The battle for 2023 governorship in Delta state is raising dust between the Ijaw people of Delta South and the Urhobos who are the occupants of Delta central. Although by rotation and zoning, it is the Urhobos turn to produce the next governor, the Ijaws are unwilling to cede the governorship to the Urhobo people.
To the Ijaws who constitute the major tribe in Delta south and the tribe that produces the highest number of votes in all elections in the state, this is the time to wrestle the governorship from the Urhobos and they are dead ready for the titanic warfare. The ijaws are also the major financier of the state because most of the oil wealth in the state is from the Ijaw axis.
The assertion of the state PDP chairman, Kingsley Esiso, that the governorship will not go to another tribe other than the Urhobos is adding more fire to the already tensed political atmosphere in the state. Groups are emerging from the Ijaw communities and they are lubricating their political warfare machinery for the all time battle.
Some of the persons the Ijaws have reportedly penciled down for the position are the deputy governor of the state, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, who close sources say has started close door consultation with some power brokers. Senator James Manager, who has been in the senate since 2003, is also being prepared for the great political warfare to take over government house in 2023.
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Chief Sheriff Mulade, an environmentalist and a Niger Delta activist, is floating a movement, Bold Movement 2023, with the aim of promoting the Ijaw guber aspiration for 2023. The movement which is an advocacy group for Delta Ijaw 2023 governorship is gearing up for the all time battle for the coveted office in the state.
Mulade is also the pilot for the Ijaws of Delta South Wake Up Call to occupy the Government House, Asaba in 2023. The movement is a wake up initiative for Ijaw leaders to be awake and prepare early for a sumptuous political occasion come 2023 governorship. The movement, according to him, is expected to culminate in Ijaws triumphantly taking over government house.
According to Mulade, Ijaw sons and daughters are dressing up and preparing for the titanic political battle of wits. The group is promising to outrun the Urhobos and win the seat for their people. Mulade, a bridge builder, is calling for justice and equity and as it is now, the Ijaws are the rightful people to produce the governor in the 2023 general elections.
He said the group is promising hope, justice and equity for all Deltans. He said the interest of all ethnic groups will be fully represented. He added that there will be fairness for all ethnic groups.
