The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council congratulates His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on the occasion of his unveiling by His Excellency the former Vice President of Nigeria and PDP Presidential Flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as his running mate for 2023 Presidential election.
Of course, we expected such an outcome while the permutations on who becomes the running mate to Atiku Abubakar were on-going.
This is because, it was a known fact that Okowa has not only contributed immensely to his party the PDP, but has remained a Pan Nigerian by his body languages and actions whenever he is disposed to national assignments.
These indomitable qualities of this grassroots people’s delight of a man was brought to the fore when he presided over one or two National Conventions of his party and set the record of a return of peace and focused leadership in the party.
This is not to begin to give account of his meteoric rise in politics from the very lowest cadre of being the Secretary to the Local Government, the Local Government Chairman, three times Commissioner, Secretary to the Government of Delta State, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and then two terms Governor of Delta State. What can be more than that? There is no record of any political growth so enticing as this.
We also use this medium to praise the courage of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the PDP for not being swayed by the distractions of pundits, but having the will power to stay focused on what is good for the party and the Nigerian people.
We as a Union, having worked cordially with Senator Okowa over the years, have the belief that he will perform optimally as a Vice President, having proven his mettle in both Executive and Legislative experiences.
Nigeria is currently passing a phase with enormous challenges that require men and women of goodwill, impeccable track records, capacity and capability to take the country out of its present quagmire to a state of economic boom and productivity.
We hereby call on Nigerians irrespective of political, religious, ethnic or social background to critically x-ray the political parties and their candidates to determine those who have the qualities that are needed for the desired change. It is no longer time for party politics but a time for critical examination of policies, programmes that will have direct bearing on resolving Nigeria’s teething problems, gross under-development and maladministration of the past.
It is our desire to witness a high wired electoral contest in 2023, devoid of rigging and violence, but only anchored on brilliance and credibility of contestants. Only by this process are we expected to have a free, fair and transparent 2023 elections; and by extension produce those with the capacity to take Nigeria out of the woods.
Comrade Michael Ikeogwu,
NUJ Chairman,
Delta State Council.
Comrade Patrick Ochei,
NUJ Secretary,
Delta State Council.
