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By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
As the 2022 gubernatorial primaries of the All Progressives Congress approaches, political groups from across the various ethnic regions in Delta State have urged the director-general and chief executive officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Olorogun Dr Rufus Eseoghene Ebegba, to contest for governor of the state on the platform of the APC.
More than 15 groups, from across party lines in the state, made their opinion known in Evwreni on Sunday January 30, 2022, as they were hosted by Dr Ebegba at his country home, in a bid to further his consultations towards seeking elective office at the 2023 general elections.
Some of the groups included Ebegba Grassroots Mandate, led by Mrs. Grace Jude; Delta Women’s Wing, led by Madam Esther Ayutsede; Ebegba Bell Ringers, led by Comrade Simple Panama and Ebegba Victory Group led by Comrade Charles Okohdi.
Others were the Delta Ijaw Support Movement, led by Comr. Aredghigan Naira; Women For Ebegba, led by Madam Blessing; Elders Forum For Ebegba, led by Chief Ojivi and Quality Men For Ebegba, led by Chief Daniel Ekiugbo, among others.
In separate remarks, leaders of the group emphasized the principled, tested and proven disposition of Dr Ebegba to leadership, governance and administration, with the instance of his performance at the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
They averred that despite the fact that Delta State is blessed with numerous resources and human assets, the prevailing socioeconomic conditions have left the state with a lot to be desired.
In his words, leader of the Delta APC Ijaw Support Movement, Comr. Areghigan Naira, said “For us at the Ijaw axis, it is clear that the sad realities being suffered by us in Delta State only stand a chance of being changed by a governor that is sincere and ready to work. We have heard of you and have assessed your personality. We believe it is possible to go all the way to Asaba in 2023. That is why we are here with our people to show our solidarity and also to urge you to contest for the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state. Please sir, come and contest the 2023 general elections”.
In her remarks, Mrs Grace Jude, leader of Ebegba Grassroots Mandate extolled the virtues and character of Dr Ebegba, emphasizing his “sincerity, benevolence and high status.”
She said:”As a member of the APC I know there are a number of leaders, but as far as I am concerned, there is no one as sincere, kind and humble as Dr Ebegba the NBMA DG.
Since I have come to know him, I have discovered that he has the personality, character and discipline that the governor of Delta State needs in 2023, and I came with some members of our group to register our solidarity and call on him to contest for the party’s ticket”.
Madam Esther Ayutsede on behalf of Delta Women’s Wing said, “Dr Rufus Ebegba has shown solidarity and has always encouraged women to be more active in politics. Therefore, we believe he will be a good governor for the state and will help women with more roles in governance and administration”.
Ambassador Respect, a popular Delta based radio/TV broadcaster in his remarks stated that the time to strategize towards the primaries is now.
“From what I can see here today, I sincerely appreciate the support that has greeted this occasion. The next thing is for us to come together to critically assess and strategize on how to capture the ticket of the APC”
Responding, the DG/CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) expressed appreciation to the various political groups and dignitaries present at the meeting.
“First I want to thank God Almighty for making today a reality and also thank you all for making the journey here from far and wide, and across the state. I am humbled by your presence here and remain grateful for making out time from your busy schedules.
“The representation of individuals and political groups here today makes it very important and memorable for me, and this is my way of consulting with support groups who desire my entry into the political race”.
Speaking further, the NBMA DG said,”I can hear and see the yearnings of average Deltans, especially the less privileged. I am from a humble beginning and understand what it means to be hungry and not having food to eat. I understand the plight of the parents who sit with their sick children beside the fire, because there are no means of accessing the necessary healthcare for their children’s treatment. I therefore appeal to you to mobilize and support my political dream of becoming the governor of Delta State come 2023,” he said.
