By LOVETH J. ORHERUATA
In the determination of who succeeds His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as Governor of Delta State, the choice before Deltans is about who is most qualified, most experienced, most competent, most prepared with the best and most convincing programmes, and has the capacity, clout, contacts and expertise to deliver development and growth of our dear state for the greater prosperity and standard of living of our people.
These are what matter to us beyond and far above any other sentiments and we are glad that Deltans, young and old, men and women, boys and girls, across all districts, ethnic groups and communities recognise the fact that Edevbie’s sterling educational and professional background and his experience and track records of performance in both the private and public sectors dwarf all others.
The people also recognise that having played strategic roles in the state over the years, he understands more the challenges and potentials for development across all districts of the state and is better equipped to pilot the affairs and provide solutions.
The attempt of trying to associate Edevbie with the previous ordeals of Chief James Ibori holds no water and falls flat, because the fact remains that Edevbie has not only served in Delta State but also in the Presidency, has traversed and regularly travels in and out of Nigeria, and he is not known to have been charged nor convicted anywhere for any wrongdoing in his public and private service.
It is however instructive to note, as was recently revealed, that Chief Ibori was sold to President Obasanjo by those who said they got angry with him over his support for Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan to succeed him in 2007. That is a matter for each person’s conscience and God.
Suffice to state that Edevbie remains a proud member of Chief Ibori’s political family and a close friend of Chief Ibori as well as of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor Uduaghan and indeed many other Delta politicians who have held high offices at state and federal levels, all of whom are members of the same political family and have been coming and working together.