Following rumours been peddled by persons suspected to be working for certain politicians against the senatorial ambition of the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the governor has debunked the rumour of his purported stepping down from the 2019 senatorial race, describing the rumour as satanic and handiwork of those afraid of elections.
The former governor who debunked the rumour in his Warri residence, Delta state while playing host to the Coalition of Bomadi local government area elders led by its leader, Gbenekuru England and dozens of youths drawn from different youth groups in Bomadi council area, categorically disclosed that he has has put his hands on the plough and no more going back.
Former governor Uduaghan, however revealed that he and his family had heard from God clearly in January 2018, that victory was sure for him at the polls. He used the opportunity to assure all his supporters, friends and well-wishers that plans for his campaign would soon roll out in a massive dimension and everyone would be carried along.
During the courtesy visit, the group which comprises of all the community elders in Bomadi inquired to know if the rumour been peddled that the former governor had stepped down again for the incumbent senator representing the Delta south in the national Assembly, James Manager.
Responding, Mr. Uduaghan made it clear that, “I have not stepped down for anybody and I am not going to even contemplate stepping down for anyone. In fact, I have put my hands on the plough and there is no going back. By the grace of God, we will be in Abuja in 2019.
“It was in the interest of President Goodluck Jonathan’s votes from Delta that made me withdraw from the race, last minute. The stability of the state was very important to me. I needed to concentrate on the state and prepare it for a peaceful transition; otherwise, I had all the machinery to win the seat if I had so wanted it like I do now.”
On whether he was scared of opposition, Uduaghan said, “I have paid my dues in stemming ethnic violence and militia uprising in the creeks to deserve the senatorial seat. How many people can make such sacrifice? How can somebody who has fought plenty political battles as a serving governor be scared of anybody? That is very laughable to me.”
Immediately after Uduaghan cleared the air on his purported step down, the visibly elated members as well as elders of the group, jumped into wide jubilation, dancing and singing in Ijaw dialect.
In their separate responses, leaders of the group vowed to throw their weight behind former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s 2019 senatorial ambition, adding Delta South was full ready for a new beginning and Mr. Uduaghan is the new beginning.
According to them, they believe and have so much trust that when the former governor gets to the senate, the district will get qualitative representation as he will empower not just his Itsekiri people but also the Ijaw and Isoko people as demonstrated in his two-term tenure as governor of the state.
“We had tested your capacity when you were governor we know that the Ijaw nation benefited from your administration. Our son, the current occupant of the seat, who has been there for four tenures has tried his best but it is now time for a new beginning. It is the turn of the Itsekiris based on fairness and equity. Your Excellency, you are the new beginning for Delta South,” Mr. England stated.