Former Governor of Delta State Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is gearing up to re-contest the Delta North Senatorial District seat as Anioma leaders continue to mount pressure on him to run.
The development became evident on Sunday when high-profile political leaders in the Delta North Senatorial District besieged his residence in Asaba to make the request.
Among the leaders who stormed his residence was the Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Monday Onyeme, who led former and serving National Assembly members, as well as top government officials and politicians, to persuade him to run for the Senate seat in 2027.
It was gathered that the entourage had earlier met at the deputy governor’s lodge before proceeding to Okowa’s residence to urge him to contest the seat, following a resolution reached at the meeting.
A motion imploring Okowa to return to the Senate was moved by the former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by a serving member of the Green Chamber, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, after which it was unanimously adopted and approved.
Those who spoke on behalf of leaders and stakeholders urging Okowa to accept the call to represent Delta North in the Senate include Chief Chris Agbobu (Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency), Chief Emma Onyiuku (Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency), and Doris Uboh (Ika Federal Constituency), among others.
The leaders described the former governor as a seasoned administrator and consensus builder whose experience remains vital for effective representation at the federal level.
In his response at his residence, Okowa, who was surprised and overwhelmed with emotion by the visit and the demand of the people, said that, for the calibre of persons on the mission, “I heed your call. I feel very loved and honoured, and I have no choice but to accept.”
He apologised to the Anioma people for what he described as the “mistake” of having been instrumental in the emergence of the incumbent senator representing the district.
He recalled how he was supported by Anioma people in the build-up to his election to the Senate in 2011, which he won, adding that he enjoyed the same support when he contested and won the governorship election in 2015.
“As I accept your request for me to run for the Senate seat, we’ll run it together and win together. I will not disappoint you.
“The statement all of you have just made here is not for today; it’s a statement for the future of our people, and I thank you for being thoughtful and concerned for our people,” he said.
In his remarks, the deputy governor assured Okowa of the support of all the leaders and Anioma people, saying, “It’s our collective project.”
No fewer than 50 leaders from the nine local government areas that make up the senatorial district were in attendance.
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