By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Delta State governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has noted that our various faith teaches us that power and authority belongs to God Almighty. That, He alone can gives power to whoever He wishes at any time and circumstances best known to Him.
Governor Okowa made the above statement today, at official presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Highness, Solomon Usoro Onyesom, The Okpala-Uku of Ashaka Community, Ashaka, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the State.
Okowa, who was represented by the State Deputy Governor Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, thanked the entire Ashaka community for the kind sentiments and confirmation of support for the State Government.
He commended Ashaka community for the various self-help projects they have embarked upon over the years.
“I have listened to your requests, especially the need for good road network around Ashaka and your call for government to partner with your community in harnessing the cultural heritage of Ashaka.
“These are legitimate requests. I assure you that they will be passed on to the appropriate agencies of government for necessary attention”. Governor Okowa added.
While appealing to The Okpala-Uku of Ashaka community to discharge all responsibilities in a transparent manner by being fair and just, Okowa stated that as the father of all his subjects, fairness and equity should be his watchword.
“Being the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you demonstrate your ability to uphold the sanctity of the customs at all times.
“I sincerely appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with your people”. He stated.
The Governor, who congratulated the oldest man of Ashaka community, HRH Solomon Usoro Onyesom, on his accession to the esteemed throne of his forefathers as The Okpala-Uku of Ashaka community, said
“Ashaka community is well known for it’s abundant fishery and crop production. I, therefore, use this opportunity to call on the sons and daughters of Ashaka, to take advantage of the various programmes of government, to improve on their production capacities.
“I urge you to form cooperative societies, which makes it easy for you to key into various programmes of government and other agencies such as the Central Bank, aimed at assisting farmers to increase their productive capacities”.
Earlier in their welcome address read by its secretary, Mr. Ferdinand Obiajulu, Ashaka Traditional Ruling Council (ATRC) stated that due to the departure of the colonial masters, less usage of riverine transportation, which used to be the commercial nerves of Ashaka was adversely affected.
The ATRC appealed to the Delta State Government to assist them in the provision of good road networks to bring back Ashaka to the status of urban town she once belonged.