By Stephanie Ikanone Odiete
Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, an aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the governorship seat of Delta State come 2023, has said that late Pa Arthur Okowa, father of Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa wish was for him to become the next governor of the state before his demise.
Olorogun Gbagi said this during a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty King Monday Obukowho Arthur Whiskey, (JP) Udurhe 1, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The governorship hopeful said that as an indigene of Idjerhe Kingdom materially, he considered it necessary to inform his king and his people of his ambition to run for governor come 2023.
He solicited the full support and prayers of the people to enable him to succeed in the race.
The former Minister for Education said that His Royal Majesty Monday Obukowho Arthur Whiskey was no stranger to the governorship race adding that former Governor Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Prof Sam Oyovbaire and himself started the race for Delta Central.
He disclosed that Prof Oyovbaire has no governorship ambition adding that all those aspiring to be governor of Delta State are new in the race as far as he was concerned.
Olorogun Gbagi said that the state governor, Dr Okowa, was an astute administrator who is laying a solid foundation for his successor to build upon as the governor of the state.
He stated that as an industrialist, he would consolidate on the gains of Okowa’s administration, if elected as the governor of the state come 2023.
“I have not executed any contract with the state government, nor the country, I am not a thief, I don’t have a bad record, I have industries all over the country.
“Yesterday, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council hosted me in Asaba and I challenged them to ask me questions. If your hands are clean you are not afraid of anything.
“We must be very careful in choosing a governor this time, Deltans must get it right, there should be no mistakes,” Gbagi stressed.
Responding, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, thanked Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi for the visit saying as a son of the soil, the governorship aspirant was always welcomed in the kingdom.
The monarch prayed and wished Gbagi success in his ambition.
