In the academic world, according to Stephen Lampe, those who have already won awards, received honours, or research grants are more likely to get more than those who hadn’t. The phenomenon has become known as the Matthew Effect in sociology. The Matthew Effect is a reference to the parable of the talents recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 25:29, ” For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Extrapolating the concept on the Delta State governorship election, now shifted to 18th March, 2023, is simple. Like the servants in the gospel, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa completely failed to perform in 8 years, rather he looted and mismanaged the resources of the state. For this reason, the PDP candidate, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who is Okowa’s alter ego and accomplice, joined hands with the governor to empty the state treasury and piled debts on generations unborn, he therefore lacks merit to be governor. His records of assistance to the governor to borrow and then loot the proceeds are in the public domain for everyone who is interested in seeing them.
On the other hand, Sen. Ovie Omo Agege’s public service records are exemplary and they are also in the public domain for verification and comparison. Like the resourceful servant in the Gospel of Matthew, Sen. Ovie Omo Agege, has managed well the little he was given. He therefore deserves more added to his plate. The Deputy Senate President, who has applied to the people for consideration, for the top job of governor of Delta State, is a very good man, humble and unassuming, in character and in all that he does. His all time calm nature is a pull, it makes people feel very relaxed and comfortable around him. It is his major selling point.
The Obarisi soughts through details unruffled. That air of arrogance and pomposity associated with people in high positions, is never seen in him. His humble disposition and jovial approach to issues allays the fear associated with meeting the average Nigerian “big man.” Above all, Ovie is a scholar of immeasurable antecedent, his sonorous eloquence cuts him out as one who had kissed the blarney stone.
Omo Agege’s 4 years as Deputy Senate President favourably impacted the entire Delta Central, his primary constituency, and not only that, his good nature has also rubbed off on many lives, both in Delta North and South. There is no Urhobo community that Omo Agege hasn’t touched the wellbeing of the people. He prevailed upon the Buhari government to site a Federal Polytechnic, in Orogun. As it is, the institution has put out several advertorials, in different newspapers, seeking to employ suitable people across the state.
Consequently, over one thousand academic and non academic staff would be engaged. The deputy senate president also got a Nigerian Law School campus approved for Delta State. When it takes off, an equivalent numbers for employment will also be generated. Every Urhobo community has electricity because of power transformers Sen. Omo Agege despatched across the senatorial district. He built and renovated so many schools in the geopolitical zone. Whether the national grid has power or not, the Deputy Senate President, ensured the people are not in darkness, he availed solar powered street lights to the most remotest of hamlets.
In the wake of Okowa’s premeditated onslaught against PDP members, which led to the unprovoked punishment, exclusion and marginalization of many umbrella faithfuls. Majority had no were to run except to Sen. Omo Agege, who provided a canopy of refuge for all. He extended a hand, both welcoming and generous, to every victim of the Owa Alero czar. It was premised on this good nature and generosity, that his decision to contest the state governorship received popular acceptance across the length and breadth of the state.
If Omo Agege can do so much without having control over funds, that are under lock and key with the federal executive, he will perform wonders, and to the satisfaction of Deltans, when he becomes governor. At this point, no one can doubts his capacity and abilities, for he has a good head on his shoulders. Of the several candidates that have offered themselves for the top job, he is the icing on the cake. He is sincere, efficient and better prepared for the assignment than all other candidates. In a class every pupil might be bright, but the brightest takes the first position.
Deltans should come out enmass on the 18th of March, 2023 to vote Senator Ovie Omo Agege for governor. When the righteous rule, the people rejoice.
Grade one Clark
10/03/2023