd which thronged the Oshimili Arcade
in Asaba, Okowa said that during his tenure if elected as governor, at
least one city or urban settlement in each of the 10 federal
constituencies will be designed for comprehensive renewal.
He
however rolled out a five-point agenda which included strategic wealth
creation projects and provision of jobs for all Deltans, meaningful
peace building platform aimed at political/social stability,
agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation, relevant health
and education policies as well as transformed environment through urban
renewal, saying these would be his kernel of administration. Okowa, who
currently represents Delta North Senatorial District in the National
Assembly, said the existing Polytechnics in the state will be refocused
toward specialisation .
“This is one sector for which I will want
to be remembered as having made a distinct mark. There is a compelling
need to accelerate technical and vocational education by converting and
equipping some existing institutions or same purpose,” he added.
While
saying that robust and focused agricultural extension services will be
put in place to support farmers, the PDP aspirant said; “it is my
earnest desire to encourage and create the enabling environment for
commercial farming to thrive through the private sector and
public/private partnership”.
He also spoke about peace building
and security, saying; “I will take appropriate measure to sustain,
increase and even introduce new measure to contain and tackle the
sources which breed and encourage insecurity.”
Maintaining that
wealth creation and employment generation will be the kernel of his
administration, Okowa who spoke with high hope and passion said;
“deliberate effort will be made to generate employment and productive
livelihood for the teeming youth population, which will go a long way in
reducing undue conflict in social relations and community lives.”
Speaking
about his commitment to Deltans, Okowa said; “no one can doubt my deep
knowledge and commitment to my people of Delta state to all the
communities, the aspirations of the people, and the tremendous
challenges facing us.”
Continuing, he said; “My faith in Delta
state is limitless, unwavering and bountiful,” adding; “even when my
constituency became delimited by law to Delta North, I never ceased to
be of service to the entire people of Delta state.”
He also spoke
about his relationship with Uduaghan which many say has suffered since
the governorship race, saying he still maintains a cordial friendship
with the governor. He however expressed optimism that come May 29, 2015,
Uduaghan would hand over the mantle of leadership to him, saying
Deltans have agreed to give him the mandate .
“Uduaghan is my
governor, my friend and leader. No matter what you hear, our friendship
can’t be washed away. I will develop and improve on the good work he has
started. We have always worked together as friends, I was his first
Director General of his campaign and the relationship has been there .
So when it is time, he will hand over to me,” Okowa declared. Speaking
earlier, the Director General of Okowa’s Campaign Organisation, Hon
Festus Ovie Agas, appealed to PDP delegates to vote Okowa during the
party forthcoming primaries and the general elections.
Former PDP
state’s chairman, Chief Pius Sinebe, urged the people of Delta North
not to throw away the chance they have to take a spot at the
governorship position, saying Okowa is the best among equal that they
should rally around and present to other senatorial district of the
state. According to him, the governorship position in the state is “a
turn by turn thing, I am praying that after Okowa’s full tenure, it will
return to the Urhobos and then nobody from Delta North will contest
with them, that’s the kind of thing I pray for in Delta.”
Present
at the event were Hon Michael Diden (aka Ejele), Prof. Okaba, Hon Ocho
Ocho, Chief Thomas Eriyetome, Hon George Ekpemupolo, Brother Emma Ogidi,
Hon Askia Ogieh, and Hon Ross Uredi amongst others.
Source: THEWILL
