Delta 2015: Obuh oils campaign machine
By Dapo Akinrefon
The 2015 governorship elections in Delta State is gradually taking shape.
The 2015 governorship elections in Delta State is gradually taking shape.
Before now, matters of who succeeds the incumbent Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan were discussed in hushed tones, with the fear of heating up the polity.
Most aspirants have shown interest to take over from the out-going governor, as they are going round, engaging leaders of the party on why they want to govern the state.
Tony Obuh
But it could, however, be apt to state that any governorship aspirant that emerges as a candidate from the primaries on the platform of the PDP, could start to prepare for his or her swearing in ceremony as the next governor of the state.
Though other political parties like the Democratic People’s Party, DPP, led by Great Ogboru, which has merged with the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and perhaps the All Progressives Congress (APC) are on the prowl.
Delta North’s agitation
The agitation by Delta North Senatorial district is gradually being accepted by all and sundry especially within the PDP.
Agitations from Delta North have been on the front burner to produce the next governor of the state.
As a matter of fact, Delta North has not occupied the exalted office since the state was created in 1991.
Hence, in a deft move to whittle down the list, there have been meetings and discussions at very high levels to prevail on some of the perceived dark horses to step down their aspiration and harmonise, so that the opportunity for Delta north to produce the governor will not slip away.
A deluge of aspirants, especially from the north senatorial district where the agitation is gaining momentum based on the zoning under standing of the PDP, have before now, been engaging in wide spread consultations.
Contenders such as the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr. Godswill Obielum, Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme, Prof. Sylvester Monye, Mr. Clement Ofuani, Dr. Festus Okubor, had indicated interest in the race.
Surprisingly, Tony Obuh name was missing.
But the number of aspirants from Anioma nation keeps rising by the day, ostensibly for the simple reason or calculation that the pendulum of power would shift northwards as opposed to the central and south.
Obuh’s entry
It is an open secret that Obuh, a retired Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service, shocked most Deltans with his intention to vie for the plum job.
Having shown interest, he has embarked on oiling his political machine to actualise his dream.
Perhaps, this informed his recent tour of the 25 local councils of the state. For Obuh, the idea of the consultation is to solicit for peoples’ support and at the same time urge them to inform others to do so.
Also, in an attempt to rev up his political machinery, the retired permanent secretary completed his council tours on Friday, September 26, 2014.
Expectedly, the tour was a huge success for Obuh’s aspiration.
At Ozoro, the headquarters of Isoko North LGA, Obuh told the crowd that greeted him; “I am overwhelmed by your acceptance of me. This is my place, you are my people. I seek your support. I shall be honest and serve you truthfully”.
Some leading politicians in the various councils, have thrown their weight behind the Obuh project and were present at the tours. They include the member representing Isoko North in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Tim Owhefere, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Vice Chairman, Isoko Advancement Network, IAN, of which Hon. Mike Ogwah and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and political leader in the area, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, was represented by Ogwah.
They all pledged their support for the Obuh project and promised to work for his success at the 2015 polls.
In his remarks, the governorship hopeful said, “I have always felt a strong and inseparable tie to my fellow humans irrespective of their place of origin, beliefs, sex or other characteristics.”
This is why I have a very wide circle of friends and acquaintances across the State and beyond”.
Within his career period, Obuh served in various management and leadership positions, serving two state governors as director in various departments and permanent Secretary in Government House, until his voluntary retirement.
Obuh earned his reputation as a careful civil servant, whose loyalty to his boss of so many years, first as director in the office of the Secretary to the State Government when Uduaghan held that position during the tenure of former Governor James Ibori, and then as Permanent Secretary when he became governor.
So far, he has offered himself to serve the state and his promise to run an inclusive and responsive government, building upon the very strong foundation already laid by the governor remains paramount for Obuh.
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