A gubernatorial aspirant in Delta state, Senator James Manager, has asked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates to vote him as the party’s flag bearer on the basis of fairness and equity in the forthcoming primary.
Describing his aspiration as a reflection of the quest of his area to produce the governor in the next dispensation, Manager said the actualisation of his ambition will address the marginalization of Ijaw and other areas yet to occupy the number-one seat since the state was created in 1991.
Manager canvassed this position during his consultation visit to local government area chapters of the PDP in Ukwuani, Ika South, Ika-North East, Oshimili North, Aniocha North and Aniocha South.
“ What I am advocating is fairness and inclusiveness so that those of us from areas that have not tasted the governorship seat can occupy the seat
“ It is strange to observe that some people are warming up to produce the governor of the state for the third time while other nationalities have not had the chance to occupy the position even once. We should be fair to each and everyone in the state”, he emphasised.
On the reason for joining the race, he attributed its timing to God’s approval as well as a personal decision to avail Deltans of his experience garnered over the years.
“ I am in the race because of my diverse experience as the founding state chairman of PDP in Delta, former commissioner for works, housing and transport, and by the rare benevolence of God, as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for five consecutive terms”, he added.
The aforementioned offices, according to him, placed him in the best position to succeed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, whose policies and programmes he commended for placing Delta State on a trajectory of sustainable development.
Earlier, the Director-General of Senator Manager’s Campaign Committee, Engr. Emma Eboh, had spoken about the aspirant’s attributes, as he described him as a consummate politician who had what it takes to succeed and build on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s legacies beyond 2023.
In their respective responses, the local government chairmen of PDP commended Senator Manager for his contribution to the growth of the party, and promised to consider his request based on its merit.
The entourage comprised Hon. Preyor, Deputy Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly; Bomadi Local Government Chairman, Mr. William Angadi; Barr. Neworld Safugha, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Renewable Energy; Chief J.T. Government, Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State College of Marine Technology, Burutu; the campaign committee secretary, Mr. Funebi Numoupeide among others.
