- Safiu Kehinde
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has defended his defection alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other political leaders in the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Okowa claimed their defection was for the best interest of the state.
The former running mate of the PDP’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, made the claim while speaking at the official defection of Oborevwori to the APC.
Okowa disclosed that the mass defection was borne out of the need for the state government to tap into the resources of the Federal Government in Abuja which he claimed Delta was a great contributor to.
Recounting his struggles during time as governor, Okowa held that Oborevwori need to connect to Abuja for the common good of Delta state.
“Today is a great day for us. When the news broke out that we have decided to change our path, people wondered why. But one thing is very important in the history of people.
“There is always a time to change their path for a common good and whatever decision we took was based on that common good. And indeed we changed our path the best interest of our state. As I did tell people that day, it was not about me. It was not about the governor, but for the fact that there is a need to connect to Abuja.
“That goodwill and resources that is in Abuja of which Delta state is a large contributor there was a need to connect to it.
“I was governor for eight years, but I was not positioned. I did my best, but we lost a lot. And I did not believe that the governor needed to stay. As the governor is doing a lot for us, he also need to connect to the greater source of power and resources and goodwill in Abuja.
“When we start down after stakeholders meeting, we thought that it was necessary to make this move. This move is bold. It is patriotic and we’ll intentioned.” He said.
Okowa further commended the governor for his decision, reiterating that it was at that state’s interest.
He however urged the old members of the APC to embrace the new members.
“You know me. I’ve been with you for so long. I will rather sacrifice everything that is in me for the best interest of Delta. And that decision that the governor took that we needed to move after consultation with the leaders of the party which was castrated down to the local government and wards is the best interest for our state.
“We must defend our state’s stand before us and I believe that his decision is in the best in internet of all.
“It is time for us to embrace each other. Our brothers and sisters that are already in the family, we need to embrace each other and work with oneness of heart. It is time for us to put hand together and bring support for Mr. President and Mr. Governor.” Okowa said.