Politics

Delta 2023: Ijaw Clamour To Produce Gov Not Out Of Place – Uduaghan

Published

4 years ago

July 17, 2021

Former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said clamour by the Ijaw speaking people of the state to produce the next governor was not out of place but very critical.

Uduaghan who stated this when he received a high powered delegation led by Alaowei Broderick Bozimo on behalf of the Delta Ijaw for Governor 2023 Lobby Team at his home in Warri, admitted that the Ijaw supported him to be Governor from 2007 to 2015.

The former governor who noted that the itsekiri are more closer to the Ijaw as an ethnic group, expressed joy that the Ijaw speaking people are now coming together politically to speak in one voice and expressed hope that they (Ijaw) will trim their sons who are interested in becoming governor to one for easy marketing.

“I am happy that the ijaw people politically are coming together to say first we want this position. Secondly, these are the people interested in the position and I want to advice that you go and trim those who are interested and make it one, it will make it marketable,” he noted.

He said the trio of the Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, Senator James Manager and Dr Braduze Angozi who have indicated interest are all eminently qualified to govern the state.

“The three names you have mentioned are all well known to us, they are capable, anyone of them.”

The former Governor said as an individual, he had an already answer for the request of the ijaw for Governor in 2023 but he needed to consult with the Itsekiri nation after which he will get back to them on their position because their request was made to the Itsekiri nation.

Uduaghan said, “If its for me, I know the answer to give you, but I will consult Itsekiri nation. I have heard all you said, we will discuss among ourselves and come back to you. But we too we have our request, you scratch my back i scratch your back.”

“It is a request on behalf of the Itsekiri nation but the Ijaw nation request is very important, I had great support from the Ijaw people during my elections as governor,” he added.

Uduaghan expressed delight that the ethnic strain between the ijaw and itsekir have been wiped out as inter ethnic marriages have been taking place.

“Today the ethnic strain that was there at that period have been wiped out, we are back to friendship, inter ethnic marriage are now going on,” he said.

Speaking on belief in some quarters that himself and Chief Edwin Clark are not in good term, the former governor said there was no any misunderstanding between them, just as he described Chief Clark as his father and leader.

Earlier, leader of the Delta Ijaw for Governor 2023 Lobby team and former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo clarified that they (Ijaw) were not opposed to the PDP zoning of offices in the state, stressing that they have the desire to become governor in 2023 as a people from Delta South Senatorial District.

He said, “We have a special mission to ask for your favour. The mission I have led, we are not against the PDP zoning but then we have already completed the first round, like osusu, it doesn’t mean it must start from you again, life is not like that” stressing that ‘the Ijaw clamour for governor was not about ethnicity but fairness, justice and equity.”

Alaowei Bozimo pleaded with the Itsekiri nation to support the Ijaw speaking people for governor in 2023 as they had supported other senatorial districts for governor.

He said they have waited for twenty four years while others have just waited for sixteen years, saying that the Ijaw are also human beings who want to occupy the office of governor.

The former Minister said the Ijaw and itsekiri have so many things in common judging from their terrain, sufferings and the long relationship, adding that it was not about ethnicity but Delta South and Ijaw.

He told the Itsekiri leaders that the group will also visit former Governor James Ibori on the issue, just as he described him as a leader to the Ijaw people.

“In due course we will go and explain to him. Ibori stood for Alameseigha on resource control, he is a friend of the Ijaw and he is referred to as the deputy governor general of the Ijaw nation“, Bozimo concluded.

Those who accompanied Bozimo in the visit include: Gen. Broderick Demeyeibo rtd; Hon. K.O Preyor, Deputy Majority Leader, DTHA; Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, DTHA; Hon. Barry Gbe, Commissioner for Economic Planning Delta State; Hon. Emmanuel Angbaduba, Commissioner nominee; Hon. Daniel O. Yingi, Special Adviser Nominee; Chief J.T Government, Chairman,Governoring Board, Delta State School of Marine Technology Burutu.

Also in the delegation were: Barr. Neworld Safugha, Former Commissioner for Energy; Hon. Paul Kurugbe, Member SPEB; Barr. David Ekerokosu, former Commissioner, Oil and Gas; Chief James Nieketein, SSA to the Governor; Hon. Stella Agidee SSA to the Governor;
Hon.Collins Olorogun, SSA to the Governor; Eng. Ezonfade Oyakemeagbegha, INC Publicity Secretary; Hon. Joel Bisina, Former Commissioner; Dr. Chris Ekiyor, former President, IYC; Eric Omare, Former President, IYC; Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete , IYC Western Zone, amongst others.

