Amidst dashed expectations over the revoked Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu local government area of Delta state by the Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration, prominent gubernatorial candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olorogun Barrister Kenneth Gbagi, has re-awaken the hope of the Ijaw nation with a promise to build the bridge within the first year of his administration come 2023.
It would be recall that the bridge which would link Orere community in Ughelli south local government area and the state, was terminated after an upward review of the contract sum from N6 billion to N10.5billion by the PDP-led administration in the state.
But speaking during the SDP governorship campaign, Gbagi disclosed on Thursday December 15, 2022, at Olou Primary school in Bomadi local government area of the state that Bomadi would be put in good shape for the people.
The standard bearer of the party and former minister of state for education, assured the people of his determination to open up Bomadi, a commercial town and link it to riverine communities for economic activities to thrive.
He assured that the construction of the Ayakoromo bridge by his government, would be completed in record time in the first year of his administration.
“Look at the last flood. As I was coming, looking at houses, my staff in the car was saying this is dangerous because flood water reached the roof of some houses.
“Immediately, what I have decided to do is that, you know the Ayakoromo bridge, I must build it within the first year in government”.
He charged the people of Bomadi, to reject the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2023.
“It is time for us to reject these people. In the last seven years, there has been no physical progress. The last progress that ever happened here was this bridge that Chief James Ibori and Senator James Manager are building here.
“We cannot continue to deceive ourselves by saying the same thing all the time. Election is coming now, you people should be wise.
“People who have nothing, no money, no houses but overnight, they bought 10-15 Jeeps. They will come with money, when they come, collect it, it is for you. Ask yourself, why didn’t they come with the money before now?
“So, SDP is the party with which Olorogun Felix Ibru and MKO Abiola won the most freest, fairest and credible elections in Delta state and in Nigeria.
“It has relationship with everyone including you people here. Vote SDP all the way”, he urged the people.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of SDP South-south, Elder Fred Owotorofa, said: “Government is now with us, Gbagi will bring industries, schools, infrastructural development and grant your children free education to the university level. SDP will deliver” he stressed.
The state chairman of SDP, Ambassador Oke Idawene, who stole the event, said enough for the PDP as SDP has come to take over power come 2023.
“Our foolishness is enough. We don’t have light, no good pipe borne water. Get your PVC and vote for SDP.
“I named this campaign Hurricane Gbagi. We must succeed in this election. If you vote for SDP, you will have light and your hospital will function, your schools and teachers will work.
“Don’t collect guns from anybody, the new electoral act makes votes to count. Some people just collect our monies and go to Abuja to sit down”, he said.
The Deputy Governorship candidate, Chief Mrs Oshilim Ishioma Rosemary, who could not hide her joy, took to the dance floor before addressing the mammoth crowd.
Elated Chief Oshilim appreciated the women who turned out en mass to receive them.
“God will give us victory so that your lives can be better. Come 2023 SDP will take over and when SDP wins, the living standard of your children, parents would improve”, she assured.
She charged them to collect their PVCs, “we need your support, all of you should come out during the election so that we can win the election.
The House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Victor Azebiri, said: “Don’t vote for order from above, vote for me and Gbagi, he has his money, he did not borrow. A vote for Kenneth Gbagi is a vote for victory. Don’t vote for order from above, their children are in abroad.
“If am in the House of Assembly, you have voted for Victor Azebiri, Bomadi local government is a blessed LGA in Delta State.
He lamented the devastating flood that ravaged the community recently, calling on the people to support his aspiration for a lasting solution.
“As soon as we getting into office, one faculty must come here, I have discussed with him. Let us vote for the truth and the truth will deliver you. Don’t be afraid, nobody will threaten you, your vote will count” he assured.
The Secretary of Ijaw Youth Council, Paul Tutuma, said SDP is the oldest party in Bomadi local government area, “As the secretary of IYC, we are for SDP”.
Earlier, the Director General of Gbagi Campaign Council, Prof. Jiff Mokobia, said “PDP and APC will have tsunami, we have buried PDP and APC in Delta State.
“The other candidates coming out for governorship has no investment in the state. But the SDP governorship candidate has various investments in the state. The PDP and APC are using your taxpayers money”, he explained.
