Delta 2023: Okowa gave me nod to contest — Deputy Governor
By Dave Okpogadie, Asaba
Deputy Governor of Delta state, Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro has revealed he got the nod of the governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to seek the office of the governor come 2023.
Barrister Otuaro stated this in Asaba yesterday when he formally declared his intention to run for the office of the governor in 2023.
The Deputy Governor, who also commissioned his campaign office on the occasion, remarked that he couldn’t have embarked on the project if he did not consult the governor.
In his words, “I couldn’t have embarked on this project without having had prior consultations with him. That I have effectively done. We had mutual discussion and engagement on my ambition and I have taken him into confidence of all I am meant to do. I have his bidding to go ahead and do what I am doing.”
His words, “I couldn’t have embarked on this project without having had prior consultations with him. That I have effectively done. We had mutual discussion and engagement on my ambition and I have taken him into confidence of all I am meant to do. I have his bidding to go ahead and do what I am doing.”
He noted that the commissioning of his campaign office was an indication of his seriousness to take over Delta Government House in 2023.
The Deputy Governor also denied the existence of any written agreement in respect of zoning arrangement in the state, adding that the Governor at any given opportunity had harped on non existence of such.
“The phenomenon of zoning is neither here nor there. Governor Okowa has made bold to say that as far as he is concerned, it is not to his knowledge that zoning ever existed. It is a comment made in the public space. I stand to identify with his thought process that there was no gathering where it was unanimously resolved that there was zoning. Okowa’s action and utterances shows he is antithetical to zoning.”
Speaking to journalists at the occasion, the deputy governor said his inspiration to contest was “absolutely divine,” adding that God wants with him and team.
He denied the speculation that he had been asked to step down by Governor Okowa. He described the allegations as mere rumours that should not find space in public discourse.
He said the response from his consultative visits to 23 local government areas has been overwhelming, adding that this has strengthened his resolve to continue in his quest to become Delta Governor in 2023.
He concluded by saying priority would be on industrialisation and revamping moribund industry in the State, adding that efforts would be to create wealth and jobs for Deltans.
