Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Still basking in the euphoria of his re-election, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, promised to leave a legacy of a stronger state that will be a pace setter in Nigeria.
He said his victory at last Saturday’s governorship election was a motivation to do more for the state, assuring that he will raise the bar of good governance even higher than he did in his first tenure.
Okowa was, on Monday, declared winner of the election and returned by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with over 81 percent of the total valid votes cast, and won in 23 out of the 25 local government areas in the state.
Addressing the state in a broadcast, Okowa described the renewal of his four-year mandate as as resounding as it was unprecedented “but, most importantly, it is very humbling and comes with an even weightier responsibility.
“First, I enjoin all Deltans to thank God for what was largely a peaceful and hitch-free election except for one or two skirmishes that were quickly brought under control.
“Admittedly, there was palpable tension and apprehension in the days leading up to the election, instigated by the unguarded utterances of a few desperate politicians, who threatened to make the election a do-or-die affair.
“We put our trust in God who ‘frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans. And to God be the glory, peace reigned during the election and the will of God prevailed.”
He commended INEC and law enforcement agencies for standing firm and resolute to deliver a free, fair and credible election, noting that “this is the pathway to sustainable democracy in Nigeria.”
The governor dedicated his victory to the people and described his mandate as “comforting, reassuring and liberating. It is a massive vote of confidence in the work we’ve done together in the last three years and nine months.
“While I may not need to catalogue our achievements here, there is no gainsaying the fact that under my leadership Delta State has witnessed huge developmental strides in road and physical infrastructure, health, education, rural-urban integration, human capital development and sports. These have been attested to by the multiple awards from various organisations in the last one year.
“This renewed mandate is also a vote for unity, as I won in all three senatorial districts with overwhelming majority, a clear indication that Deltans have recognised the oneness in us, as well as our shared values and aspirations.
“You voted, decisively, for excellence, hard work and performance. I’m a very proud Deltan, today, and so should you all be. Indeed, there is more that binds us together than divides us,” he said.