Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP in Delta state, Olorogun Barrister Kenneth Gbagi, has said his administration will restore the Delta Steel Company (DSC) into full production.
Olorogun Gbagi spoke on Tuesday when he visited the Delta catholic secretariat at Agbarho Catholic church. The Delta catholic secretariat comprises Warri diocese, Bomadi diocese and Issele Uku diocese.
For more than 30 years, staff of the company had been laid off following the takeover of the company by Indian firm, a development which had over the years rendered the company redundant.
In the consultation meeting, Gbagi assured the Catholic church drawn from all the dioceses of Delta state that the firm will be rescusitated and staff will be recruited to give life to the company.
He said: “I will restore DSC into its full production within six months of my administration. What we need is men of honesty and character.
“I will change Asaba airport to six lane airport. Osubi airport will be changed to four lane. I will not travel from Nigeria without using Asaba or Osubi airport. We will change them to international airports.”
He revealed that 633.4million dollars have been designed for a bridge to run from Warri to Burutu area of Delta south. He added that he knew he would be governor, hence he has made plans for the construction of the bridge that will run through the stretch of water from Warri to Burutu.
He explained that he has the political will and capacity to turn Delta around. He said Delta has moved from an industrial hub to nothing, adding that the situation would get worse if the people of Delta fail to take the bull by the horn and vote the right candidate.
He said: Many firms have left Delta state because of the failure of government. Shell was in Delta but it has left the state for Lagos.
“I will re-enact Asaba textile mill. We will produce jeans material at the mill. We will export them to America. We can produce rice which we can sell to ourselves, to Nigeria market and export.
“We have so much in Delta state that we can explore to develop the state and make life beautiful for our people.”
He continued: “Ask questions where is the wealth of Delta state. I’m not going to government house to steal government money. The reason why I’m contesting is because of the welfare of Deltans.
“I will create free education for all our youths in Delta state from primary to university level. I will pay N30k to all our youths in Delta. This is my word and I stsnd by it.
“Many Obidients are coming daily to pay solidarity to Gbagi and SDP. This is your time. Verify every candidate that wants to represent you and ask them questions.
“I am presenting myself as the most honest candidate in Delta. Obi had no population when he started. He had no structure. But today he is the most honest and transparent of all the candidates that ran for the presidency.
Speaking on his experience to govetn a complex state as Delta, Gbagi said: “I’m the only candidate who has served as minister of the federal republic of Nigeria. I was in the federal executive council chambers with former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“With my experience I will turn Delta to an Eldorado. We need someone who is honest. My reason for running is not to make money for myself. I have enough. But for the welfare of Deltans.”
On issues of so much debts that could be clogs in the wheel of progress after assuming office, Gbagi said: “All genuine debts Delta state is owing I will pay them. Money used for projects will be paid. But the one diverted or stolen will be paid by the person who took the money.
“66.4% of our money in Delta is stolen. I’m going to release all the money meant for LGAs to them. I will hold state executive council meeting on LGA basis, hence every LGA will feel the presence of my government. After 6 months we will be proud we have a governor in Delta state.”