The atmosphere was frenetic, the audience enthusiastic and the occasion one that the people of Delta State would not forget in a hurry as  a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa stepped onto the dais at the Oshimili Arcade, Asaba to formally declare his intention to succeed the incumbent Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan come May 29, 2015.

Okowa said he is confident that given what he described as his political pedigree and wealth of experience, he will succeed the present governor and consolidate on his  developmental strides in the state. The governorship aspirant who currently represents Delta North senatorial district at the National Assembly, re-affirmed his friendship with the incumbent governor of the state, saying that nothing will ever wash-away his relationship with the governor irrespective of mounting speculations.

“No matter what you hear, my friendship with Uduaghan cannot be washed away. Uduaghan is my friend, he is my mentor, he is my Oga and I believe he is remaining neutral in the selection process of the governorship candidate of the PDP in next year’s election,” he stated. He said that the present Governor knows that he was the best material to succeed him (Uduaghan) in 2015 and consolidate on his achievements.

He said: “I was the first Director General of Patrick Osakwe Campaign Organisation for senator and when he was leaving in 2011, he handed over to me. I was the first Director General of Emmanuel Uduaghan Campaign Organisation for governor and when it is the time to hand-over, he will hand-over to me.

“He (Uduaghan) is my mentor, he is my Oga and he knows that I am the best for Delta State. This project is divine and God has approved of it, hence, there is no one that can stop us,” Okowa told his supporters. While urging support for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan, Okowa who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, also paid glowing tributes to the administrations of former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori and Uduaghan, saying that he would consolidate on the achievements of the two previous administrations. According to him, “My vision as governor of Delta State is simply stated, to consolidate and advance the peace, progress and prosperity of our beloved state,” he said. He listed his areas of focus to include wealth creation and employment generation; peace building platforms; agricultural reforms and industrialisation; health and educational development; and environment and urban renewal.

The declaration which assumed the hue of a political carnival created wide spread traffic snarl in Asaba.