I can’t step
down for anybody
By EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
One of the cardinal objectives of Barrister Charles Obule,
a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta
State is to unite all aggrieved factions within his party
and bring sanity to the various communities in the 25 local
government areas of the state when he assumes the governorship
position in 2007.
Besides, he intends to build bridges of love, oneness and
understanding among all the people of the state, devoid of
hatred, discrimination and animosity, thereby embracing all
the constituencies as his own.
He vowed to improve on the lots of Governor James Ibori, who
he said has maintained high standard in developing the state,
but stressed that he can only do this with the cooperation
of all Deltans.
He believes he is the best aspirant for the governorship position
and dispels speculations of stepping down for another person.
He spoke more on other issues.
Plans for Delta south
Well, I have plans for the state because I know the people
want infrastructure development. But if the entire state has
to choose a candidate that will rule them, I know that it
is I, no other person.
Plans for the primaries
I am going into the primaries fully prepared. Most people
are aware of my manifestoes, programme and integrity. They
know I am a serious contestant and I am not going to abandon
them midstream, because they also know that I am serious and
that I will deliver my promises if given the opportunity.
These are some of the factors that will work in my favour.
I think I have done a lot of things to qualify me as a serious
candidate.
Acceptance in Urhobo land
I started this race quite early, when no other contestant
has even shown interest. I did it because I know there was
no time. If one has to be governor, you need to consult extensively
across the length and breadth of the state. I have been to
all the 22 kingdoms in Urhobo land, and I was fully accepted.
In terms of acceptability, I have achieved the blessings of
the three senatorial districts and I believe strongly that
I am the next governor of the state.
Other objectives
My effort is going to be complementary. Governor Ibori has
set a high standard in developing the state, and whoever is
gong to take over from him has to put in a lot of efforts
to be able to measure up to the standard he has set.
What I intend to do is to consolidate on the things that have
been achieved by this government and go into areas where we
need to make some improvement, such as security, youths empowerments,
ports and provide other infrastructure development so that
the youths in the state will be gainfully employed.
Chief Ighoyota Amori
One of the problems we have in this state is the issue of
factions and it will not augur well for any government. I
am aspiring to be the governor of the state, and not for individuals.
I intend to build a bridge of understanding across the state
and bring unity to all and sundry.
As the governor, all the state is my constituency, and I will
not base my decision on the basis of cartel. I know Chief
Ighoyota Amori. He is a political heavy weight in the state,
and nobody can deny that fact. He is a man that has a lot
of followership and if you don’t recognise him, then
it is not going to be easy.
I am friendly with people. I am not going to get myself involved
in personal quarrel that exists among individuals. I am going
to reach out to every person that is relevant in the campaign.
In essence, I have no enemy, no limitations; hence I will
always consult with the good and the bad. I also give unto
Caesar what is for Caesar, and for God what is for God almighty.
My candidacy goes beyond ethnic divide and beyond individual
kingdom. I want to bring Delta State together and resolve
the issue of acrimony. I also want to harmonise all the opposing
parties. You cannot be in the trenches and say you are free.
I want to beckon on them and bring them together to form a
formidable and strongly untied state, which everybody will
be proud to belong to.
Stepping down
I don’t see how a candidate like me can step down for
anybody. I started earlier than every other candidate. I have
showed commitment, dedication and seriousness than any other
aspirant.
I had the courage to step up my campaign even in the face
of the ill-fated third term agenda. Also, I have established
structures all over the areas; hence I am enjoying mass support
everywhere. My supporters are ready to die for this cause.
How can I abandon them? In the first place, who am I stepping
down for? Can the best step down for the second best? If there
is one candidate that must contest this election and win,
then it is Chief Charles Obule.
I am certainly the man to beat because I have crossed the
rubicon. I must contest the election. The issue of stepping
down is part of the figment of the imagination of my political
detractors. This is an issue you must disregard.
Upsurge in political assassination
It is a sad situation, but that cannot happen in Delta State.
Part of my programme is the campaign against violence, rigging
and character assassination.
Those of us that have shown interest in the governorship race
have exhibited high level of maturity, and that is why you
don’t see mud-slinging taking place. We have managed
to educate our followers on the proper ethics of politics
and I don’t think that the issue of violence will erupt
in the state.
Ruling Delta State
In life, one gets to a level whereby you will ask yourself
what you have done for your people. God has given you so much,
what have you given to God in return? I have a personal pledge
with God that if he gives me the opportunity to become the
governor of this state, I will dedicate myself to the service
of humanity.
I believe politics should not be left to bad eggs. Good people
must come out and contribute their own quota. I believe I
am knowledgeable enough about the problems in the state. I
feel their pains. I stay with them. I stumble and roll with
them. So, I know what they want and I am ready, by the grace
of God, to provide them with the basic things of life.
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