Delta Guber: HOSTCOM calls for Okowa's re-election ...urges collection of PVCs... ...commences election sensitization, mobilization in oil comms

By Elo Ogwara and Ossai Rita

A group photograph of some people at the programme

The Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM), Delta state chapter, has called on the people of oil bearing communities in the state to vote for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, in March 2 governorship polls.

The state chairman, Evang. Gabriel Isibeluo, made the call in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West council area, Tuesday, where it flagged off town hall meeting organised to sensitize and mobilise oil communities in readiness for this year's elections.

Isibeluo also charged all to get their permanent voters' cards (PVCs) in order to be able to cast their votes.

He emphasized that the time of using arms and ammunitions to get what is due them, is gone.

He said: Why are we sensitizing the people, why are we mobilizing for the elections? Lets talk to ourselves, lets get our PVCs to vote. We must vote in those we (HOSTCOM) can talk to. My brothers, my sisters, youths, this is the critical moment. 

"Since Okowa came into power, he has shown that he knows the importance of HOSTCOM. He has done so many things for us. He does not take long to respond to our matters. This is what the leadership of HOSTCOM saw and thought, how do we pay him back? Lets vote for him."

Addressing the youths and women, the HOSTCOM chairman said the era of "bodyguard and ose", is in the past, adding, "you have work to do. Nobody  will declare fallacious results in Delta state. Our votes will count". 

The national secretary of HOSTCOM, Dr. Kelly Egedegbe, remarked on the achievements of governor, stating that "the hard work of Gov. Okowa is spread everywhere".

On her part, HOSTCOM state woman leader, Barr. (Mrs.) Omude Ochonogor-Ochibe, stressed on the economic challenges, surge in food prices, among other things, which the nation faced in recent times.

Stating that the forthcoming elections will "determine our future", she tasked the women to tell their neighbours, including members of other parties, to vote for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Okowa, in March poll. 


... Okowa paying about 400 youths - DESOPADEC commissioner 

Meanwhile, the commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nation in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Favour Zuokumor, has disclosed that at least 400 Ijaw sons and daughters are under the governor's payroll.

R-L Comm. Rep Ijaw in DESOPADEC, Chief Zuokumor, Delta state chairman HOSTCOM, Evan. Isibeluo, National Sec., Dr. Egedegbe, Woman leader, Delta HOSTCOM, Barr. (Mrs) Ochonogor Ochibe

Zuokumor who attended the HOSTCOM town hall meeting in Ogbe-Ijoh, also commended them for organising the programme.

Describing it as "historic", he pointed out that Sen. Okowa's performance for over three years is very glaring, stating, "it is historical among Ijaw people that the governor is paying no less than 400 persons, both youths and children, across Ijaw communities."

Present at the event are the HOSTCOM ethnic nation chairmen, Comrade Kingsley Ikiere (Ijaw), Mr. Morrister Idibra (Isoko), the Itsekiri and Ndokwa counterparts.

Others include the national assistant woman leader, Ihwiwhu Diana, the Ijaw ethnic woman leader, Mrs. Loveth Egware and the youth leader, Comrade Prince Okrikpa.