By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
The runner-up in the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries, Olorogun David Edevbie, has appreciated his campaign structure and teeming supporters for keeping faith with him throughout his legal battle, despite the unfavourable judgments from the Appeal and Supreme courts.
David Edevbie made the commendation on Friday November 4, 2022 in Afiesere his home town, after returning from Abuja where he had been since the Supreme Court gave its ruling on the contentious Delta State PDP governorship candidacy between him and Hon. Oborevwori Sheriff.
Edevbie described his campaign structure as a team of very reliable politicians who believe in the modernization of Delta State, which only qualified development economists like him can make possible.
He told his think tank members, the federal constituency, senatorial, local govt area coordinators and their ward counterparts, as well as directors in his campaign structure to remain high in spirit as the struggle has just begun.
He urged his teeming supporters to remain united and speak with one voice to enable them get the best deal in the ongoing political process, adding that the right decision that will benefit him and his team would be taken at the appropriate time.
Earlier, the director general of the Olorogun David Edevbie campaign organization, Chief Clement Ofuani, told the mammoth crowd that the Supreme Court ruling was disappointing but it did not end the fight for the governorship seat in the state. He thanked the people for turning out in large numbers because of their belief in the modernization agenda of David Edevbie.
Also speaking, the national chairman of Delta Unity Group (DUG), Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya thanked Olorogun David Edevbie for providing a platform of hope for the lost sheep. The former speaker of Delta State House of Assembly described the DUG as a radical offshoot of the David Edevbie campaign organization to implement his great modernization agenda.
Edevbie’s running mate, Rt. Hon. Ossai N. Ossai, said the journey has just begun. He said the DUG was waiting for directives from its leaders to enable them know what next to do.
In his remarks, a member of House of Reps, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju thanked the Urhobo nation for giving Olorogun Edevbie to the state, describing him as the best in the guber race. He stressed the hope that PDP was not making a historical mistake that will destroy the party, adding that despite the disappointing court judgment, the team is still intact.
The Delta Central coordinator of the Edevbie campaign team, and national organizing secretary of DUG, Prince Godwin Ejinyere who spoke on behalf of former local govt chairmen, described the Edevbie team as a bunch of brooms that is difficult to break. He urged everyone to remain with the team despite all odds.
The national vice chairman of DUG, Hon. Olise Imegwu said Ndokwa nation remains with David Edevbie, while Hon. Monday Igbuya, a former speaker of DTHA noted that PDP might not have a candidate for the 2023 governorship election if the errors were not corrected.
For Prof. Patrick Muobaghare, immediate past commissioner for Higher Education, Delta State, the High Court judgment in favour of Edevbie was the best ever in the country, and wondered why it was not upheld at the higher level.
Hon. John Aleh, coordinator, Edevbie Campaign, Ika Norh East LGA said Edevbie is God’s case, no appeal. He charged the team to resist the temptation of being used and dumped.
For his part, Hon. (Dr.) Tonye Timi, from Patani described the Supreme Court ruling as victory in the hearts of Deltans, while Enyi Doris Mokobia thanked David Edevbie for standing firm on his modernization vision for the state.
Edevbie’s supporters from the 25 LGAs were present at the gathering with leaders such as Mr. Chiedu Ebie, immediate past SSG, Chief Itiakpo (Malik) Ikpokpo, Hon. Vincent Uduaghan, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Rear Admiral John Kpokpogri (Rtd), Pastor Champion Kpateghe, amongst others, also in attendance.
The Edevbie supporters were earlier at the Osubi airport in Warri to receive him on arrival. Olorogun Edevbie took time to have a hand shake with all that gathered at the reception, indicating, according to our correspondent, that he is very humble and friendly.