Ahead of the 2024 local government elections, a frontline aspirants and former Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Security, Hon. Anthony Esharenena Isikuru, on Friday, March 15, visited the Executives of the Ughelli South People’s Democratic Part
y PDP, Youth Council at Otu-Jeremi, headquarters of Ughelli South LGA, to officially intimate them of his interest to contest the forthcoming chairmanship position.
Hon. Isikuru, accompanied by a team of supporters led by foremost grassroot politician, Chief Richard Ogadies, while formally informing the youth leaders, said he has deemed it fit to notify them of his intention and seek their total support during the party primaries because the youths have a better stake in the grassroot politics and even beyond. He said his visit is not to campaign, but to inform them as friends, colleagues and brothers and sisters, that he is one of the aspirants vying for the position of the council chairman in the forthcoming local government elections, and having worked with all the youths in the local government and known to all, it is pertinent he formally inform them and solicit their supports.
He said, “Though many are contesting, and it is their right to contest and they are all qualified, but noted that amongst all aspirants, he is one of the youngest, and more youth oriented and closer to the youths.
“Continuing he said, as you all know, I have been in the struggle for years, but I have never occupied any executive positions in my political journey except been an SA to the governor, but that position given to me, I am proud to say, that i didn’t used it for myself alone, but to better the lives of my followers which they can testify. My priority is to better the lives of every youth in Ughelli South through sustainable empowerments and creating opportunities for all.
“I am appealing to you to support me, give me a chance and I assure you, I will not fail you. All past chairmen have done well, but I am assuring you that by the grace of God, I will perform better if given that chance.”
He stressed that part of his agendas, is to run a government that will be accessible to the youths, the elders, leaders and women and as well facilitate viable empowerments through modern skills training programs that can established such beneficiaries.
“If given the opportunity, I will ensure Ughelli South Local Government is recognized, singled out for its place in both human and infrastructural development that betters the lives of the citizens and the entire council.
“Empowerment should be something tangible and that can put food on your table, make you independent and something can sustain the beneficiary, this can only be achieved when you have a good skills that can give you an employment or established you. I will ensure we look towards such direction and open the doors wide enough for the youths and all citizens.
Responding, the President of PDP Ughelli South Youth Council, Hon. Comrade Happy Gbeke said, Hon. Isikuru Anthony is not a new face to them as he has been in the struggle together with them. He described him as a dogged fighter with all the requisites qualities to govern the council as he is well experienced in politics.
He disclosed that Hon. Anthony Isikuru is the first aspirant to recognized the youth body in the local government, and that he is a well known young man with kind heart, but advised him to work his well through the party hierarchy and assured him of their supports.
Also speaking, spokesperson of the youth Hon. Olorogun Dennis Obodje and others who spoke, also corroborated the president as they all described Hon. Isikuru as a man with a kind heart, with qualities to lead, but maintained that as youth body, they will not say anything as many others will still come after him, but prayed he make it as gone are the era of only the elders can rule.