By Grade-One Clark
Only that fellow who understands the rhythm of the talking drums is given the privilege of carrying and dancing with the village masquerade. Because of his skills, his dance steps stimulate pomp and joy in the hearts of the people. The outgoing Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, personifies Chinua Achebe’s hero, Okonkwo in patriotism and leadership.
He is like the lad who climbed a tree for its fruits, but remembered his mother lacks firewood. So, he cuts down enough branches on his way down to take to her. When the likes of Ovie Omo Agege are sent on errand on behalf of the community to strange lands be rest assured the mission would be perfectly carried out.
After both the Federal Polytechnic and Nigerian Law School in Orogun, Senator Ovie Omo Agege got another approval for a Federal University of Medical Sciences for Kwale, Delta North. Deltans were not done falling over themselves in appreciation, when the news of his getting another Federal University of Education to be sited in Isiokolo, Delta Central, came.
The people won’t stop celebrating. It is funny how some of us run our mouths, just to play down Omo Agege’s achievements. Bad belle critics bandy tales of the senator taking everything to Orogun, his clan. They should at least praise his efforts. Just for 8 years in the Senate, 4 (four) as DSP, he achieved all these. Delta has produced a legion of senators before him, but they left no footprint.
Rather than line his pockets with Abuja money, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, chose to sacrifice self enrichment for the people happiness. In 8 years, the Owa Alero squire pretended to establish higher institutions in the state, but it was all a hoodwink.
They were existing schools. He only changed sign boards with new names at their gates, which means there was no new investment in education. But Okowa’s orchestra of conspirators and liars did street parties to celebrate the hoax to make it sound like truth.
Many of them want his endorsement to Sheriff for appointment. They hailed the N71 Billion he too 5 (five) days to his exit. The media also reported that Okowa asked the 25 LGA chairmen to take loans, which amounted to N40 Billion. The monies were meant for his send off. According to Fejiro Oliver, Sheriff will approach the State House of Assembly next week for a loan of N100 Billion.
The loan will be taken from Premium Trust Bank owned by Okowa. Delta State is very broke, Okowa took every Kobo in the treasury with him. However, he now wants to give back what he looted as loan to the state.
As expressed earlier, Omo Agege is not the first Senator from Delta State. Others went to Abuja just to enjoy rides on SUV and make themselves big amongst the poor. The Obarisi is Cyprian Ekwensi’s real “Man of the People.”
When I talk about Omo Agege’s selflessness, foolish fellows come to my account to utter balderdash and insult their fathers. The charade Okowa is about to get away with can never happen in some states of this country.
That governor will be dragged to no end even after leaving office. Those that are supposed to take Okowa to task put up their noses in the air unconcerned over the evils he perpetrated.