In the Itsekiri delegation were: Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi; Chief Solomon Arenyenka; Hon. (Mrs) Irene Imilar; Hon. Jackson Omatsola; Hon. Misan Ukubenyinje; Hon. Vincent Uduaghan; Chief Eyituoyo Maku; Hon. Tim Orugboh; Hon. Godwin Toju Abigor; Hon.Tunde Fregene; Mrs. Mercy Hesse, amongst others.

Politics

2027: Jonathan May Get Automatic Ticket, If… – PDP

Published

5 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly considering offering former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 presidential election, if he returns to the party and plays a more active political role.

This was revealed by Daniel Woyengikuro, the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, during an exclusive interview in Abuja. Woyengikuro emphasized Jonathan’s continued influence within the party and the nation’s politics, describing him as the PDP’s national leader.

“Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now. Aside from [former President Olusegun] Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro said.

He confirmed that the PDP has been consulting with Jonathan and his associates, aiming to bring him back into the party’s mainstream leadership as part of a larger strategy to reposition the party and address Nigeria’s growing political and economic challenges.

“Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country — for our generation and for those to come,” Woyengikuro added. “When we talk about the Southern Presidency, someone like Goodluck Jonathan stands out.”

When asked directly if the party would consider granting Jonathan an automatic ticket, Woyengikuro responded emphatically:

“For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere — I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation.”

He further asserted that Jonathan’s return would significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Woyengikuro also praised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, calling him a “vibrant leader” and a strong candidate from the South capable of bridging Nigeria’s generational divide.

“These are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde,” he concluded.

The PDP is expected to intensify its internal consultations in the coming months as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Politics

PDP Announces National Convention Zoning Committee Inauguration Date

Published

5 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The People’s Democratic Party, on Wednesday, announced that the inauguration of its National Convention Zoning Committee will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as part of preparations for its 2025 Elective National Convention.

The party invites key stakeholders to a significant event aimed at shaping the party’s future leadership structure.

This is contained in a press release by PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, on the party’s official X account.

The inauguration is scheduled to start at 12:00 pm WAT at the NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

The event will bring together PDP governors, members of the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, the National Executive Council, serving and former National Assembly members, as well as other key stakeholders.

“This is to formally inform and invite all our governors, BOT, NWC, NEC, serving and former NASS members, and all our stakeholders to the inauguration of the National Convention Zoning Committee (NCZC) of our great party,” the statement read.

Politics

Oyo By-election: APC Unveils Campaign Council

Published

7 hours ago

August 6, 2025

Editor

The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, on Wednesday, inaugurated its campaign council for the August 16 Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, charging members to ensure a resounding victory for the party’s candidate.

The PUNCH reports that a two-term member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency, Musiliudeen Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban, died in July 2024.

The state APC chairman, Olayide Abas, gave this advice while addressing party leaders, stakeholders and supporters during the inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the state capital.

Abas, who expressed sadness over the sudden demise of the late Akinremi, described him as a friend of the masses who delivered beyond expectations before his untimely passing last year.

He recalled that only representatives from Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress of Nigeria and APC had made the constituency proud since 1999, warning against returning control to individuals he described as hawks and impostors.

Abas commended all aspirants from the constituency for their contributions to democracy and the APC, urging unity among stakeholders to ensure collective success in the forthcoming poll.

“Reps member Akin Alabi (APC- Egbeda/Ona-Ara) as Director-General of the Campaign Council, is mandated to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Adewale Olatunji (Murphy).

“The newly inaugurated council comprises eminent party stalwarts, seasoned politicians, and dynamic administrators,” he said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director-General of the campaign council, Gaphar Ojetola, commended members for their dedication and unity, pledging unflinching support to ensure the party secures an overwhelming victory in the election.

Ojetola assured stakeholders that the campaign council would give its best by working tirelessly with all party structures, mobilising grassroots support, and ensuring the electorate clearly understands and embraces the party’s progressive agenda.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, Monsuru Adeyemo appreciated the inclusiveness of the campaign process, noting that unity of purpose among members remained a critical factor in securing resounding electoral success across the constituency.