A member of the House of Representatives, Ben Igbakpa, representing the Ethiope Federal Constituency of Delta State in the National Assembly (NASS) has said the next Governor of Delta must be someone who is intelligent and people-friendly.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Igbakpa stated this when he played host to a delegation of Delta central leaders of a political pressure group known as Team Augoye Delta (TAD) on Saturday in Sapele, Okpe local government area of the State.
The State Coordinator of TAD, Deacon Walter Augoye, who led the political pressure group for the consultative visit had told the lawmaker that they decided to visit him to intimate him of the ambition of his friend and brother, Chief James Augoye to run for the State 2023 governorship election under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Deacon Augoye in his speech told Igbakpa that TAD was not the official campaign organization of Chief Augoye for the gubernatorial election, but their little contribution to the 2023 governorship bid of the former Commissioner for Works.
Speaking further, Dcn Augoye stressed that TAD identified with the political strength of Igbakpa, stating that the lawmaker is a force to be reckoned with in Delta politics, hence they visited him to appeal to him to give Augoye all the support he needs.
According to Dcn. Augoye, TAD is a forerunner to Chief Augoye, adding that they embarked on the consultative visit to inform Igbakpa that Chief Augoye will be coming shortly to solicit his support to boost his aspiration.
TNG reports it was in reaction to Dcn. Augoye’s speech that the lawmaker said the next Governor of Delta State must be someone who is intelligent and someone who is people-friendly.
Igbakpa further said that there are many aspirants running for Delta State governorship in 2023, but that only a few have the credentials and carriage to become Governor.
“Looking at the current situation of our nation and the complexity of Delta as a State, the next Governor must be someone that is not just only intelligent but masses friendly.
“The next Governor of Delta State must have a proper understanding of the political mix of the State. However, I believe Chief James Augoye has the credentials and carriage to become the next governor of Delta State,” Igbakpa said.
The lawmaker commended members of TAD for their courage to come out openly to declare support for their aspirants, stressing that the quality is very rare in politics, particularly when the coast is not clear on the direction to go yet.
He advised TAD to continue to garner support for Chief Augoye, adding that the pressure group is selling a sellable candidate.
Meanwhile, Engr Felix Oborodowan, who was part of the delegation for the consultative visit, thanked the lawmaker for his positive remarks about Chief Augoye.
Engr Oborodowan expressed confidence that Igbakpa will join forces with other well-meaning stakeholders to consolidate the achievements of incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.