2007: Group Canvasses Powershift in Delta
From Onwuka Nzeshi in Warri
As the power-shift debate continues to elicit comments from across Delta State, a group, Anioma Vision 2007 has urged politicians from the Delta Central senatorial district to relinquish the governorship of the state to the North and South Senatorial districts until 2023 in the spirit of justice, equity and fairplay.
The group, in a statement argued that in a multi-ethnic state like Delta, it would amount to injustice for one ethnic group or one senatorial district to want to perpetuate itself in an office as sensitive as that of the chief executive of the state.
"This view is borne out of the fact that Delta Central District made up essentially of the Urhobo speaking elements, has produced the only two democratically elected governors of the state since the creation of the state in 1991. Olorogun Felix Ibru ruled the state between 1991 and 1993 while his kinsman, Chief James Ibori has been on the saddle since 1999 with three more years to go. It is our candid view that equity, justice and fair play demand thatpower should shif to another district if Delta is to benefit maximally from the current democratic dispensation.
"We acknowledge with gladness the position of our darling governor, Chief James Ibori over the question of power shift at the federal level. In a recent interview, Ibori was reported to have joined the clamour for power to rotate back to the North by 2007 after eight years in the hands of the South. We think that it will only be fair that charity should begin at home", the group stated.
The clamour for power shift has been latent in Delta but it took the bravery of a serving commissioner in the Ibori cabinet to open ahead of 2007. It was Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, the Commi-ssioner for Special Duties (Abuja) and his Equity 2007 that brought the contentious issue to the front burner.
The statement which was signed by Messrs Mark Isichei and Azuka Adishi-eme, President and Secretary respctively said the new group "solidly identifies with the mission of Equity 2007" because, according to them, it made sense to rotate political power and give every group in the state a sense of belonging rather the current mood in the state where some groups had consistently boasted not to relinquish what they have assumed is their birthright."
"For the avoidance of doubt, 2007 is the rightful turn of the Delta North district to occupy Government House Asaba, 2015 for the South and 2023 will again be the rightful turn of the central district," the statement said.
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