By: Tonebsky Nesta
Despite the controversy trailing the number of votes credited to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the 3 Warri local government areas, the party appears poised to clear all constituency seats in the councils, Fresh Angle investigations reveal.
Reports gathered in the three councils during the just concluded voter registration exercise shows that only foot soldiers of the PDP including those in governance mobilized eligible voters in the area, while the few pockets of opposition who appears financially insufficient watched events unfold.
Fresh Angle checks also reveal that the inclusion of credible ACN Chieftains like Dr. Alex Ideh, former Delta State House of Assembly member, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje as well as former House of Assembly candidate, Dr. Ayo Ayomike alongside top PDP Chieftains on the Itsekiri voter registration committee has further weakened what is left of the opposition in the much anticipated April general elections.
Anyone who is conversant with Warri politics, which is largely dominated by the Itsekiris, will waist not time to tell you that of the single federal and four state constituencies in the area, only Warri South Constituency II which is currently being represented by Hon. Dennis Omovie may witness any real contest due to the quality of oppositions.
The roll call includes member of Delta Waterways Security Committee, Chief Vincent Okudolor, who only recently dumped the PDP for PPP to actualize his House of Assembly aspiration. Though he enjoys reasonable followership in his constituency, particularly in Ekurede Urhobo and Ogunu, political pundits are yet to come to terms with his intent, especially against increasing moves to convince him to drop his aspiration and return to the PDP which he worked tirelessly for in the just concluded gubernatorial rerun election.
Another aspirant who has been talking tough for the Warri South Constituency II Seat is Odjuwu Okumagba of the Democratic Peoples Party. While members of the PDP are quick to brush his opposition aside, the strength of the Okumagba family in that constituency cannot be easily overlooked. There are however indications that Hon. Omovie enjoys the support of PDP Chieftains in the area, particularly those of Itsekiri extraction who can easily sway the votes of Itsekiri dominated wards in the constituency in his favour.
For the Warri federal constituency seat, the incumbent member representing the constituency, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, a PDP Chieftain appears to be having a one way traffic, as the few who have indicated interest to battle him are mostly unknown with posters in selected streets in Warri. Hon. Daniel Reyenieju’s relationship with the Itsekiri youth leadership as well as prominent Ijaw and Itsekiri political leaders further consolidates his strength.
One other constituency that the PDP appears to be waiting for announcement of result by INEC in April is Warri South West Constituency seat, which is currently being represented by Hon. Daniel Mayuku, who has secured the PDP ticket to contest the April poll.
The candidature of a few Ijaw speaking politicians and that of publisher of Warri Mirror Magazine, Comrade Alex Eyengho is being viewed as no match to the political weight of Hon. Daniel Mayuku. Those who argue in favour of the lawmaker who has maintained his position as Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation in the State Assembly will quickly point to the large gathering of Ijaw and Itsekiri youth leaders that graced his campaign flag off last year at Ogbe-Ijoh. They include Frank Omare, Boro Opudu, Frank Enekorogha of the State House of Assembly, Rev. Sam Ken, Mofe Pirah, Ayiri Emami (PDP Chairman, Warri South West) Chairman of Warri South West, George Ekpemupolo, Vice Chairman of the local government, Blexon Omadoye and a host of Itsekiri and Ijaw traditional chiefs.
For the Warri South I Constituency Seat, the race is between the incumbent, Hon. (Mrs.) Omawumi Beatrice Udoh of the PDP and Comrade Michael Ajueyitse Tidi of the ACN. While Comrade Michael Tidi of the ACN enjoys some sympathy cum supportership, Hon. Omawumi Udoh of the PDP appears unruffled due to her noticeable achievements in human capital, educational as well as influencing of infrastructural developments to her constituency. Her humble disposition, religious inclinations as well as the support base she enjoys from prominent political leaders in the area puts her in pole position to return to the House come April 2011.
The coast appears clear for Hon. Irene Imilar in Warri North Constituency seat after the immediate past council boss and popular Itsekiri youth leader, Hon. Michael Diden withdrew his aspiration on the insistence of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. This largely accounts for the near political inactivity in the local government.
Meanwhile, Deltans are largely awaiting the dissolution of the State cabinet by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan following hints dropped by the Governor himself as well as strong statements made by his close followers. One of the Governor’s close associates told Fresh Angle of an imminent dissolution weeks earlier but the governor has surprisingly kept everyone guessing.
The rumoured dissolution barely two months to the April poll Fresh Angle gathered is not unconnected to advice by President Goodluck Jonathan that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan should incorporate aggrieved members of the PDP loyal to Ijaw National leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. It was not however clear as at press time if the refusal of those loyal to the Governor to key into that proposal has anything to do with the delay in announcing the dissolution.
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