Uduaghan’ll hand over to me, says Okowa

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has refuted a speculation that there is a rift between him and the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Okowa, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, who spoke at a well-attended rally in Asaba on Monday, said his relationship with Uduaghan was so smooth that he believes that Uduaghan would hand over the reins of Delta State to him in May 2015.

Though many had thought Uduaghan would support Okowa’s aspiration, his alleged support for another governorship aspirant, a retired permanent secretary, Mr. Tony Obuh, had raised suspicion that the political friendship between Okowa and Uduaghan may have gone sour.

Okowa and his political associates used the rally to formally declare his intention to contest for the governorship of the state.

Okowa, who represents Delta-North in the Senate, re-affirmed his friendship with Uduaghan, and declared that nothing will sour his relationship with the governor.

He said he was the best person in line to succeed Uduaghan as governor.

He said, “No matter what you hear, our friendship cannot be washed away. Uduaghan is my friend, he is my mentor, he is my ‘oga’ and I believe he is remaining neutral in the selection process of the governorship candidate of the PDP in next year’s election.”

“I was the first Director General of Emmanuel Uduaghan Campaign Organisation and when it is the time to hand over, he will hand over to me.

“He (Uduaghan) is my mentor; he is my ‘oga’ and he knows that I am the best for Delta State. This project is divine and God has approved of it, hence, there is no one that can stop us,” he said.

Okowa, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Health, called for support for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“My vision as governor of Delta State is simply stated, to consolidate and advance the peace, progress and prosperity of our beloved state,” he said.