2019: Delta ALGON Endorse Okowa as Sole Gubernatorial Candidate

By Miracle Enuji

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Delta State Chapter have unanimously declared their solid endorsement and adoption of the State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as their sole candidate in the forthcoming 2019 governorship election

The 25 local government Chairmen alongside their Vice Chairmen with 465 elected Councillors, Supervisory Councillors and all other political office holders in the local government area who make up ALGON, made this declaration on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at the Council’s Secretariat of Ughelli North Local Government Area where they also passed a rousing Vote of Confidence on the Governor.

The motion for the endorsement of Governor Okowa for second term was moved by the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon Emmanuel Egbabor and seconded by the Council Chairman of Ethiope East, Hon. Faith Majemite. While the Leader of Ethiope East Legislative arm, Hon. Victor Ofobrukueta, who is also the coordinator of the 25 Leaders of the local legislative arms, endorsed the Governor on behalf of the Councillors in the state.

In press statement released by ALGON titled, ‘2019: FOR DELTA ALGON, IT IS A LOUD YES TO GOV. OKOWA’, and signed by the State Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman, Isoko South Local Government Area, and the State Secretary of ALGON, Hon. Victor Ebonka, the political leadership of the 25 local Councils submitted that their decision is in the utmost good of all Deltans.

The statement obtained by Asaba Metro, reads in part, “As the race for the 2019 general elections gathers momentum, the Delta State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria have adopted His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi okowa, as the sole candidate of the entire political leadership of the 25 local government of the state in the 2019 gubernatorial election.

“Our endorsement of His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term stemmed from our conviction that only a man of his acumen can consolidate on the gains we have achieved in the various sectors at the state and local government levels. We are convinced that it is only with Gov. Okowa on the saddle that the much needed stability of the local governments can be guaranteed.

“Delta ALGON have taken this position in the utmost general good, taking into consideration the superlative performance of the Governor in the last three and half years. Created perfectly for the times, Governor Okowa, by dint of wisdom, prudent management, fiscal discipline and resounding intellect, has unbelievably steered the ship of governance through its turbulent financial crisis and placed the state on the path of sustainable growth and development.

“We have arrived at this decision convinced that His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, has brought innovation and sheer will to bear in rewriting the socio-economic and infrastructural history of Delta State. For Delta ALGON, it is a loud YES to Okowa 2019. He is the Manual with which a truly prosperous Delta will continue to thrive”

Speaking further, the Local Council Political Leaders stated that they count themselves lucky to have come into office at a time when Governor Okowa is sitting at the helm of affairs in Delta state, stressing, they are the greatest beneficiaries of Okowa’s inexplainable love, priceless guidance and personal sacrifices in ensuring the smooth governance of the local government.

They lauded the various achievements of the Governor which they said are visible in every area of the state and have transformed the socio-economic status of Delta. “Under his guidance, Delta ALGON initiated the most credible staff biometric verification exercise and introduced the electronic clock-in attendance register aimed at establishing an accurate staff record to enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Governor Okowa has displayed immeasurable magnanimity and sufficient fatherly disposition towards the plight of local Government workers through constant argumentation of Local Government allocation to enable the payment of staff salaries.

“Landmark projects such as the Asaba Storm Drainage Water Project, the gigantic State Secretariat Complex, remodeling of the Asaba City Stadium, the upgrade of the Asaba International Airport and several others are evidence of Gov. Okowa’s determination to build a state capital that can stand the test of a modern city. Moreso, from Boboroku in Ethiope West to Erowha in Isoko South down to Ebu in Oshimili North, Uduophori in Patani and the creeks of Burutu and Warri South West etc, Delta State has become a huge construction site with roads and sundry infrastructural projects dotting the landscape of the state, and remote communitis linked to the urban centers. Little wonder he is referred to as the Road Master.” Delta ALGON extolled.

Continuing, they commended the Governor’s impact in improving the health care sector of the state, revealing that beyond revamping the structures of health care centers, Governor Okowa has promised to assist the local governments in the recruitment of nurses and other medical professionals for primary health care centers where they are deficiencies.

“It is on record that under Governor Okowa, Delta State became the first and only state to successfully introduce the Contributory Health Scheme wherein with very minimal and affordable contribution, Deltans irrespective of class and status enjoy wide variety of health care services. The Primary Health Care Under One Roof of the Okowa administration and the approved renovation of the 107 primary health centers in the state attest to His Excellency’s determination to complement the efforts of the Local Governments in the provision of affordable healthcare to Deltans in rural communities.”

The association further hailed Governor Okowa’s SMART Agenda in human capital development and wealth creation which has become a national and global reference point in tackling the knotty challenge of youth unemployment with the conceptualization and meticulous implementation of various laudable agricultural, skill acquisition and youth empowerment programmes that has seen over 4000 youths gainfully engaged.

While commending Governor Okowa for his conscious and continued attention to the completion of projects and programmes initiated by his predecessors including the free maternal health scheme for pregnant women and children under the age of 5, the State ALGON assured of their unequivocal support and prayers of all Deltans in returning Okowa for s second term come 2019.