It is not too early to start deliberating on the next governor of Delta State since four years are just at the corner.Political permutations indicate that some Delta State regions have been grossly marginalised over the state leadership in recent past years. To be precise, since 1999, only some regions have benefited from the state leadership, while others are beckoning on unfulfilled promises with no effective realisation. Delta State is one Nigerian state that has many ethnic groups with different languages and similar culture.Though the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, who is from one of the popular regions, contested the election and won in 1998 and ruled for eight consecutive years with little meaningful developments, many believe he was not duly elected or he was not the right man for the job. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been one of the strongest political parties in the state since 1999 till 2011, when other political parties came out in en masse to challenge the leadership of the ruling party in the state. The majority of the people of Delta are fed up with the so-called party in the state.The state comprises Isokos, Ijaws, Itsekiris, Delta Igbos and Urhobos. Although Delta people are one irrespective of their languages, Isoko is the third largest ethnic group in the state, while Itsekeri is the smallest but crowned with leadership positions with a testimonial difference.Dr Uduaghan faced many political setbacks over the 2007 elections that brought him to power. Chief Great Ogboru, his major political rival challenged his electoral victory, which led to the nullification of the election. The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted a re-run which the incumbent again won though narrowly. Delta is clustered with highly intelligent people who know their onions in governance. Although Uduaghan has one way or the other improved the welfare of Deltans, his predecessor's relationship almost thwarted his ambition, but for some veritable supporters who stood by him to achieve this feat.Many political observers believe that Delta PDP has done more harm than good by not making the right choice of leaders in the state, which equally tore the party apart in the last April elections. The party is gradually fizzling out while the DPP is waxing stronger to take over the state. The LP, ACN and others are not left out. Most of the parties' supporters were formerly PDP members.Again, Delta State PDP chapter must rotate its leadership so all regions will be fully represented to avoid political rancour in the state. The system of zoning the leadership could be adopted to assuage the problems that would occur in future elections. Some regions like Isoko, Ukuwani and Delta Igbo have not attained the highest position of leadership except when Hon. Sam Obi , the former Delta State Speaker, assumed office for three months over the re-run in the state. The majority regions must allow the miniority regions to rule the state, as President Goodluck Jonathan from the Creeks has equally emerged as the national leader of the country.Although continue to criticize Chief James Ibori's government, he probably did a few things which Deltans can testify to it. Similarly, Dr. Uduaghan has repeated the same feat to some extent. An assessment of the leadership of the present governor portrays that the government is all'inclusive, which invariably gives all regions equal fair of leadership in the state.Come to Edo State, the the Benins were dominating the apex leadership of the state until an Afenmai man from Etsako, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole emerged as the governor of the state, breaking the record of the long inequality in the land. In the South-West region, leadership is rotated among the clans including their traditional rulers to have fair representation, but in Delta State the reverse is the case. Some so-called godfathers have made themselves demi-gods, with their conscience sold out without considering the masses who voted them into power, imposing and anointing their servants without consultation.Every region in the state has the political will to rule the state if allowed by certain cabals and regions that want to claim political right in all ramifications. However, Delta State is no longer a PDP state, as it was before. In the 2011 elections, DPP, ACN ,LP and others tried as much as possible to unseat the ruling party. Even the national PDP must realise thatif President Jonathan fails the nation on his last promises at the Eagles Square, then the ruling party will be heading towards extinction. Some political observers also believe that Delta should be ruled by choice leaders not impostors. Even the likes Umukoro, Ogboru, Omo-Agege, Kpokpogri and others fought tooth and nail to unseat the present governor.Moreover, Isoko needs to produce the next governor, not just a mere SSG, who could be removed at any given time, or even deputy governor. Delta State PDP must respect the zoning formular. It is a state that is endowed with human and capital resources which are the heart of the nation. Some notable people that could steer the ship of the state in the nearest future are Solomon Ogba, Jonathan Okiogbero, Fred Edoreh, Sam Obi,Oscar Ibru, Benjamin Essien, Godsday Orubebe, Ovuozourie , Itiakpo Malik and host of others.Odidi, a public affairs commentator, wrote in from Lagos State.
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