Gov Okowa with Mrs Funke Egbemode, President of the Guild
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Friday said his excellent performance in the last three and half years as governor would earn him victory in the 2019 general elections.
Okowa made the assertion while responding to questions from delegates at the Executive Session of the 14th All Nigeria Editors Conference in Asaba. The Governor drew commendations from the editors as he reeled out his landmark achievements in the state. He spoke off the cuff but was more articulate, composed and detailed than politicians who struggle through written speeches.
“So, I am very sure of returning to power as Governor of Delta, if INEC can conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2019,” the governor said.
He said that his administration had done well, going by funding available during the past three years.
Okowa said that judging from what his administration had done, he would not have any opposition to face.
The governor, however, said that in spite of his numerous achievements, he would still go out to campaign to seek for votes from the electorate.
He also said that he had always supported the motion to allow INEC to conduct local government elections in the country.
The governor said that it has been a trend for the government in power to win in grand slide during election in the council areas, because the opposition party usually shy away from participating.
“I have always supported that INEC should be allowed to conduct local government elections in order to provide a level playing field for all and for the parties to have faith in the system.
“But, what has happened overtime is that the opposition don’t come out to campaign.
“This is because they do not trust the electoral system; so the ruling party wins all the council elections,” he said.
Okowa said the situation could change and become competitive when the parties began to have trust in the electoral system.
