Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state weekend itemised qualifications that must be seen in any individual who is interested in stepping into his shoes at the Delta government house in 2023.
Okowa who was speaking during the empowerment programme organized by Ndudi Elumelu, member representing Aniocha Oshimili federal constituency in the, House House of Representatives at the Cenotaph, warned against hitting up the political landscape when the time was not yet ripe for politicking.
Using himself as a yardstick, he said his government which is from Delta North has been fair to all Deltans.
He warned against Deltans, especially party leaders, allowing themselves being lured with money and thereby sell their conscience for financial gains.
He said the person who will take over from him must be a selfless person who will not make same promises to different people at the same time.
He said such is already happening in parts of the state. He said party leaders should be cautious against people who come first either with money or promises that are personal
He warned against jumping into such offers saying “anyone doing that to you wants you to destroy your people and God will not allow such leaders to have their ways.
He said in 2014, prior to the primaries they were 15 in the race, 11 were from Delta North and three others from other two senatorial districts. “Our people were worried but it was by the grace of God that we were able as a people to get the ticket of the PDP.”
The governor said the person who must take over from him must be somebody that will ensure fairness, equity and justice. He added: “We want somebody who will come to Asaba and see Asaba as his own place.
“We don’t need someone who will see Asaba as headquarters and describe it as misplaced. He must ensure equity, fairness and justice in everything. We don’t want a governor who will put a ban on Anioma people.
“Anyone that pursues self interest rather than the collective interest of Delta people , God will react. And such people will be out to shame.
While warning over anxious politicians against jumping ship and that leaders should caution them, he said “in the next one month we will start the politics.”
In all his speech, the governor did not mention the senatorial district where the next governor is likely emanating from.
