Delta PDP state congress elections overcome initial hiccups, end without spleen

·        Esiso emerges new state party chairman

The State Congress elections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Delta State wobbled Tuesday to stability and eventual peace having overcome initial threats over subdued disagreement from caucuses in Delta Central opposed to the selection of Barrister Kingsley Esiso as leader of the new state executive council.

Governor Okowa making his speech shortly after the Congress elections.

Sources hinted that the disagreement followed protestations by the Delta central group that insisted on pushing through their preferred candidate, Dr. A. Fovie against Barrister Esiso, who they believed is relatively unknown and not as popular as Dr. Fovie, described as a man of character and influence who had been quite visible in PDP circles in the state. Meanwhile, Esiso is the preferred candidate of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Moments after the governor arrived the cenotaph venue of the State Congress elections, he went shortly aside into a meeting that last more than an hour with concerned stake holders to resolve the emerging impasse, which he successfully did. Th congress which was never interrupted thereafter went on smoothly to a very impressive conclusion with Esiso emerging as the PDP Delta state Chairman with 872 votes.

Following the Governor’s intervention, sources hinted that amicable settle was found to the issue, with the protesters deferring to the belief that “it is God that gives power.”

A cross section of delegates at the state congress elections at the cenotaph, Asaba

Meanwhile, the National officers of the PDP from Abuja led by Dame (Mrs) Uzor Nwandu, supervised by a team of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), commended the PDP delegates in the state for the rancor-free elections that enthroned peace and made the election to end earlier than anticipated.

Governor Okowa in congratulated the new 27 member executive of the party, praised the youths for their hard work, the women and the elders for guiding the party aright.

He also commended the Chief Edwin Uzor led executive for working hard to arrive at the consensus in electing the new executive. He said the peaceful congresses recorded by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Ward to the state level were clear testimonies that "Deltans are organized and peaceful people."

Okowa urged Deltans to continue to partner with the state government, and pray for the success of the administration. Even as he acknowledged the harsh economic times, he we: “We will not lose hope because our future is very bright.” He advised the youths to be patient with the state government and the Federal government, promising that things will turn around soon. “our programmes are on course; we may be slowed down by the state of the economy, there shall be a turnaround soon,” he declared.

The governor then promised to support the new exco to be just, fair and to return the PDP to the people.

In his acceptance speech, Barrister Esiso promised to that his tenure will bring improved change to the party, which he promised to return to the people to whom power belongs. ‘We shall be equitable but firm,” he said, pointing out that he fully subscribed to the zoning formula of the PDP, and that because of the zoning arrangement, that Delta North is fully subscribed to carry through the governorship till 2023.

Okowa, Otuaro with members of the Esiso-led PDP Delta Exco

Esiso commended the efforts and achievements of governor Okowa so far, saying that Okowa is performing in his governance of the state and that his executive council is not interested in changing a performing governor. He listed some major cities across all the senatorial districts of the state that have been turned to massive construction, sites. He therefore, admonished the people of Delta North not to be party to want to change a performing governor.

While Barrister Kingsley Esiso emerged as the Chairman of the party, Barrister Val Arenyinka was elected as Deputy Chairman. Others Mr Moses Iduh, vice chairman - Delta North Senatorial District; Chief (Dr) A. Fovie as Vice chairman - Delta Central Senatorial District; Hon. Emmanuel Agbanigbo, Vice Chairman - Delta South Senatorial District; Chief Godday Nzete - secretary; Mr John Okoroloko, Assistant Secretary; Hon. Deighan Macaulay, Treasurer; Hon. Tony Anuku, Assistant Treasurer; Mr Ralph Asi, Financial Secretary; Hon. Michael Osuoza, Publicity Secretary; Mr London Owofasa, Assistant Publicity Secretary; MrSunday Onoriode, Organizing Secretary; Barr. Odior Bernard, Legal Adviser; Barr. Hessington Okolo, Assistant Legal Adviser; Chief J. J. Scott, Auditor; among others.