One picture, four amazing personalities, three great sons of Delta in a year ravaged and turned on its head by the deadly virus called corona, this picture gives Deltans renewed hope!
THE PAST:
Chief James Onanefe Ibori, the architect of modern-day delta, so good his first term in office JIMRA (James Ibori Must Rule Again) was coined long before the expiration of the first four years, a fact deltans unanimously agreed to!
From Oghara to Asaba, Ibori’s wand performed magic, Bomadi to Warri, testimonies of the national leader of delta politics -like MTN’s ad of old- was told everyhwere you go, till date praises of Ibori remain on the lips of deltans still, if only third term was permitted by the constitution, Ibori would have gotten it on a platter!
THE PRESENT :
His excellency, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, ever-smiling, master tactician, the undisputed roadmaster, his S.M.A.R.T agenda sweet music to the ears of deltans, today the state capital Asaba wears a new look, one befitting for a capital, all thanks to Okowa!
From 2015 till date, despite the challenges, Okowa has remained steady, the ship may have been in turbulent waters, but deltans hardly noticed, the talk na do (Ekwueme) kept it steady, he promised us prosperity, and he is keeping to his promise!
THE FUTURE:
Olorogun David Edevbie, the seasoned technocrat, I have not met any politician with such a fierce and intimidating resumé, if i were to run for any elective position, at the mere mention of the name David, no need for long talk, carry go will be my only words, he is that intimidating!
For a man who has been in front of the camera’s for over two decades, Edevbie has carried himself very well, not only has he remained scandal free, in an era were our politicians play to the gallery and rabble rouse, Edevbie refuses to get carried away and join the bandwagon, he holds firm his ideologies, a principled but loving character, physically fit and agile, never gets tired of getting the job done, oh the radiance from his smile so piercing like lasers its will be enough to melt the strongest of glaciers in Antarctica!
Edevbie with over two decades of service at the highest level comes ready, his experience both in the boardroom and the Political terrain an advantage over many of his peers, a financial expert, so good he is, he headed the finance ministry under the PAST and the PRESENT!
Ibori and Okowa, excellent performers, but in telling tales of their success, the story will not be complete without the mention of the FUTURE, from his times as commissioner of finance to now as the chief of staff, David Edevbie has added value to governance, unlike most people who get appointed as a reward for their contribution to the elections, Edevbie’s case is different, he was simply appointed to serve because of his capacity to deliver the very best!
For a man who has attained the lofty position as principal secretary to the president to be this humble still and connected to his people, is a testament of his type of person, David Edevbie is easily accessible, miss my calls- he returns them, receives my messages- he replies, it’s easy to see why King David is loved by deltans, North, South or Central, Edevbie is respected wherever he goes!
I am no prophet, and I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, so i know not if Olorogun David Edevbie will run for “GOVERNOR” in 2023, but if there is one thing i can predict, should he decide to throw his hat into the ring and present himself to serve, majority of deltans myself inclusive, will queue to support our PATHWAY TO THE FUTURE and just like the PAST and the PRESENT, i am super confident the FUTURE will not only consolidate, he will surpass!
Yes, whoever took this shot, God bless you for giving deltans a reason to smile soon!
Shalom!!!!
Idi Presley Ifeanyichukwu writes in December, 2021, from Asaba, capital of Delta!