Okowa: The struggle, pains and victory (1)

HE is fondly called ‘Ekwueme’ by close associates and when he signalled his intention to contest through consultation, he felt the pulse of the masses.

Okowa was aware of what the journey entails, that there would be friends and distractors that sycophants and jesters would come on board, that traitors and fair weather friends would be there, that upon this would also be disciples who would be committed.

Despite all the trials to derail him, he successfully veered his ship of purpose to the wharf and showed leadership that his ambition of ruling Delta was not based on sectional or premeditated interest but service. The hall mark is his humility, open heart to accommodate all irrespective of political or ethnic background.

Okowa has shown quality leadership as Uduaghan’s successor and all he need is the support of the ethnic nationalities in the state.

As the wee hours of power slips away, Uduaghan will reflect on life after power, mistakes made and decisions not taken, consolidation of programmes and policies beyond 2015. This is because the Law of continuity sustains life and we must use the past

to project future. However, as Uduaghan returns home he is assured that his laudable programmes will be sustained under Okowa. Okowa having worked under Ibori and Uduaghan is aware of the task ahead.

He understands the grave economic situation in the state, the worrisome state of unemployment, youth restiveness and ethnic mistrust; he knows the fate of federal industries in the state like D.S.C Ovwian–Aladja, N.P.A ports in Warri, Koko and Burutu and others.

Fate of state owned firms like Bendel Steel structures, Asaba textile mill, Delta Glass, Ughelli, Bendel Farms situated at Aviara and Warri, and privately owned firms like Delta Timber and Industry (D.T.I), Burutu, African Timber and Plywood (AT&P) Sapele and several others.

The state relies today on crude oil and any government that wants to navigates its people from poverty and want cannot rely on this.

This propelled him to christen his economic programmes ‘prosperity for Deltans’ in diversifying the economy to create wealth. Like his predecessors, he understands the importance of education to national development and sees enhancing polytechnics and technical colleges as bedrock for technological growth. TO BE CONTINUED •