Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Wednesday reinforced the support base of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State in the build up to the September 19 Edo governorship election. The Delta governor insisted that Edo must remain a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state.
Governor Okowa, Chairman of South-South Governors Forum, at a Ward campaign rally in Ekpon Ward 9 and 10, Igueben Local Government Area, Edo State, appealed to the people of Edo to re-elect Governor Godwin Obaseki so as to bring all states in the region under one political party – the PDP. The Delta governor maintained that it is the wish of the Governors of the region to remain in one political party for rapid development of the region.
Okowa, accordingly, told the people of Ekpon to vote massively for Governor Obaseki, describing him as a very good man.
“You know your Governor, Godwin Obaseki, is a very good man, if he wasn’t a good man I will not be here.
“I am proud of the people of Ekpon because of their support for the PDP over the years. Don’t be afraid of any intimidation; vote and defend your votes.
“The whole of South-South is now made up of PDP Governors family. There are six states in the South-South and I am the current Chairman of the Governors Forum in the South-South and we do not want Edo State to go into another party anymore.
“We want all Governors of the South-South to remain in one political party and that is why we are interested but I am particularly interested.
“For those of you here, we know you are voting for him but please we want you to go from home to home and from person to person to campaign to the people,” Okowa said.
Governor Okowa inaugurating the over 2km newly constructed reinforced concrete drain and asphalt overlay of Okuta Road in Ebelle community, commended Governor Obaseki for attending to rural roads despite the economic crunch.
“I must commend you for being able to construct several rural roads in Edo despite the economic challenges facing states across the nation.
“I believe God almighty will see you through this election so that you will build more roads for the good people of Edo.” Okowa remarked.
Governor Godwin Obaseki thanked his Delta counterpart for coming to support him in his campaign.
He promised the people of provision of electricity, water and construction of internal roads in the community.
“Let me thank my brother Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for coming to support us. I am aware he established the first private hospital in Ekpon years ago.
“He has assured me that we will collaborate to reconstruct the road connecting Edo and Delta. When I construct up to Edo boundary, he will construct from Delta to the Edo boundary.
“So, I appeal to you all to come out enmasse to vote for me and my able Deputy come September 19 for us to actualise these promises,” the Edo governor said
The PDP National Vice-Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, urged the people of Ekpon to continue their support for the party, adding that leaders across the state are in support of Obaseki’s re-election.
“I have had the opportunity to talk to leaders across the state and they are all in support of your re-election, so just keep doing your good work Mr. Governor and the people will re-elect you come September 19,” Orbih said.
At the rally also attended by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, two former All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the ward defected to PDP.