By Prince Sony Jifas Ogbon
In 1999, when Nigeria returned to democracy, all expected that citizens will be free and that life will be more meaningful and better for all.
With this expectations, all citizens happily voted hoping and believing that their life and economic living will change. But ironically, the only tangible thing that the administration led by former military head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo of PDP that held sway from 1999 to 2007 could achieve was the GSM, the handset we use today. Not too bad, Nigerians accepted it with joy and sees it as an achievement.
Back here in Delta State, we had an administration led by Chief James Onanefe Ibori. Though his administration was adjudged wonderful, but after he left office, a lot of loop holes were observed, but not without been appreciated highly for the evolution of roads construction and empowerment to many who are today holding sway in government as millionaires.
No doubt, whether or not Chief James Onanefe Ibori was later indicted, he is seen as a father of development in Delta State, as since he left, no major achievements has been made.
In the same vein, at the grassroot level, the Late Senator Pius Ewherido, represented the Ughelli South State Constituency between 1999 to 2007, where he was also adjudged as someone who did his best for his people. He also contested the governorship seat were he loosed and later contested the Delta Central Senatorial seat were he won.
Its unfortunate his life was cut short by sudden death. But even at that, his representation was well appreciated for the number of bills and projects he attracted in favour of the constituency. May his soul rest in peace. He was from the Eghwu axis of the local government.
Chief Hon. Sir Taleb Tebite took over from him to represent the state constituency for eight years and he was also seen as a goodman, but not without some criticisms as he failed to actualize some of the constituency projects under his purview. His scores was within 55% and 60% which was very good too. He was from the Olomu axis.
The baton then turned to the erudite and brilliant lawyer, Hon. Barr. Reuben Izeze. He is from the Jeremi axis whom have been on the seat for eight years viz the incumbent law maker for the constituency. From sources it was gathered, that his performances was not too favorable to the people due to his vibrancy in the house and how was viewed as an antagonist. But he was said not to be accessible and too brilliant for low to even talk or pally with him. Considered to awful by the masses.
Again, since 1999 till date, only the PDP have held sway in the constituency, except, the brief moment Hon. Engr. Eme Mukoro of the then Democratic people’s Party DPP, outsmarted Hon. Taleb Tebite during his second term election, but he was removed through the court and Tebite reclaimed his mandate.
With the Reuben Izeze adminstration attempting to hand over power to another Ughievwen man, and also of the PDP who have been in power all the years, constituents are yearnings for another young chap and intellectual whom they believe will do the constituency proud and also be accessible. They have vowed also to take power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP, which they claimed as a party have taken them for granted over the years.
With the above scenario, constituents have resolved to work for All Progressive Party APC candidate, for Ughelli South State Assembly Constituency. That person is Mr. John Oyibokwifi.
Indeed as young as he is, when you listen to him for three minutes, you would conclude that there is the need for a change in both hands and political parties. And so, all reasonable constituents would have no choice than to vote for Olorogun Dr. John Oyibokwifi as an experienced new hand with the requored exposures, legislative experiences and acceptable agenda that will benefit the people of Ughelli South State Assembly Constituency.
A vote for John Oyibokwifi is a vote for progress, prosperity and development.
Prince Sony Jifas Ogbon writes from Ogoni-Olomu