By: Tonebsky Nesta
Prominent Community Leader and House of Assembly hopeful in the 2011 general elections, Mr. Matthew Poko Opuoru has given plaudits to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for recently compensating victims of the 2007 electoral violence that occurred in Okere Urhobo community, Warri South local government.
Speaking to newsmen recently in Warri, Mr. Matthew Opuoru who is a PDP Chieftain described the governor’s gesture as unprecedented in the history of Nigeria’s democracy. According to him, the manner with which Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan matched his words with action speaks of a leader who shares in the pain of the people and one who has deep understanding of the politics of Delta State.
The renowned technocrat explained that in a bid to give women in the area who were not directly affected by the electoral violence a sense of belonging, himself and other leaders in Okere Urhobo had to pull resources together from those that directly benefited from the largesse. Mr. Opuoru noted that the fallout of this was the recent distribution of wrappers, lace material and cash to at least 70 women of Okere Urhobo community in Warri. He explained that those whose names were inadvertently omitted from the original list were also adequately compensated.
The grassroots politician who spent over 26 years in the United States working for both the public and private sectors enjoined the few who are still opposed to Governor Uduaghan’s return in 2011 to drop the gauntlet and support him to enable him consolidate on his 3 point project.
Over 70 women of Okere Urhobo indigene who were emotionally affected by the electoral violence were given wrappers, lace materials and token cash donation during a brief ceremony convened by Mr. Matthew Poko Opuoru in Warri recently.
Making the presentation Sunday August 1 at the conference hall of Peemos Hotel in Warri, Hon. Omimi Esquire, declared that it is the first time people are being compensated for electoral violence anywhere in the country. Hon. Omimi Esquire who is the governor’s arrow head in Warri South local government as far as the 2011 gubernatorial election is concerned, noted that with the mammoth crowd that attended the presentation, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, “will have 99.9% vote in Okere Urhobo”. According to Hon. Omimi who is a member of Delta State Waste Management Board, the forthcoming primaries of the PDP will produce 3 people per ward as delegates.
He enjoined the women to come out enmasse to register in the impending voters’ registration and make sure they obtain the PDP card.
Speaking in the same vein, Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Women Development, Delta South, Princess (Mrs.) Rita Yonwuren Esquire, stated that the governor has done “so well in the state” and promised that come 2011 the people of Delta State will see more from the governor. She revealed that a body, Women for Change Initiative, has been inaugurated at the federal level to ensure that women will not be left behind in the democratic process come 2011.
Convener of the gathering and House of Assembly hopeful in 2011, Mr. Matthew Poko Opuoru opined that the governor has done a lot for women in the state. He explained that he is seeking the people’s mandate to compliment the effort of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and to elevate at least 3 women each from both Okere Urhobo and Agbarha communities so as to enable them help others.
Prominent among those that distributed the wrappers, lace materials and cash are Chairman of Uduaghan 2011 Campaign in Warri South local government and member of Delta State Waste Management Board, Hon. Omimi Esquire, Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Women Development, Delta South, Princess (Mrs.) Rita Yonwuren Esquire, former member of Delta State Waste Management Board, Mr. Godspower Oti, renowned community leader, Chief (Dr.) Atevorie and Hon. Power Bagor from Agbarha kingdom, Warri.
Leader of Warri South legislative Arm, Hon. Sunday Aguweye, a councilor in Warri South legislative Arm, Hon. Kenneth Ufuoma Omowhowho, Okere Urhobo CDC Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Eminokanju and Mr. Tony Azeta, PDP Vice Chairman, Okumagba ward II were among dignitaries that graced the presentation.
Governor Uduaghan recently gave out cheques to tens of Okere Urhobo indigenes that suffered in the electoral violence that occurred in Okere Urhobo during the House of Assembly and gubernatorial polls that took place in 2007.
Meanwhile the campaign committee of the House of Assembly aspiration of Mr. Matthew Poko Opuoru has been inaugurated with a charge on members to carry out their assignment effectively.
In a brief remark shortly after the inauguration, Mr. Matthew Opuoru who is eyeing the Warri South Constituency II Seat in Delta State House of Assembly told the members that the task ahead is, “extremely difficult and demanding”. According to him, the movement “is a change that will bring development to all, adding, “that everyone will taste the benefit of change”. While noting that his goal is to uplift the welfare of everyone, Mr. Opuoru vowed to personally supervise the activities of members of the committee for effectiveness.
Chairman of Okere Urhobo Community Development Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Eminokanju assisted by Mr. Matthew Poko Opuoru administered oath to members of the committee. The committee whose membership cuts across Okere, Okere Urhobo and Agbarha communities is chaired by Ochuko Eyekpimi
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