Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Political parties and churches in Delta State held various sessions over the weekend despite global warnings that gatherings of more than fifty persons should be avoided in view of the ravaging spread of the novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19.
However, the Delta State Government is yet to come up with public policy prohibiting such gatherings. The government only gave its indication to shut education institutions from Thursday this week.
Our correspondent learnt that churches in Asaba, the state capital, with more than fifty people in their congregation, held their services on Sunday, although with safety precautions like hand washing platforms strategically provided for congregants.
This is even as the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) went ahead with its local government congresses on Saturday, where a majority of the incumbent executive members at that level were returned.
In Isoko North Council, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were said to have monitored the congress, Mr Godwin Ogorugba was re-elected as chairman with 17 others as local government party executives.
Returning Officer for the congress, Appearance Esiso, described the congress which held at Ozoro field as peaceful, and commended members of the party for their good conduct, explaining that the conduct of the congress was in line with the provisions of the PDP constitution.
Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Leo Ogor, said he was pleased with the outcome of the congress and thanked the party faithful for their support over the years.
“Today is a great day and I thank God for keeping me alive to witness this day. Let me thank you all for being here and for your support over the years,” Ogor said.
Also, Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Tim Owhefere, urged the newly elected party officials to work hard to deliver all candidates of the party in future elections, pointing out that the party guidelines were fully observed in the conduct of the congress.
“Let me assure those who couldn’t return to the executive to be patient with us as we are compiling names of those who didn’t make it and we will empower them. I am sure that Isoko North will continue to take first in this kind of activities,” he said
Ogorugba, in his acceptance speech, commended leaders and party faithful for the peaceful conduct, saying that it was devoid of rancour.